#wjmc2014

[thirdeyeonfire]

The only complaint I have about WJMC is that it gave me three best friends who live hours away from me. sunlessgardens gracieebelle luxpaz

[thesamuelwolfe]

Stay With Me - #WJMC2014 Day Five

UPDATE (7/18/14, 2:33 AM): I just scrolled through this article to try and get a sense of how long it was, and it was way longer than I planned on! Sorry about that. But I still hope you enjoy it! :)

Well... It's that time. As I sit down at 2:08 in the morning to write this blog post, I'm already overcome with emotion. I don't want to cry just yet, and I don't want to get all emotional in this post since my final #WJMC2014 post isn't until tomorrow. But I'm not so sure that'll work out, I'll let you know at the end of this post.

This morning was another early one! Breakfast at 7:00, "squap" (squad up) at 7:40 to board the buses to the US Capitol. In the bus ride over there, I sat behind two of the WJMC interns and we partied like there was no tomorrow! Upon our arrival, I was actually a little taken aback by the view. I've seen the Capitol hundreds of times in pictures and movies, and even in person once or twice while here in DC. But when I stepped off the bus, something felt different. Something looked different. Perhaps it was the sun just barely peeking out from behind the huge white dome? Who knows. Whatever it was, it felt awesome. I can still feel the excitement almost 16 hours later.

We took our group pictures, followed by individual shots, and then we split up into two groups: Those who toured the Capitol building, and those who made the seemingly never-ending trek to the Holocaust Memorial Museum where even water wasn't allowed. I think you can guess which tour I went on. And it didn't help that I'd messed up my foot earlier and now got to walk across the city with a stabbing sensation in it! But really, the pain was well worth it.

The museum was beautifully laid out with four layers, each almost like a square border, with the main lobby in the center (see it for yourself here). Along every wall was some type of placard or video screen with loads of interesting information about the Holocaust. I've learned about this awful time in history multiple times before, but this visit really engrained everything into my mind since I was able to see and experience the doors of the gas chambers and the shoes of its victims. After an hour and a half, our self-guided tour concluded and we headed out to the museum cafe for lunch. We then hiked back to the buses and rode back to campus. And guess what! I was finally able to take my first nap of the week!! 

After my nap, I changed into my clothes for the highly anticipated gala and met up with my color group. We all accidentally pretty much matched, wearing a dapper combination of black and white. #Classy. On board the bus, we had yet another jam sesh which made the awful traffic jams a little less awful. 

We unloaded at the hotel, the location of the gala, and headed up to the ballroom. To my disappointment, we weren't seated with our color groups and were left to fend for ourselves! We scurried over to any open seat and managed to snag a few tables close to each other. But dinner was over before we knew it, and then the real party began! DJ Eskada (@djEskada), a Mason alumna, gave an awesome party/dancing experience in which almost every single Correspondent participated. The dance lasted almost three hours, and we were all exhausted afterwards!

On the bus ride home, it began to hit us (or at least those who managed to stay awake) that our group, who had grown so close these past few days, would be separating and going home in less than 24 hours. I legit almost lost it on the bus. I'm not gonna lie, tomorrow (er, today) is undoubtedly going to be very rough emotionally for me to get through. I've grown so close with my team members and faculty advisors in just five days. This has never happened to me before. I trust them completely, I love them with all of my heart, and we all understand each other... And we have to leave.

The thing that sucks is we don't know when--or if--we'll ever see each other again. Sure, we have social networks and GroupMe, but it's honestly not even close to the interactions we've had this week. At the beginning of the conference, GMU Dean of Admissions Amy Takayama-Perez (@AmyTakayama) warned us that this week would go by super fast and that we would be exhausted by the end of it. I didn't believe either one of those statements at first. NOW I DO!

Given that we've only gotten an average of five hours of sleep per night and that the days have been literally non-stop action, Sunday through Thursday have almost seemed to blend together. For non-members, this may be hard to understand, but anyone who was or has been here knows where I'm coming from. Regardless, saying goodbye to my color group will be super hard. These 25 people have become my best friends in a matter of hours, and it's just weird to have to say goodbye to them in just a few seconds.

I don't like it. I don't like it at all. But that's life. And as I've learned at this conference, life can suck sometimes. But that's the thing: it can suck, but it always gets better. So if tomorrow will hurt, then will happiness follow later on? I can only hope so. I'm definitely looking forward to going home and sleeping for a few days with no interruption, but I think I'm strangely going to miss these short nights! 

I have so many memories that I want to share, but I also want to sleep! It's now 2:31, so I think I'm going to wrap this thing up. And hey, look! No tears! BOOM, I WIN. 

[thesamuelwolfe]

You're a Photographer Second - #WJMC2014 Day Four (Part II)

Read part one of this blog here.

Something interesting David shared was that you don't have to major in journalism to be a journalist, since you can pick up many of those "learned" skills just by working on the job. Instead, he recommends that you study something you're very passionate about in college, such as business administration or psychology, and then applying for internships and part-time jobs at local news stations. By doing this, you make your background more diverse and you become much more marketable to different networks.

"You never want to limit yourself," he said, "and you don't try to force anything." Let things happen naturally, and always make sure that your passion leads you, not the other way around.

Concluding the night was a session that will be nearly impossible to forget. Entertainment reporter and movie critic Kevin McCarthy (@kevinmccarthytv) walked on stage to be greeted by a herd of fangirling journalists. Starting at 9:00 at night, I expected the session to be interesting, but short and dull. Oh God, was I wrong.

Every 10 seconds, there was a cheer or laugh in the audience somewhere. Besides his charming personality and good looks, Kevin gave us some really good advice on how to be the best journalist you can be. "You have to push, you have to ask, and you have to be noticed," he says. "Always ask a question, even if you know it [will] be a 'no'." Fear is simply not an option in this career.

"If you want or need something, just ask for it." This one-liner really struck me... We've all been told as kids that the worst thing they can say is 'no', but what we're not told is how much being told "no" hurts. Well, answer: A lot. The thing is, we can't let that pain get to us and keep us from trying again. As Kevin said in the closing of his speech, there is a fine line between annoying and persistent. Always be persistent in getting what you want. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and always be ready to do what's required of you to get the job done.

On a completely separate note, I can't believe that tomorrow is our last full day of this conference! It's gone by so fast, but no tears are allowed just yet! ;)

[luxpaz]

WJMC Day 3

Wow, today was indescribable. My friends are asking me what I've been doing and I can't even begin to tell them. Every moment is fascinating and we always have something to look forward to. 

I also have never been somewhere that I find people who appreciate my honesty, bluntness, a sarcastic humor who also share many of the same qualities in the best way possible. Here it is good to be curious and ferocious. I am so shocked at how close I have become with some girls, and also the pink train ( can't believe tomorrow is our last day chugging along together). 

Lastly, all of the speakers today were amazing and the press conference was an absolute blast. We were all riding a true emotional roller coaster. Carol Guzy's emotionally charged images had the entire cinema in tears. While Kevin McCarthy did they same, although he brought us to "nerd tears". 

I can't wait for another eventful day, and I don't even want to think about leaving WJMC in a few days.

-auds

[thesamuelwolfe]

Hoda Day! - #WJMC2014 Day Three

Today was simply amazing, let me tell you that. I honestly had no idea what this day would hold for us, besides the fact that the renowned Hoda Kotb would be speaking in the afternoon. Sure, we started out with the usual breakfast and bus ride, but what came after was definitely something like we hadn't experienced before.

We also heard from White House Correspondents Mike Shear (@shearm) and Jamie Smith (@JSmith44) before heading off to lunch at Buca de Beppo where I so conveniently lost my wallet :( . But our #PurplePack jam sesh totally made up for that very quickly! Nearing the long-awaited speech of the week, we convened at the National Press Club where we sat in on the Politics Panel, made up of Jonathan Karl (@jonkarl) of ABC News, Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) of the Huffington Post, and Ed Henry (@edhenrytv) of Fox News. Throughout the panel, we learned how to retrieve correct information from sources, what "transparency" really looks like in the media, and what being a journalist really requires of you.

After the panel, the moment we had been waiting three days for had finally arrived: We were honored and privileged to hear from the host of the fourth hour of the Today Show, Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb), who shared more than just her story... She told us straight up that "Not everyone has to like you; Just one." This hit home with me, since being a journalist requires making those tough calls where you just know will make some people mad. But that's okay! You can't please everyone! And, in the words of Hoda, "Sometimes, in life, it takes something scary to make you stronger." 

She also told us to not hog our journey, as "It's not just for you." When the universe inevitably takes its revenge on you and knocks you on your ass, you can't let it keep you down, nor can you host your own pity party of one. You can, and should, use your shortcomings and struggles to encourage others who are or have been in the same place as you... Because two are always better than one, right?

Concluding her speech, Hoda told us that "The way you spend your day is the way you spend your life," and we should make sure that we spend our days wisely, as they are shortly numbered. Feeling inspired and thankful to have heard her speak firsthand, we all walked out of the building with our heads held high as we returned to campus for a quick nap and dinner. Finishing out the evening was a talk from Staff Member Matt Schott (@matthew_schott) about how to use social media effectively. It's crucial for us to think smart and be deliberate in our activity online, and even more importantly, to own up to our mistakes.

As almost every speaker pointed out today, failure is okay. In fact, it's expected. But what we have to be careful of is how long we stay down and how we let it affect our future efforts. Being a journalist is a long, difficult, and painful road... But if we stick with it, the results will be more than just rewarding. They'll be amazing.

[luxpaz]

Blog Day 1: Washington Journalism and Media Convention

Well, it looks like I have finally figured out a way to do some blogging during my stay here at George Mason. The first two days have been a whirl wind of listening, questioning, touring and all around journalisming (are we allowed to make up words for our blog posts?). So far I have been in awe of all of our wonderful speakers and have greatly appreciated them taking time out of their incredibly busy days to help us to become better journalists. Today I loved hearing Jennifer Bendery use her witty, and snarky sense of humor to give us great tips on how to navigate the chaotic world of White House reporting. I'm really looking forward to tomorrows simulation and also the "Your Career in Journalism" seminars. The simulation will be a blast and the seminars will be very informative. Can't wait for what the rest of the week has in store for us! 

-Auds

[thesamuelwolfe]

Journalism in Action - #WJMC2014 Day Two

Wow. I never thought that one day at a camp could be so exhausting, let alone a journalism conference! Obviously, I was proven wrong very quickly. After a short six hours of sleep, breakfast promptly commenced at 6:45 AM. Following our meal was a bus ride to the Newseum, a six-story museum located in the heart of DC which is filled to the brim with print, photo, radio, and television journalism exhibits, as well as special 9/11 and "Freedom of the Press" rooms. 

Finishing off at the Museum, we transitioned to a walking tour of some of the most famous monuments in the city. At first glance, this sounded pleasant and informative. But when you factor in the 90 degree heat and 60% humidity, as well as the numerous miles we walked, well... Let's just say we were all hot, sweaty messes at the end. But our journey didn't stop there, we were just getting started!

The bus ride back to campus was like our refuge, where we were able to nap and get ready for our next big evening. With only 45 minutes to shower, change, and get ready for dinner, everyone was in a frenzy in the dorms. But no worries, we all made it on time! At least, almost all of us! Our keynote speaker, CNN News Anchor Candy Crowley (@crowleyCNN), was definitely impressive. With her non-stop humor and inspirational message, her presence was definitely welcomed and appreciated at WJMC. When asked about education in the journalism world, she shared that "An educated person is one who knows what they don't know." Wow. That made me think, and it still does three hours later!

Being a journalist forces you to consider all the facts before you present a story. We may think we know everything, but no one ever does. It's part of being human, and it's part of being a journalist. But what sets the greatest journalists apart from the averages ones is the fact that they can accept the fact of not knowing everything. Rather, they are willing to commit to finding all the evidence possible and running with it. That's what a journalist is all about: being present and in the moment, and being ready to take a story and run with it at any given time.

At 12:28 AM, it's time for me to call it a night as I get ready to spend the next six hours dreaming of what tomorrow--er, today--holds in store for me and my team. Goodnight!

[thesamuelwolfe]

Find Your Color - #WJMC2014 Day One

Anyone can tell a story. Anyone can read a list of words off a teleprompter. Even your average journalist can bring you breaking news and present the information in a way that appeals to most. But if you take a step back and look past the names and fancy words, what is it that really matters?

Our introductory keynote speaker of the night, Peter Doocy (@pdoocy), Chief White House Correspondent for Fox News, shared that it's crucial for one to "find the color" in your story. Find the little things that people care about which make up a story. Sure, you can throw around facts and statistics at people all you want, but if you can't get your audience to care about what you're telling them, you may as well have said it all to your dog.

People care. People have emotions. They want to laugh, to cry, to feel human. Journalism is arguably the best way to do just that. You not only get to show them what's going on around the world--and in their own city, for that matter--but you get to show them why it matters and why they should care. Details come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones that hit home are usually the smallest ones you can find. Those are the ones that can penetrate the heart and stimulate emotions in an instant.