Tuesday July 15, 2009: a day for the record books. Sotomayor’s hearings were today, the new Harry Potter movie was released, and I devoured my first Big Mac. Although this conference is about the big picture and training to be top notch journalists, I’ve enjoyed so many of the little happenings that have made my week so enjoyable. Besides listening to speakers, engaging in heated group discussions, and taking notes during the panels, I’ve done what journalists do best: form relationships. Who would think that five girls who have never met each other could form such a close-knit friendship in three days? If only we had a magic pair of traveling pants, then we’d have a blockbuster hit to coincide with our new friendship. Even though Megan is from Michigan, Liz is from Florida, and the rest of us scattered in between. Whether it’s dancing with the laptops in the dorm room, singing obnoxious movie themes on the bus, or eating our first big macs together in the museum, we come across a dull moment.
When listening to Wendy Grossman from People Magazine speak about freelance journalism, she spoke about networking and building relationships because these connections can benefit you in the future. By surrounding myself with ambitious people my age working toward the same goal, I am forming those connections. When the conference is complete and we return to our home states, we’ll still keep in touch and help each other succeed. Megan, Liz, Victoria, & Haley: it’s been so great getting to know you all!
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