I attended the full length of a RootsTech conference for the first time when I was 14 years old and I LOVED IT! I don’t think I’d ever felt so “adult-y” before. Sure, all the free candy in the vendor hall was awesome, but there was so much more than just a plethora of fun size Reese’s to keep me interested! I counted down the days until the next RootsTech and attended again in 2016. And then stinkin’ school got in the way. Apparently, a burning passion to attend a genealogy conference doesn’t sway high school teachers to let you take midterms another day. Isn’t that right, Ms. Bell? I may or may not still be bitter about that. Oh well, c’est la vie! But don’t lament such a sad situation, for I was able to return to Rootstech in 2018! And what a glorious few days they were. So why would I, now an 18 year old college freshman, care so much about going to a genealogy conference? Well my dear, let me count the ways. (9 ways to be exact) Why Teens Should Attend RootsTech 1. It’s inexpensive - The RootsTech organizers are incredible and have generously arranged for students to receive a significant discount. All you need to do is e-mail documentation to [email protected]. If you are homeschooled and don’t have a student ID, they will be accommodating.
3. More than just the basics - If you are a teen interested in coming to RootsTech, then you are likely also interested in learning more than just the basics. RootsTech is the perfect place for expanding your knowledge! There are so many resources to learn from all in one place. 4. Think outside the temple box - In church culture, it is easy to think of genealogy as simply taking names to the temple and that’s it. There is so much more than that available for discovery! Genealogy conferences open your mind to the inspiration that can come from learning our ancestor’s stories.
7. Flexible passes - If you have to miss some of the conference because of school or other commitments, then you can buy a one day pass. 8. Avoid the crowds of children - As a genealogist, I am a big fan of youth getting involved in family history. So I should love Family Discovery Day, right? Kind of. It’s great and everything, but it also results in a lot of loud kids running down the halls which I don’t love. If you come to the full conference, you can have a more adult experience, which I highly recommend! 9. Make family history friends - I have a tradition at the Salt Palace. Every time I go there, I HAVE to get a bagel on Friday. Don’t ask me why; I don’t know. They’re not even that good. It’s just my tradition and I’m sticking to it! This year, I got my bagel and was just about to enjoy my first bite, when this Norwegian man sat next to me with his bagel. In our conversation, I learned that his tradition every RootsTech is to get a bagel on Friday! What are the odds?! Then we spent the rest of our conversation comparing the pros and cons of different DNA test services. We’re homies now; maybe I’ll see him next time! It is so much fun to be around like-minded people. There’s so much opportunity at RootsTech to build lasting relationships with fellow enthusiasts!
So, are you convinced? Let me know! If you have any other questions about attending RootsTech as a teen, drop them in the comments, or e-mail me at [email protected] and I’ll get back to you! Have a great day, and happy researching!
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AuthorHi! I’m Sydney Orton. I am 18 years old and I love genealogy! I’ve been doing it for 7 years now and love sharing my passion with others. In my free time, I enjoy musical theatre, cooking, and kayaking. Archives
October 2018
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