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.