The Dreaded Friday, July 2nd; Departing WJMC and Reflection

It came so fast, yet so slowly, before I could get myself together for a goodbye, reality came knocking on my door. When I first received a golden letter from The Washington Journalism and Media Conference, I had no idea what it was, where it was, who was George Mason, why was this letter sent to me and how I was to get myself there. I sent my application in and anxiously waited an answer. When admitted, I was faced with the task of raising enough money to pay for the conference and airfare from little Bountiful, Utah. Along the way, I found that people are extremely generous and there are people out there who care. I found my family and friends to be my backbone, and most importantly, I grew in many ways and in many relationships.Finally, all these questions were answered with a deep meaning and a personal change of character. The journey of getting there alone felt like the purpose of the whole conference, but life likes to keep the best in store and surprises just around the corner. Washington D.C. came sooner than expected amongst a busy month of June where I was only home for a full week in between summer trips and activities. As I thought about the ever approaching date, June 27th, I worried that maybe I would find myself amongst people who were too out of my league, that these people would be intensely political and hardcore journalists, I was soon proven so so so wrong as the people I met were just like me, young journalists with a passion and an ambition to be the best that they could be and always taking life's challenges head on. These future journalists taught me many values and grew in my heart. I know I did not meet them just because, these exceptional friends were put on my path for a reason; I had to learn and grow from them.

The people I met and the friendships I made will forever be in my heart. Experiences have changed me. I realized that this conference gave me all I ever asked for, it gave me certainty that this is the path that I am to follow in life and again, that whatever I set my mind to, I can accomplish.

I met with people on the field, the advice I was given was golden. Professionals I had never even dreamed of meeting,I met. I went to places I thought I would only read about in history books, watch on television and movies and see pictures of.

The once in a lifetime opportunity, and I took it. I made the most of it and it made the most of me. I wish I could stay forever at WJMC! Since I cannot, the experience will always be with me.

The Epic Thursday, July 1st, at WJMC

I woke up with the utmost enthusiasm, it was the day I had been looking forward to ever since my arrival at the campus. My anxiety towards the day was not because I wanted to leave, on the contrary, I still wish I was at campus with all the amazing people I met around me and the outstanding staff and speakers who made this experience so remarkable; no, my anxiety was in result to the Foreign Affairs Panel and speakers that day, (one of which exceeded already high expectations; Rajiv Chandrasekaran.) This panel marked as my favorite not only because I am greatly attracted to Foreign Affairs and aspire to pursue a career as a Foreign Correspodent, but the fact that this panel, different from the past panels, consisted of three women, three powerful, influential women who proved most inspiring. Karen DeYoung, the associate editor and senior diplomatic correpodent for the Washington Post, Anne Gearan, the national security correspondent for the Associated Press and Susan Glasser, executive editor of Foreign Policy whom I got the opportunity to thank personally for assuring me that this was indeed a subject I am deeply passionate about.

Finally the speaker I was most eager to meet, Rajiv Chandrasekaran, the senior correspondent and associate editor of the Washington Post and the author of the book Green Zone and Imperial Life in the Emerald City (both books which I wish to read in the near future). Rajiv will go back and forth between the Middle East, where he sometimes will stay for months at a time, and the United States, reporting stories.

After our group Story Conference, which I found most invigorating, we were set loose to get ready for the Gala. We ate and we danced the night before our dreaded departure.

The girls from the "golden" group.

Jose and I posing by the cool ice sculpture!

Wednesday, July 30th at WJMC.

I have finally found some time to finish of the record

off one of, if not, my most life changing experience. I will begin where I left off, on Wednesday, June 30th.

That morning I woke up a little later than usual as the day before was most tiring. I hurried to breakfast with my roommate and soon found myself on the bus closing in on our destination, a captivating modern architecture that I fell quickly in love with; The USA Today/Gannet building. I walked through the doors and down the hall to the Gannet CO., Inc. Auditorium where I was greeted by Jodi Gersh, the social media content manager for USA Today/Gannet and Vaughn Ververs, the political editor for msnbc.com. As I sat through the "New Media Panel", I was once again reminded why I love media and journalism. I felt the same spark that had started my amazing journey five years ago in a Publications class taught by the outstanding Kenna Rodgers who changed my life forever. That morning I heard different perspectives of new media I had not heard before; this really opened my mind to diverse ways of thinking. While speakers before had talked on maintaining articles unbiased, Jodi Gersh shared her particular view;

"You wouldn't want to read a completely unbiased article."

-Jodi Gersh; USA Today/Gannet

Though I cannot agree fully to such a statement, it really got me thinking. Some articles can be biased and still maintain ethics while other may demand a unbiased format. This will sway with the nature of the subject.

Later, in that same auditorium, I was suddenly in a mock press conference with Michael Shear, the Washington Post's chief White House Correspodent and Nick Shapiro, the Assistant White House Secretary.

By 2pm I was on my way to the Capitol building where yet another dream came true. Here I was, taking pictures at the same place I had always only seen pictures of. As I did not have the opportunity to meet with my senator, I did accompany my friend Haleigh from Colorado to meet her representative. Unfortunately, Congress was in session and we met with the chief of staff. As we talked with him, my mind was again opened to new perspectives on today's media. This visit encouraged me to become a better writer and journalist, someone who later generations can look up to.

That evening, we had the charismatic Andrew Flagel, the Dean of Admissions at George Mason University, give us a few tips on college admissions. Afterwards, we watched Green Zone, a movie which was almost intantly put on my 'favorites' list.

Longest / Best Day in D.C. = Longest Blog

Left the dorms yesterday, June 29th, at eight in the morning, came back at eleven thirty at night! Very busy day, but totally worth it. We did so much and met such great people that I don't even know where to start! Our first stop was the National Press Club, and our fist speaker Frank Lomote, Executive director of the Student Press Law Center; an organization I was not aware of before tuesday! It is great to know that it is there though. One thing Frank Lomote said that intrigued me was that "hazardous freedom is the base of our nation." He also mentioned that censoring journalism in schools is like a bad education, and it truly is. Of course some standards should be established to encourage credible journalism, but complete censoring is not good. In my school we have a list of things we cannot write about, we are extremely limited even with our ads; for example, we cannot have tanning ads on our paper. No idea where that came from but it is interesting yet frustrating to see how much can be censored in schools and where is this line when too much is too much.

After Frank Lomote, we heard a panel with Chuck Todd ( I got a picture with Chuck, but unfortunately forgot my book for signatures!) Liz Sidotti and Chris Cilizza also spoke. I truly enjoyed what their insights in today's world of media; I particularly enjoyed Liz's comments. Liz Sidotti is the Political Correspondent for the Associated Press; she mentioned that a journalist is a person who has standards and dwells in facts. She distinguished that those who simply blog about news are not journalists and that the standards held are the fine line between a real journalist and an average citizen. Not everyone can report the facts. Journalists are in the lifelong "hunt for the truth." This in particular really inspired me, or rather, caused me to realize that a journalist to me is not simply a dream profession but it is my personality. I like stories, I enjoy people, I love truth and facts in every aspect of my life. Chris Cilizza from the Post, compared Washington political just like high school which I thought very funny. He also mentioned that opinion and bias are not the same thing. Along with talking about Facebook and social networks, Chuck gave these wise words... "If you're gonna do stupid things, own it and learn from it." Exposing yourself in the internet is dangerous but can also b beneficial in a world where the internet is everywhere and in everything we do. One of the main principles I took from this panel was to make my own brand, stand out,and be myself. Oh, and how can I forget, all this took place in the legendary National Press Club in Washington D.C! As walked out to lunch, Paraguay was playing Japan and everyone was into it, loved it! I was drowning in the midst of professionals but together in watching the World Cup, gotta love soccer.

"What is good journalism is good journalism, that doesn't change."

- Chris Cilizza; Washington Post

Went to the Smithsonian, AWESOME! dream come true. Just wish I had more time, I will have to make my next trip to Washington D.C. again, there is simply so much to see.

Later that day after dinner, we had a Young Professional Panel with B.J. Koubaroulis from Washington Post and host of CBS radio's "Verbally Committed" and Kevin McCarthy who had a different take on the media from a younger mind. They also advised in getting internships and how it helps get your foot on the door. They advised that a different internship every year really helps out and gets you out there.

"Just be yourself and your brand will follow."

-B.J. Koubaroulis

On our Moonlight Tour of the Washington Monument, The Jefferson Monument, the Lincoln memorial and the White House especially got me quite emotional, I must admit! It was BEAUTIFUL!!! While at the White House I had the opportunity to talk to a guy who when I asked his name he claimed it was "start loving." This man has been sitting outside the White House protesting against war and weapons of war since 1981, thats twenty nine years of living just outside the White House. It was interesting and crazy to see this guy's motivation. He was a successful man in the computer industry he claims when he realized that something was not right. He then started his protest which he claims gives him joy. "Joy is what your body rewards you with when you do the right thing." It was kind of sad to see this man just living there his whole life. But I saw he felt he had a purpose there and enjoyed it (especially the tourist attention) but thats really what life is all about in the end, finding joy and a purpose, this is his joy and purpose and I totally respect it. Even if he doesn't make a difference, he keeps going, I mean thats perseverance. I may not agree with what he says and not support his cause or sources of information but I respect his perseverance.

Chuck Todd, Grant and I!

I cannot believe I was actually here! AHH! Gigi and I :]

Speaker on PR; Edwin N, Prugh

I have always found Public Relations to be in my area of interest, but must admit did not comprehend a whole lot on the subject. Monday, June 28th, my second day in the conference, I met Edwin N. Prugh, the President and Chief Strategy Officer of Nevin Communications. Mr. Prugh taught me about the world of public relations, and in doing so opened my mind to all the possibilities this profession might also hold in my future. I realized, with Mr. Prugh's help, that PR and journalism are most similar and that both professions I was looking into as interesting but different can in fact be pursued with the same degree. Prugh himself acquired a degree in Journalism. Again, I was inspired and enormously motivated. Prugh compared advertising to PR with the only difference being that advertisement is payed and PR is not. I have concluded that, PR is kind of the guardian of advertising where PR provides the guidelines for a successful image.

First Two Days In D.C.

It is truly amazing how much i have learned in simply two days. Arrived in D.C through the Reagan National Airport to find my first up close view of the city the Washington monument... it was breath taking. During our first dinner, Sheila Brooks, a Emmy-award winning journalist and entrepreneur spoke and her powerful words got me pumped for the week that lies ahead. Brooks compared the profession of journalism to the importance of a police officer; such profession is needed in order to maintain a democracy. I have found it has always been and will always be the journalist who report the real news and facts. By bringing credible news to the people, it is a reporters job to educate the masses and in a way care for the people. Journalism if held at the appropriate code of ethics is a profession of charity and honesty; a profession serving the people with no strings attached. I love that.

Me in Washington D.C

While visiting the Newseum in D.C I continued to be inspired by the Pulitzer Photos, the incredible 9/11 exhibit where I got to see the original radio tower from the World Trade Center, a FBI exhibit, an outstanding exhibit of media throughout history, 4D movie introduction to the world of Media, and many more along with the most emotional Berlin Wall. I got to touch a piece of the original wall as well as behold it. I was extremely moved by this opportunity. Oh, and how to forget the Elvis Presley exhibit, he is KING, enough said. Around the museum there were inspiring quotes almost in every wall. Every single one with equal motivation for me to press on with my passion and ambitions to become a journalist and serve the people.

The First Amendment exhibit was also one of my absolute favorites. It provided information on controversial issues throughout history regarding freedoms protected by the First Amedment and all who challenged the social norms for complete establishment of freedom; for example, women's rights, a subject I find myself in complete love with. My admiration grew for Nelly Bly, the first woman to become a investigation reporter. Issues faced today were also featured. The Newseum made me feel reborn and lit the flame inside me that was slowly burning out. I have no doubt in my mind that this is what I am meant to become, and I shall achieve it with most determination.

Link to learn more about The Newseum: (http://www.newseum.org/?gclid=CN7Q3-_GxKICFZdL5QodNQ_h4w)

I LOVE this quote. ( I am such a history junkie this suits me perfectly)

The Berlin Wall exhibit at The Newseum in Washington D.C.

My personal favorite photograph by Tom Gralish of the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1985. This was a piece about the homeless living in the streets. 'They saw themselves as... free men'

This quote was posted in the Pulitzer Prize Exhibit, one of the most moving exhibits I have ever been to and one that will certainly stay with me forever. The photographs were amazing. Photojournalism is the most beautiful kind of art. It is real human art. The art of capturing a snapshot of a moment that can change the course of the world, a simple photograph needs no words. The emotions felt are stronger than words.

To all those who have made this trip possible...

Washington is ONE week away! I simply CANNOT believe it is already here. I have just gotten back from a freezing camp saturday, already bought all new clothes and got them inside my little polka dot suitcase. But I cannot forgot everyone who have helped me financially in achieving this goal. Above all, my dad, mom, and family, who have done so much for me... my aunt Gracy, my dad's co-workers, Kalani and Carol Smith,l Magic Nickel Ads and Scott Argyle, and my neighbors. Oh, and how can I forget, Cora T. Hayward's Educational Trust Award, from whom i received $500 for an essay on how I can contribute to even the smallest part of the world around me. Wish me luck! :]

Caroline Goes To Washington!

I have been admitted to the Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University in Virginia, June 27- July 2, 2010! This is a dream come true and a great opportunity to develop my skills as a journalist and prove myself (not to mention all the AMAZING places I get to go to: The Smithsonian...sigh.) I will be recognized as one of the most promising young leaders in the journalism and media community and will join others from across the country to share in this unique experience. I will have the opportunity to meet with journalism leaders and CEOs along with national media figures and distinguished scholars. Activities include a presentation on the Floor of the House of Representatives, a panel discussion with prominent journalists at the National Press Club, and a National Correspondents Gala with leaders of the journalism and media community! However, money has become an issue as I must raise $1,885.00 by May 1, 2010 plus airfare with a total of $2,500.00. I have created this blog for my sponsors and anyone who would like to support me. :] This is a once in a life time opportunity. I am very thankful to Ms. Coe who started this great journey by nominating me when the chance came around and my friends and family who have gotten me this far and i know are backing me up ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!

I am now accepting donations. If you would like to help, contact me at carolinemachado@live.com. Everything and anything helps and is greatly appreciated. Checks are to be made for Caroline Machado. Thank you! :]