One of the key elements of professionalism is being responsible for and participating in the continuous process of professional development. This semester I attended a professional development conference through the Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA). Communication and networking are two aspects that were heavily promoted. The overall message was that the process of learning never stops for the student and the teacher alike. Since attending the FLAVA conference, I have gotten more involved in the ODU chapter of Student Virginia Educators Association (SVEA). I attend monthly meetings that constantly help to encourage and develop aspiring teachers.