WJMC July 9th, 2013

“Be here now” – Hoda Kotb 

Sometimes the most difficult part about recounting upon such amazing experiences is choosing where to begin. Today will be remembered as one of the most influential days in my life up to this point, by far. I was under the mesmerizing influences of C-Span Executive Chairman Brian Lamb, President Angela Greiling Keane of the National Press Club, Chris Cilizza of the Washington Post, Jonathan Karl of ABC News, April Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks, and of course, Hoda Kotb of the Today show. Little can I say, I was drooling in utter admiration to be within mere feet of these incredibly remarkable individuals who have all established great legacies and provided a meaningful basis to the world of journalism and what it means to be a journalist in this grueling business where rejection becomes a commonality. I was especially inspired by the charming Hoda, who never seemed to miss a beat throughout our hour long or so interview with her. No one else that I have met has successfully been rejected over twenty-seven times in less than a week, driving all over the country searching for job interviews being told that her tape was dreadful, and still manage to continue pushing herself forward until she finally stumbled upon the unlikeliest of places where her future would begin to bloom. Knowing that I will stumble, and possibly fall due to my inheritance of my mother’s lack of equilibrium (teehee), I am encouraged by these speakers to dust off my knees, pull myself together, and move forward with the mindset that I just need to roll with the punches, all while rocking some stylish heels. This is especially prevalent in modern society where the platforms and mediums of social media and journalism are constantly evolving, and it is necessary to be aware of and invested in each of these mediums in hopes of staying relevant and broadcasting the truth to the rest of the world. And that is exactly what I intend to do, spread the truth, observe, listen, and most of all, block out the people who tell me that I am not good enough to make it in this political battlefield dominated by white males, and remember that I am a confident and determined woman! (Thank you Beyonce for allowing me to channel my inner Sasha Fierce). I will end with this: In the words of Hoda Kotb, “Enjoy your time around the sun”. 

Washington Media & Journalism Conference 2013

Well, I have just begun my WJMC experience and I must say, I am really appreciating much that has already been offered to me! In its early stages, this conference has already taken me to one of my favorite places in D.C., the Newseum. This has been my third time at the Newseum, but the undying adoration and awe of my initial visit years ago was still prevalent throughout my day there today. To re-witness the solemn heart-wrenching atmosphere of the 9/11 exhibit and to try to grasp what was running through the minds of the reporters covering the traumatic blood stain in our nation’s history is powerful every way possible. Respect for those who have fallen, as well as for those who continue to serve our nation today to protect its people from another disaster such as 9/11 is something that consistently runs through my mind every time I see security at an airport, or in a mall, or even in my school. The impact of 9/11 has forever altered the way America functions in regards to security. Other aspects that I find highly entertaining are the newspapers and interactive news media. The newspapers collected from across the country dating back to 1562 are so interesting and thought-provoking for me to read and question. It makes me wonder the why, the how, the who, the what, and the where involved in every cover story in the exhibit. The history buff that I am, I can easily spend hours just indulging myself in old news, reading countless perspectives, and gaining more knowledge and awareness of the world around me currently, as well as the world of the past, as the two go hand in hand. Moving away from my Newseum obsession, I would like to say that my other obsession for CNN was only encouraged further by our extremely fortunate visit from Candy Crowley herself. I have followed Crowley for some time now and was ecstatic to be given the opportunity to actually see her with my own eyes and not through a television screen. Her presence was enigmatic, her voice and physical body language exuded confidence, determination, and respect for her career and the unholy world of politics. This is a woman who knows the industry inside and out, and her encouragement to “do what you love” has done just that; pushed me to continue to strive to be a political leader. I will take every piece of her guidance and wear it well, remembering that “if you live your life worrying about the next thing, you will miss out on life,” which is something that I fully intend not to do. I cannot wait to continue my WJMC 2013 experience, building bonds and connections, furthering my understanding of what is offered to me in relation to job opportunities, and see what more I can learn! Until next time!

“Do what you ca…

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are” –Theodore Roosevelt