This picture was taken on July 4th weekend at Anime Expo 2018, very likely on the same day I met my wife.
I have volunteered for many clubs and organizations over the years both in high school, college, and adulthood, and I have met many of my friends through these various institutions. Despite being far from a weeb, I will always be eternally grateful for the importance Anime Expo has brought into my life, namely the friends and family I gained from the experience.
My friend Bijan actually was the one that recruited me into volunteering. Seeing that I had no plans, I was like “SURE, why not!”, and seized the opportunity. Even though we ended up not working together because his department was full, I was placed in the Registration department, and under the leadership of Sarah (Squad Captain), Mindy (Vice Captain), Tami (Assistant Manager), and Carolina (Manager). From that point on, I was able to seize opportunities and become Assistant Manager my following 2 years. In what would have been my 4th year serving the convention, coronavirus destroyed the world, and I have not been back since.
Which is why I’m so sad to hear that the Registration department has officially been put to rest. Instead of using volunteers, I imagine they’re going to hire temporary employees to fill in the void. What will be gone? The heart of it all obviously. Though a little messy and disorganized at times, the registration department and the subsequent squads in it did feel like a family sometimes. And now that the department is dead, it’s like the family has been shattered into any many pieces.
In the end, I’ll be grateful for the friends, memories, and wife Anime Expo has brought me. I will remain in touch with many of them for the rest of my life. And I’ll always support the “non-profit” convention with my thoughts and prayers even if it is still “Linecon” and a little chaotic. Rest in Piece Reg Department.
