Lucina Ugarte

English Translation:

The moment I received the call from Caitlin informing me that I had been granted the Al D. Scholarship will be one I never forget. Honestly, I never thought it would be awarded to me. From that day forward everything that occurred was and has been indescribable.

I began to realize that there was a considerable amount of work to do even before the event itself: talks, videos, entertainment, and getting to know people, even if it was only virtually. I had no idea of the grand family that had been forming during the many, many years of volunteer work at each of the Conferences in the past; a family that I was so welcomed into. There were so many lovely people all with the same goal. Initially I felt overwhelmed, knowing that the majority of the attendees already knew each other and I was a complete stranger who didn’t even speak the same language. It didn’t take long for me to realize that all of my preconceptions had no place among the grand and delightful family of volunteers, who not only took me in from the beginning, but were also concerned for me, knowing how far I was travelling in order to participate in such an honorable task. The departure day arrived. It wasn’t an easy trip and during the first layover, I began to feel ill and I thought I wasn’t going to make it to my destination. Despite the situation, I convinced myself that I was fine and that I didn’t have the luxury of missing this opportunity. I found ways to deal with the pain and continued my journey. It wasn’t easy, but arriving in Las Vegas made everything that much more real; I was there!!!

My best memories? After a whirlwind week it is hard to pick just one. The journey by bus to the restaurant where we shared the last supper at the end of Conference was priceless. I enjoyed every minute. That and Caitlin’s final discourse was the perfect finishing touch to such a magnificent experience.

Would I do it again? Without a single doubt! I hope to see everyone again next year.

Spanish Translation:

Cuando me llamó Caitlin para contarme que me habían otorgado la beca fue un momento que nunca olvidaré. Honestamente nunca pensé que me la darían.

Y desde ese dia en adelante fue indescriptible todo lo que fue sucediendo.

En seguida me di cuenta de que había mucho trabajo que hacer aun mucho antes del evento, charlas, videos, entrenamiento y conocer aunque sea de manera virtual a los que serían mis compañeros en ésta aventura. No tenía idea de la gran familia que habían estado formando durante años y años de trabajo voluntario en cada conferencia. Mucha gente linda empujando todos para el mismo lado. Me sentí abrumada al principio, sabiendo que la mayoría ya se conocían hace tiempo y yo era una completa extraña que ni siquiera hablaba el mismo idioma que ellos. No tardé mucho en darme cuenta de que todos mis prejuicios no tenían lugar en ésa gran y hermosa familia de voluntarios que no solo me integraron desde el principio, sino que se preocuparon por mi sabiendo de lo lejos que yo iba a viajar para participar de ésta tan honorable tarea.

Y llegó el día del viaje. No fue un viaje facil, ya en la primer escala me empecé a sentir enferma y pensé que no iba a lograr llegar al destino; a pesar de eso me autoconvenci de que debía estar bien, y no me podía dar el lujo de perder ésta oportunidad. Compré una tableta de analgesicos y seguí mi camino. No fue facil pero al llegar a Las Vegas todo se tornó mas real, ya estaba ahi!!!

Concerté con un colega para compartir viaje desde el aeropuerto al hotel y así fue. Cuando llegamos me estaba esperando mi compañera de cuarto, ella también habia recibido la beca Al D.

El día siguiente comenzó temprano con una reunión para conocernos en persona todos los voluntarios. Wooow! Eramos muchos mas de los que me habia imaginado, y algunos eran voluntarios desde hacía más de 15 años. Luego siguió un pequeño tour por los distintos puestos que debíamos ocupar los siguientes cinco días.

Llegó el momento de empezar a trabajar, durante toda la semana ademas de tomar las clases que habíamos elegido, nos rotabamos en distintas tareas, y así se pasó la semana. Con muchas cosas nuevas aprendidas y lo mejor de todo, la hermosa gente con la que compartimos una semana intensa pero que sin dudas volvería a repetir cada año. Los mejores recuerdos? El trayecto en bus hasta el restaurante en el que compartimos la última cena al final del congreso fue impagable, disfruté cada minuto a la ida y a la vuelta. El discurso final de Caitlin fue el broche que cerró tan maravillosa experiencia.

Lo volvería a repetir? Sin absolutamente ninguna duda!!! Espero verlos a todos el proximo año.

Jose Carlos

English Translation:

When I was informed that I had been awarded the Al D. Scholarship to attend the 2015 APP Conference I was overrun by many emotions. Joy, a great sense of joy. It felt as if all the hard work and effort I had put into this for months and years prior was being rewarded. Fear, the fear of not being “up to par” and disappointing those who had put their trust in my abilities, and my maturity to not waste the opportunity that had been given to me. Excitement, the excitement for the great adventure that was to come; the adventure of sharing and learning, surrounded by friends old and new. Peers and colleagues, great professionals who all share the same connection and love for body piercing regardless of city, country, or continent of origin.

With all this in mind, the weeks went by. Each week brought detailed emails more frequently, all with a ton of information to help with the work that was to come. This made me even more anxious to arrive in Las Vegas. At last the day had come and there was no turning back. From the very first moment I arrived, all my fears, nerves, and anxiousness that had me worried vanished, like a magic trick. From the first encounters and meetings with the volunteer group I realized that apart from working and attending classes, Conference was going to be something special and even more beautiful than I had imagined. As those first hours passed, I felt welcomed into a new family. A family that loves and supports one another. A family that works together so that this great event can grow and be an integral part of many piercers’ year.

So many people work so many hours, yet do it with a smile and kind words. They also bring so many hugs! Hugs that can make the stress melt away in seconds. And so the days passed. The lack of sleep and fatigue were noticeable, but it didn’t matter. It was all worth it. It is very difficult to describe in writing the great experience that was my week and volunteer work, how it has changed my view towards Conference and the effort involved in making it happen. People don’t realize how much work is involved until they are part of it. The experience and hard work was all worth it. Watching the large group of volunteers work together with Caitlin was wonderful. Without her this whole event would be impossible. Watching her work was incredible, inspiring and admirable. I know for sure that I’ll be back as a volunteer next year. I am sure that each year will be better than the previous year. There is only one thing left to say, and that is thank you from the bottom of my heart. In my heart I hold you all.

Thank you very very much.

Spanish Original:

Cuando me informaron que había sido seleccionado para poder ir a la conferencia de la APP 2015 con una beca me sentí invadido por muchas y diferentes sensaciones. Una gran alegría que el trabajo y esfuerzo de meses y años ahora se veía recompensado de una manera que nunca habría imaginado. Miedo, miedo de no estar a la altura y decepcionar a quien había puesto en mi toda su confianza. Confianza en mi capacidad para trabajar y para no desperdiciar la oportunidad que me estaban dando. Emoción, la emoción del que va a vivir una gran aventura, una aventura de compartir y aprender rodeado de viejos y nuevos amigos. Amigos que son grandes profesionales y que todos tienen el mismo nexo en común independientemente de su ciudad, país o continente de origen, el amor y el respeto por su profesión el body piercing.

Con todo esto en la cabeza pasaban las semanas, la fecha se acercaba, los mails explicativos llegaban cada vez con más asiduidad con una cantidad de información para facilitarme el trabajo. Y yo cada vez más nervioso deseando llegar a Las Vegas. Por fin llegué, ya estaba allí, ya no había marcha atrás. Desde el primer momento mis miedos, mis nervios, todo lo que me tenía preocupado desapareció como por arte de magia. Con los primeros encuentros y reuniones comprendí que aparte de trabajar y asistir a conferencias, iba a ser algo más, algo más importante y bonito de lo que yo podía imaginar. Según pasaban las horas sentí formar parte de una nueva familia, una familia en la que se apoyan y se quieren, en la que trabajan todos juntos para que el gran evento salga adelante sin fallos. Muchas horas de trabajo y siempre con una sonrisa y una palabra amable.

Abrazos, muchos abrazos que hacían que el stress desapareciese en cuestión de segundos. Así transcurrieron los días, la falta de sueño y el cansancio se notaban, pero no importaba valía la pena. Es muy difícil describir con palabras la gran experiencia que ha sido trabajar y como ha hecho que cambie mi visión de la conferencia

y todo el esfuerzo que implica llevarla a cabo. Uno no se da cuenta hasta que no está dentro formando parte de la organización, solo por haber vivido esa experiencia  todo el esfuerzo valió la pena. El maravilloso trabajo de los voluntarios y el gran grupo que forman con Caitlin al mando—sin ella sería imposible—Ver cómo trabaja ha sido algo increíble e inspirador, es admirable. El gran esfuerzo que hace la APP para llevar a cabo la conferencia, usando todos sus recursos tanto humanos como materiales. Ha sido genial formar parte de algo así. la única idea que tengo fija en mi cabeza es volver el año próximo como voluntario. Porque estoy seguro que la experiencia siempre será mil veces mejor que el año anterior y ahora que he entrado en la familia no quiero dejar de verla. Solo me queda dar las gracias de todo corazón, y en el corazón los llevo a todos. 

Muchas, muchas gracias.

Aiden Johnson

For me, Conference was a week long riot of love, laughter, and learning all culminating in a new outlook on life. Whether it was the time spent in meetings with the volunteer team, in class with fellow piercers, or trying to build the courage to talk to industry greats at the bar, I have built long lasting relationships with people that I will go to the ends of the Earth (literally with the flights I’d need to take) to help out.

I first arrived at Conference nervous and feeling very lonely. However, within minutes of meeting my fellow scholars and volunteers I was put at ease. These were people that all had the same passion for piercing and our industry. These people were also willing to accept me and take me as one of their own before knowing anything about me. Before the week came to an end, though I knew these people in detail, sometimes details I never would have expected.  I can’t wait to learn and work alongside them again.

In our volunteer group we are told that self care is very important throughout the hectic week. However, this wonderful family will also take care of you when you forget to do it yourself. That is one memory that remains the strongest for me; after forgetting to care for myself I needed to retire to my room. I awoke to find 3 of my new friends tickling my feet, smiles surrounding me, and a cupcake on my night stand. This was an induction into a new family I knew that I would never forget.

In between attending classes, carrying out my volunteer duties, and having fun, I changed. My outlook on life became broader. A focus on self-care and quality of life crept in. A new level of love for what I do came to me and I never want to let that go. I can’t wait to attend APP 2016 and volunteer my time.  Conference is a life changing experience and is so difficult to put into words. To everyone who has anything to do with Conference, all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those of you who have never attended, I urge you to go; you won’t be disappointed.

See you next year!

Best Wishes

Charlie LeBeau

When I was first told about the Al D. Scholarship, I almost didn’t apply. The idea of going was quite scary. I feel I come from a fairly humble background; I didn’t receive a good apprenticeship, I don’t stock any high end jewellery, and I felt very intimidated by the people that I knew would be there. I can honestly say that taking that step outside my comfort zone and filling out the application was one of the best decisions of my life.

Coming to the APP Conference this year was a truly mind blowing introduction to a part of my industry I had always felt was out of reach. I’ve never felt so at home so quickly with a group of strangers (although Facebook for all its trouble, has definitely made that easier). The friendliness and warmth of the volunteers, members, and attendees took me by surprise in the best of ways.

Working with the other volunteers was made incredibly easy, with the meetings we had and the good nature of everybody I spoke to. I never felt stupid for asking a question or for reaching out for help; this is something I usually struggle with. I am very independent and that has been a problem for me in situations, in the past, where I really could have used help. The volunteers (especially Caitlin and Kendra) were welcoming and helpful, even when they were stressed out and they probably wanted to be focused on other things!

It wasn’t until I met Jim Ward that I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed. I sat in a large room, filled with people from all walks of life, and before us stood the man who made it all possible. His talk was funny and mesmerizing and I could’ve listened to him speak for days on end. I eventually mustered enough courage to go up and speak with him. I’m pretty sure I must have sounded like a gibbering idiot, but he was so friendly, smiling and talking. He even let me act like a fan girl, taking a photo with him—which is getting printed, framed and hung in my piercing room back home.

There were, of course, a couple of down points; missing out on a lecture or two, not having enough time for certain talks to be completed and at points feeling a little too shy to speak out or ask questions, but they are so outnumbered by the good times, I can barely remember them.

I’m sure I’m not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last, to say that because of the generosity of the scholarship that I received, I know I have become part of this big, weird family. One where learning never stops and, although there may be oceans between us, it is as if we are right next door.

This experience has changed my life for the better and I will fight tooth and nail to make it back next year to volunteer again.

Thank you, for everything.

Charlie LeBeau
When I was first told about the Al D. Scholarship, I almost didn’t apply. The idea of going was quite scary. I feel I come from a fairly humble background; I didn’t receive a good apprenticeship, I don’t stock any high end jewellery, and I felt very intimidated by the people that I knew would be there. I can honestly say that taking that step outside my comfort zone and filling out the application was one of the best decisions of my life.
Coming to the APP Conference this year was a truly mind blowing introduction to a part of my industry I had always felt was out of reach. I’ve never felt so at home so quickly with a group of strangers (although Facebook for all its trouble, has definitely made that easier). The friendliness and warmth of the volunteers, members, and attendees took me by surprise in the best of ways.
Working with the other volunteers was made incredibly easy, with the meetings we had and the good nature of everybody I spoke to. I never felt stupid for asking a question or for reaching out for help; this is something I usually struggle with. I am very independent and that has been a problem for me in situations, in the past, where I really could have used help. The volunteers (especially Caitlin and Kendra) were welcoming and helpful, even when they were stressed out and they probably wanted to be focused on other things!
It wasn’t until I met Jim Ward that I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed. I sat in a large room, filled with people from all walks of life, and before us stood the man who made it all possible. His talk was funny and mesmerizing and I could’ve listened to him speak for days on end. I eventually mustered enough courage to go up and speak with him. I’m pretty sure I must have sounded like a gibbering idiot, but he was so friendly, smiling and talking. He even let me act like a fan girl, taking a photo with him—which is getting printed, framed and hung in my piercing room back home.
There were, of course, a couple of down points; missing out on a lecture or two, not having enough time for certain talks to be completed and at points feeling a little too shy to speak out or ask questions, but they are so outnumbered by the good times, I can barely remember them.
I’m sure I’m not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last, to say that because of the generosity of the scholarship that I received, I know I have become part of this big, weird family. One where learning never stops and, although there may be oceans between us, it is as if we are right next door.
This experience has changed my life for the better and I will fight tooth and nail to make it back next year to volunteer again.
Thank you, for everything.