The 2015 year of The Washington Journalism & Media Conference has been nothing short of breathtaking. Every night I would sit on my plastic mattress and only desire to be home on my comfortable bed, but every day, I would regret the desire more and more.
When I first arrived and knew no one in my group, I thought, "well this is going to suck, it's so awkward." Slowly but quickly, things began to change and friendships began to bud. Shannon and I quickly found each other and bonded at an instant. Then Chloe jumped right in when her and I discovered we used the same word to be sarcastic: tragic. And at that moment, we became the inseparable trio.
It got so serious, our group knew we had to have the row at the complete back of the bus: the only row with three connecting seats. An uncanny symbol of our forever connection to each other and the friendship we so quickly built. (I am pretty positive our group hates the word "tragic" now because of us). At this moment, I know the whole "these friendships will last you a lifetime" talk is true. The connection we built in such a short time is unobtainable to anyone else. WJMC made us a family. Although we live so far, I have a sudden peace we will stay in touch.
Although Chloe and Shannon made my trip to the Capitol city unimaginable, the speakers and the Newseum hit me hard.
We started off at the Newseum and I quickly found out the sacrifices journalists make just to retrieve the truth for those who do not have the ability to discover it themselves. Many even die for the truth. The days after were a whirlwind of different speakers with different positions in the communications world.
Susan Goldberg, first female and current Editor In Chief of National Geographic magazine taught me five tools for the journalistic world. First, make a difference. Second, do what others can't. Third, be part of the conversation. Fourth, act urgently. Fifth, know who you are. "Invent the future."
Multiple speakers at the National Press Club taught be to be constantly curious, journalists are the truth tellers, and accuracy of information always comes before quickness of getting the information out.
David Culver, founder of Rediscovering Cuba, revealed to me a whole different side to the journalistic world: foreign affairs. He also drilled into my mind to always push for what you desire out of the career and to let our emotions pull on us to discover the perfect angle for our articles.
Oh, and then there was Carol Guzy, four time Pulitzer Prize winning photo journalist. No one can convince me that they did not get emotional during her presentation. Her photos were beautiful, touching, and heartbreaking all together. She revealed the importance of having empathy as a journalist. To follow our hearts and trust our guts. "What we do matters." The memorable sentence which stuck with me was "The earth can tremble and change lives at an instant." She left a huge mark on my heart. At that moment, I knew I was created to make a difference in this world. My tool for doing so: my talent for writing.
Kevin McCarthy, entertainment editor and movie critic, said the most important thing which can apply to anyone with any job. "Do what you love, and the money will follow."
I got plain lucky, a God thing occurred. I obtained the oppurtunity to listen to Tom Jackman, reporter for the Washington Post, speak. He revealed the basic love for his job to us and tips on how to succeed. It was more than incredible listening to him showcase his love for his job.
Hopefully, anyone can tell by now WJMC was one to remember and it surely made a mark on my life. Full of crazy emotions: laughs, smiles, and tears. However, this whirlwind of emotion was worth it. I met some of my best friends and finally discovered the purpose of my life.
I asked God for clarification on what to do with my life. How to live it for him. He answered all my worries with this conference.
