OCDA March 2025 Newsletter
A Message from OCDA President, Richard Fajardo
As career development professionals, we spend our days helping others navigate their journeys—counting steps forward, reflecting on past experiences, and embracing the unknown future. Numbers often shape our paths, from milestones reached to chances taken, but what do they truly mean in the grand scheme of growth and purpose?
Today, OCDA President Richard Fajardo shares a thought-provoking poem that captures the ebb and flow of a professional journey, reminding us of the moments that define our careers and ourselves. Through "Random Numbered Thoughts of an OCDA Professional," he reflects on the highs, the near-misses, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
Let this piece inspire you to celebrate where you've been, embrace where you are, and look forward to what’s next—always staying true to yourself.
Random numbered thoughts of an OCDA professional
50 years of providing career development support
49 past chases for gold
48 hours to think things over
40 thoughts of being too old?
30 steps to no longer being young?
25 moments half a lifetime ago
24 memories of a meaningful day
21 times having the winning hand
18 lottery tickets to take a chance
16 sweet reasons to keep chasing your dreams
15 seconds of fame to spare
13 Fridays of questionable luck
12 o’clock, is it midnight or midday?
10 seconds till takeoff
7 times luck seems to have paid off
6 more weeks of wintery weather
5 up high, down low, hopefully not too slow
4 seasons, the cycle of change
3 cheers for a job well done
2 weeks notice to move on to the next adventure
1 unique you, always be yourself
0 reasons to compromise who you are
-1 let’s nip that negative thinking in the bud
By: Richard Fajardo
2024-2025 OCDA President, Archives Co-Chair, and Website Co-Chair
Announcement for Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) / Ohio Career Development Association Dual Members
End of OCA / OCDA Dual Renewal Option
As a follow-up to our recent change in status as an independent nonprofit organization, we and OCA will no longer be offering an OCA / OCDA dual membership renewal option. We are proud to remain trusted affiliates of each other, and membership to both groups is still welcomed. However, all OCA renewals must go directly through OCA, and all OCDA renewals must go directly through OCDA.
Please contact us at ohiocda@gmail.com if you have any questions related to this.
Do you have photos from past OCDA meetings, events, or conferences? We want to see them as part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration this year!
Please share any OCDA photos with us at ohiocda@gmail.com or by messaging us on any of our social media platforms!
Shout Out Your Superstar Colleagues! Submit a nomination for an OCDA Award!
Every year, OCDA recognizes professionals in the field of career development! This year, OCDA is looking for nominations for four different awards. Nominate a colleague for the following awards:
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
The Career Innovator Award
The Bob Windle Leadership Award
Conference Themed Award: The Transformational Impact Award
Visit ocdaonline.org/awards to complete the nomination form.
Join us for an exciting webinar taking place on Thursday, April 10th. It is open to all OCDA members; both counselors and non-counselors! Motivational interviewing is an important skill in counseling and coaching.
Register online HERE
Registration for the OCDA 2025 Conference is now open!
2025 OCDA Conference
June 5-6, 2025
Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to the OCDA 2025 Conference, Seasons of Change in Career Development: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going. Early bird registration ends April 18th.
To register and learn more about the 2025 OCDA Conference, you can follow THIS LINK. You won't want to miss this exciting conference and celebration!
If you’re attending the OCDA Conference, make the most of your stay and check out a few itineraries from Explore Ashland to find the best spots to eat, explore, and unwind before and after the conference!
Learn more at https://www.exploreashlandohio.com/itineraries-to-explore-ashland-ohio.
Remember to book your lodging for the OCDA conference! OCDA has a group hotel rate available at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ashland of $189 per night!
️Book now through May 5 to secure your room.
Learn more at ocdaonline.org/location&hotels.
Sponsorship Packages
Sponsor the 2025 OCDA Conference!
Does your organization want to support career development in the state of Ohio? Consider sponsoring the 2025 OCDA Conference! This conference serves as a pivotal gathering for professionals in the career development field, bringing together leaders, practitioners, coaches, and educators from across the state.
To learn more about sponsorship packages, please visit ocdaonline.org/sponsorships
Questions about the conference?
Email President-Elect/Conference Planning Chair, Kaleigh Mahon at kmahon3@kent.edu.
[continue to March 2025 - Part 2]
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