In a paragrph, the summary of today: Someone had handed me my identity, from a box packed in storage, shining as a crown–and I thought I had lost it. I imagined it had been accidentally sold to some old woman reading old National Geographic at a garage sale of my subconscious. But here it was–the title I had lost, handed to me so simply by a body of journalists who had themselves, found the same title. Like a passing of the torch.
It is amazing what simple words will do to one’s psyche. From the amazing and invigorating Hoda Kotb, telling a body of eager young journalists that she was consecutively rejected by 27 broadcast news stations, to Kevin McCarthy admitting with a flame in his eyes that he cried during action scenes in movies, because they’re just so “awesome”. Nerdtears, as he calls them. And then all of the encouraging words in between–Chuck Todd didn’t even major in communications, but poli-sci, which he now finds nearly useless to his career.
Incredible journalists who spoke to us tonight, and all from George Mason!
And not only the speakers, but the students themselves. Let me tell you, world, the fear you have for the next generation is unwarranted. We will succeed. The questions many of my peers asked today were incredible! We have so many great public speakers and thinkers here, it makes me giddy for the future of media.
So many things were shot at our ears, and our young composure!! We listened to multiple White House correspondents from major news organizations (Chuck Todd, Jessica Yellen) in one room, at the National Press Club, in the same room where presidents have launched their campaigns, news has been made, and countless reporters have started their careers. Consistent in the speech of every journalist was a real humanness–none of the plastic-news-reporter, often the stereotyped public view of broadcast journalists. They instead struck us with their humility and genuineness, and humor! And as they said themselves–all of the majorly successful reporters are compassionate, and give 100% of themselves to the job, and the people at hand. 
AND HEY, I even mustered up the courage to saunter across the ballroom after the second round of speakers (this time successful George Mason alum) and give the name of my blog to KEVIN MCCARTHY, an amazing talent in film critiquing. Kevin was a really impressive person to me. Many have no idea how far compassion goes, and how rarely it is happened upon to teens looking towards a sometimes ominous-looking future and career world. Kevin really put himself out there, he talked to us with a genuineness and gentleness that almost bespoke innocence, but in actuality was his enduring infatuation with an industry, that not many are able to retain. So Mr. McCarthy, if you’re reading this, know that your stories made a difference. I admire so much, your work and your demeanor. Thank you again!
Not to sugar coat things, but today was incredible. I can not say enough good about these journalists. And they truly want to help us.
After the barrage of mind-blowing stories and words that made us feel the sometimes unfamiliar assurance that our dreams are entirely feasible, (with hard work, and a truly burning passion for the industry and the people involved), we went on a moonlight tour of DC’s many monuments! Running through the grass in attempt to beat the mass of WCMC reps., my feet found a mud hole, and my shoes were filled with historic DC soil and mud. We continued on our ascent to the lincoln monument, and my camera’s battery died right there, on the steps. Low blow battery…
Fortunately I was able to capture a lot of excitement before the tragedy of the battery! They’ll be uploaded soon, to update this post!
