The WJMC Experience: Day 2
After an uncomfortable nights sleep and a filling breakfast at the Southside Dining Hall, the day was started by another color group meeting, the topic being the first amendment! To learn about how it correlates to journalism, we simulated a school board meeting where student journalists advocated for an article about a teacher changing grades to be published, while the principal argued against it being published. I was assigned as one of the school board members, so there wasn't much for me to do until decision time came. Everyone in the simulation gets a backstory to go along with their character, however it was only really intended for the student journalists and principal, so we school board members didn't get the chance to incorporate it, something I was quite disappointed about. With that said, I'll leave you with a quote from one of my fellow school board members that unfortunately was cut, but demonstrates why I was disappointed:
"As a gun-bearing man of God, I believe in integrity, something my two ex-wives didn't."
After our color meeting, we stopped to get tacos at Banditos, then went to the Planet Word Museum. While we were there, we got to hear from Randi Richardson; a WJMC alumina and journalist with NBC News. She gave great advice on how to write different types of stories and overall had great energy! After hearing from her, we got to explore the museum! It wasn't what I expected at all and had some great exhibits. Two of my favorites were the book exhibit and the word wall. The book exhibit had books come to life, something I enjoyed seeing with some of my favorite books.
Here's an example of how it worked, featuring my faviorite comic Calvin and Hobbes!
The word wall was not only stunning, but also had an interactive, fun yet informative presentation to go along with it!
After Planet Word, we left to get dinner from Dudley's, a sports bar. Then, we went to the White House!
The police made everyone move from the street, so I was able to snag some clear views of the White House!
Right behind where I was standing, there was this old man yelling to us about how the government was corrupt and that we needed to be the change in the world before it's too late. Not exactly relevant, but look at this man and tell me he isn't an icon?
Our final destination for the night was the WW2 Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, both beautiful sights. They both also gave a good view of Washington memorial. After getting our sights in and getting overpriced ice cream ($11?!), we headed back to the dorms to get some much needed sleep.
This was an amazing first full day! I'll be back tomorrow to talk about day 3!
