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Who's up for D.C.?

Yeah! I saved up enough money that I bought my plane ticket and reserved my hotel last night for the convention in Washington D.C.!
dc - iwoblack.jpg
Yeah, I guess I'm not quite there yet for the convention - right now I'm saving up $445 for the convention, opening banquet, special training session on Thursday, MOE banquet, president's banquet and a leader's breakfast. I know some of you out there woud think that as a chapter leader I'd use some of our chapter funds for my trip - but our OC chapter is so small and new that I just don't feel right using any of our limited funding.
For the other young journos - yes the convention is a buuunch of money. Travel, hotel and convention fees (not to mention what we'll spend on food, drinks and souvenirs) add up to a whole lot of dough.
But, it's totally worth it.
My first convention was in Fort Worth in 2002 - I haven't missed a convention yet. Sure you can say that the convention is great training, great friends and involvement in SPJ. But the main thing I get out of the convention is what I call inspiration from just "being in the room."
Just socializing, learning with and eating with my fellow journalist friends from across the country inspires me for the whole year. I feel proud, happy and excited to be a journalist all over again.
So.....the only question now is who's coming with me?
Published Wednesday, September 05, 2007 3:25 PM by SonyaSmith
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Comments

# re: Who's up for D.C.?

Wednesday, September 05, 2007 12:55 PM by Dale Denwalt II
My school is paying for the trip. Thank God, because otherwise we wouldn't be able to go.

# re: Who's up for D.C.?

Monday, September 10, 2007 4:01 PM by Brea Jones
I'll be there. Although I'm skipping the receptions. I was on staff in Chicago last year, so I'm eager to participate a little more this time around. Is there going to be a Gen J meet and greet?

# re: Who's up for D.C.?

Monday, September 10, 2007 6:52 PM by SonyaSmith
Yeah - we'll have to hang out, Brea! There will be a Gen J committee meeting - not sure when yet, I'll check in with Caryn and I'll let folks know on this blog as soon as I know. Also - I think we should plan a Gen J mixer or coffee meet. I'm going to be busy running for Region 11 director, but we should all make it a point to hang out. Any ideas?

# re: Who's up for D.C.?

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 6:18 PM by Brea Jones
There should definitely be a mixer. I'm not a committee member, but are there any Gen Jers in the D.C. chapter? I'm sure they'd know a bar or restaurant near the hotel where we could all meet up for a drink on one of the evenings. Maybe Friday?

# re: Who's up for D.C.?

Monday, September 17, 2007 12:02 PM by Melissa
I'm coming in from Albany, NY. Just found out about this faction(?) of SPJ, and I'm excited about not wandering DC alone. I interned there in 2001, and can't imagine staying in the Hyatt the whole weekend!
Melissa

# re: Who's up for D.C.?

Tuesday, September 18, 2007 11:51 AM by SonyaSmith
Yeah Melissa! Glad you found us. We'll have to hang out in D.C. I fly a red-eye Wednesday night so I get there first thing Thursday morning. You can probably pick me out - I'll be wearing red and black glasses. Either look us up at the convention - or if you want to hang on Thursday or another day - just shoot me an e-mail at sonyanews@mac.com and I'll set up a time to meet you and we can all go hang out. Same goes for others who want to tour the town Thursday! My e-mail is sonyanews@mac.com  HEY - also we're still looking for places to go have a few drinks - preferably a fun, divey-sorta bar.
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