New friends were made, and goodbyes were cried. No one wanted to leave. The week started with strangers and ended with life-long friendships. For me, it was my first long trip away from home without my parents. It was an incredible, life-changing experience that I will carry with me forever. Thank you to all of my new friends who made last week the best week yet; I can’t believe it’s over. I love you all, and see you soon. ❤
An Office and a Party
On Thursday, I met with Josh Drobnyk, Communications Director for Representative Sander Levin. It was interesting and discouraging at the same time to hear his view on the economy. Listening to him opened my eyes to the real problems of the world and this country. He reconfirmed for me that it is imperative for voters and the general public to educate themselves about what is going on in the world. Thank you, Josh, for taking the time to meet with me.
I had a great time at the gala later Thursday night! Everyone looked amazing! It was a fun time dancing with new, life-long friends! Thanks for all of the memories, everyone! 🙂
A Day Full of Emotions
The renowned photojournalist from The Washington Post, Carol Guzy, enlightened us on Wednesday with her fantastic photography. I teared up all throughout her presentation and completely cried when she revealed her 9/11 pictures. She is truly an incredible photojournalist who knows how to perfectly capture a moment. “If you can’t help all, at least help one.”
I enjoyed receiving great editing advice from Casey Given and Cathy Reisenwitz, Editors and Political Commentators at Young Voices. They told us to follow our passion, and that Philosophy classes will improve our writing because every sentence has to be meaningful. Casey and Cathy then encouraged me to get involved with my high school and college newspapers and to do some freelance work, so I can gain editing experience. It was exciting to talk and interact with established editors!
Finishing the day was Kevin McCarthy, an entertainment reporter and movie critic in the Washington D.C. metro area. He shared stories of his interviews with many famous people like One Direction, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many, many more. Kevin told us that internships are important and to take risks. He also gave us this quote: “Do what you love, and the money will follow.”
It was an incredible day filled with nerd tears and sad tears. I’m so grateful for these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference!
Wise Words From the Best
I really enjoyed getting to hear and interact with Brian Lamb, the C-SPAN Executive Chairman. He didn’t just speak to us; he talked with us and learned about us. Mr. Lamb wanted to hear what we had to say, and then he would respond and offer advice. I learned to find out where businesses get their money from, so I know if they’re just looking for money or actually wanting to help people.
Jamie Smith, Executive VP at Edelman, and Michael Shear, White House Correspondent at The New York Times, taught us how to get good inside information from sources. However, they also emphasized that we have to remember the people we interview are human beings. They shared some stories, too. Ms. Smith shared some interesting ones from when she worked at the White House. I enjoyed getting an inside look at the White House.
After leaving the Arlington Campus of George Mason University, we had the privilege of seeing how a press conference runs at the National Press Building. Steven Pearlstein (George Mason University) moderated it, and Jonathan Karl (ABC News), Jennifer Bendery (The Huffington Post), and Ed Henry (Fox News) answered questions and discussed important political topics. They also told us what characteristics journalists need: passion, curiosity, and skepticism to question authority. We learned how to get information, even when it’s difficult.
Finally, Hoda Kotb visited us and told us about her life and what she has learned along the way. She inspired us to never give up on our dreams and to “be here now.” Hoda Kotb then took pictures of us and promised us she would put them on her hour of The Today Show!
I enjoyed listening to all of the fantastic speakers and visiting the National Press Building; I can’t wait to see what else WJMC has in store for us!
Sights in the City
Yesterday, I went to Washington D.C. for the first time. I had a fantastic time visiting the Newseum. One of my favorite parts was the News History exhibit. I loved seeing all of the front pages from major events, like Titanic sinking, President Lincoln’s assassination, 9/11, and many more. My other favorite exhibit was the 9/11 Memorial. It was shocking to see a piece of the antenna off of the North Tower. It was also incredible to touch a part of the Pentagon recovered from 9/11. Then, the Newseum had six sections of the Berlin Wall, but there was a smaller section that I could touch; it was incredible being able to touch these important parts of history.
After all of these incredible exhibits, we visited some of the beautiful monuments. We didn’t get to go up to the Washington Monument, but I still got my picture taken in front of it from the World War II Memorial. However, we visited the Lincoln Memorial, the FDR Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. I took numerous pictures of what I saw and enjoyed seeing everything for the first time with such an amazing group of people.
Then, our last big event of the day was listening to Candy Crowley speak from CNN. She is an incredible speaker and challenged us to “have a little faith in the undream” and to “do what you want to do.” Candy Crowley also suggested that we participate in internships to gain experience. It was an amazing privilege to receive her advice!
Check out the photos page for pictures!
First Speaker
I enjoyed hearing Peter Doocy speak from Fox News Channel. He encouraged us with great advice to say yes to opportunities that come our way, and that it’s ok to be the young person at our jobs. Peter Doocy said he’s motivated by his responsibility to the people to keep them informed about what’s going on in the world. It was a privilege to hear him speak. I’m looking forward to hearing Candy Crowley speak tomorrow and visiting the Newseum!
First Day!
I enjoyed the tour of the buildings we’ll be in for the next week. Now I’m getting ready for our first color group meeting, dinner, and speaker. Can’t wait to meet everyone in the Orange color group and hear Peter Doocy! 🙂
It’s Almost Time!!!
It’s almost time for the Washington Journalism and Media Conference! I can’t believe it! I’m so excited to meet everyone! Travel safe and see you all Sunday! 🙂
A Reflection 