ASSOCIATE Magazine FBINAA Q3-2024

NATIONAL ACADEMY UPDATE

Kimberly Castillo

S ummertime is my favorite time to relax, reset, get out on the water, and ponder what makes me happiest in life. This summer, I have reflected on the various traditions I enjoy within my family, church, alma mater, and at work in the National Academy Unit. Traditions draw us close to others around us, bring comfort and familiarity, and create bonds that withstand the test of time and distance. Whether it is a certain food over the holidays, a treasured vacation spot, games, songs, and/or special event, traditions help us find meaning and purpose in our activities and often bring some of our greatest memories. When wrapping up an NA session, I like to ask students about their favorite event or what their best memory is of their time at the FBI Academy. Many respond about an impactful instructor or lesson where they went deep and had what NA Instructor Mike Yansick refers to as an “aha moment.” Often folks mention one of the many NA special event traditions: karaoke in the boardroom, International Night, the charity auction, Texas/ Louisiana Nights, NYC/Philadelphia trips, or the rigors and bumps along the Yellow Brick Road to earn the coveted yellow brick. NA traditions are what allow individuals from various sessions to easily connect and share their memories from the NA. These shared traditions bond those who have been lucky enough to participate in the NA experience. Over the past year, NA students have raised over $128,000 through the charity auction for multiple organizations, NA Session 286/290 hosted C.O.P.S KIDS at the FBI Academy during Police Week, and all sessions have been blown away by the spread that international students put out for International Night. Many

students list International Night as their highlight and mention that, while policing may be very different around the world, we find we have much more in common than we have differences. The members of NA Session 285 had the opportunity and stepped up to help Waterfront Church DC with the Tim Tebow Foundation ’s annual "Night to Shine,” a very special prom for individuals with special needs. Sessions NA Session 285 and later NA Session 289 had over 40 students, staff, and instructors who volunteered on the Friday night before Valentine’s Day. Both groups had an amazing time at the Nationals Baseball Park and got to cheer the 300+ attendees down the red carpet and be a buddy for the night. Games, karaoke, dancing, food, smiles, and laughter made for an unforgettable experience for all. It struck

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