WJMC :]: 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!