Had breakfast, met up with our groups then went to hear Ed Prugh talk about Public Relations and Press.  I heard his speech on Monday, in my cluster session, but it was interesting to hear it twice.

Then we traveled to the National Press Club & heard  Chuck Todd (political director and Chief White House correspondent & member of NBC News & MSNBC) & his panel speak as well as answer questions. Eh, I could take it or leave it. What really impressed me was hearing Hoda Kotb (Co-host, fourth hour of TODAY, NBC) speak. She was so moving with her honesty. She is exactly the kind of woman I want to grow up to be. She even played “Black & Yellow” over the speakers…Imagine that!

We returned to the University, met with our groups and did a mock newspaper spread over the Casey Anthony verdict.

Afterwards we heard another panel while eating dinner (another delicious vegetarian option for me, kudos). For me, the stand-out was obviously Kevin McCarthy, the young, funny and spunky movie critic. I got his card after he spoke, & plan on e-mailing him regarding opportunities in his line of work.

Lastly, we went on a moonlit monument tour. The White House is so beautiful at night!

Anyway, keep reading & leaving your comments.

Sela Stephens

We started out at the crack of dawn, up at 6 am & ready for breakfast by 7. Breakfast was delicous (thank God that there are vegetarians- I’ve met 4 other vegtarians thus far). I opted for scrabbled eggs, lemonade and hasbrowns.

By 8, we were getting on the bus to go to the Newseum, a museum dedicated to news, journalism and broadcast. The bus ride was nice, I enjoyed talking to people. It blows my mind how diverse this conference is; my orignial thought was that it would be a bunch of snobbish rich kids but I was pleasently surprised. There are people from all walks of life, here to offer fresh perspectives and challenge (or strengthen, in lots of cases) my views.

The Newseum was…how can I begin to describe it? It was truly a tour de force. Completely unrivaled by any museum I had previously visited. There was an incredible section dedicated to the history of journalism (who knew that the first paper was printed in the 1500s?!), 8 large sections of the Berlin War, heartbreakingly beautiful exhibits dedicated to Hurricane Katrina & 911 victims, a 4D movie on the history of newspapers & so, so much more. My favourite exhibit was the Pulitzer Prize winning photographs. It blew me away how, wordlessly, these pictures could stir such great emotions.

On the way back home, I passed out, I was so tired. But I awoke an hour later & after a quick White Chocolate Mocha (from Starbucks), we were off to another meeting & covered the importance of networking. I think this is when it hit me- I was born to be a buisness woman, an entrepeneur. I want to be able to talk to important people, to have my work repected and to constantly network.

After a yummy dinner, we listened to two speakers (of our choice). I made an effort to get their contact information, take notes and ask questions. I especially enjoyed the man who spoke on Intercultural Communication. His topics resonated, but mostly, I really took notice to how he commanded the room. He spoke clearly and was very articulate and orgainized. I shook his hand afterwards & he was so incredibly kind and encouraging.

My feet were killing me by the end of the day, but settling in bed with a Monster and a Snickers (not the most healthy snack, I know) is the perfect end to a perfect day.

Stay updated,

Sela Stephens

I arrived in Washington DC nearly 3 hours ago and I am still taking it all in.

There are people from all over here. Most notably , a girl who flew here all the way from Guam.

I can already tell that my perspective on Journalism will expand vastly in my time here and I have to say I’m pretty excited.

Writing has played such a huge role in my formative years & I have fallen in love with the craft. So naturally, I am excited to learn new mediums through which I can express my ideas.

Right now, I am most excited to meet my room-mate.  I’ll be spending the next 5 days with her, so I am hoping we’ll click.

Anyway, I suppose it is best that I go settle in.

Until next time,

Sela Stephens

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