My AMAZING trip through the WJMC

Crazy.  Best friends.  Monuments galore. Lots, and lots, and lots of walking; a couple words to describe my first trip to the nations capitol during my eighth grade Washington D.C.  class trip.

Invigorating.  New friends.  Speakers galore. Lots, and lots, and lots of new ideas and  information getting my mind up and running on so many new thoughts about the field of journalism.  A few more words to explain my experience at the 2009 Washington Journalism and Media Conference I attended with students from across the country in Washington D.C.

Although the two trips differed immensly on the content and purpose,  there was still a familiarity that I enjoyed while being back in the streets of D.C. for a second shot.  Although my class trip was more of a lets run around D.C. like the crazy tourists and just take pictures of every single monument we find, and the WJMC was a more structured, informative, less monumental trip, D.C. will always have a little place in my heart.  So to look back on these two amazing trips I thought up a list during one of the less entertaining presentations (not telling which one : )) of the most memorable things I will remember from this city.

1. Washington Monument I can never seem to get rid of the butterflies I find every time we’re crossing the bridge over the Potomac River and I catch my first glimpse of the triangular top majestically peeking over the tree line. I guess the twelve page report on the history of the monument I wrote during eighth grade kind of explains my dear love for the monument. I always will remember in eighth grade running across the green grass to press my face up against the cold stone, as I was explaining to my friend why the monument is two different colors. I feel as if I know it’s secrets, all the details and history behind the beautiful creation.

2. Lincoln Memorial at night What could possibly be more exciting than seeing the monument that is printed onto the millions of pennies circulating the country in real life? The statue of Abraham Lincoln is one of the most impowering and inspiring statues I have ever laid eyes on. To see the statue at night with the lighting behind it; amazing.

3. The people of D.C. Yes, as being a country girl it’s always a rush to travel into the big cities. Not like I come from a shack where we get our milk from the cow and walk ten miles to school, but the city lifestyle is a complete twist from what i’m used to. I could sit on a bench on any given street and just take in the diversity and curiosity I gain from watching people. From the bums laying on the benches surrounded by mounds of their personal belongings shoved into trash bags, to the groups of tourists in their neon yellow shirts, and the runners who come to a halt at the stop lights and have to jog in place, and the ones in suits and dresses scurrying off to work with a capuccino in hand. Love it. People are my inspiration. I want to know their stories; where they came from, tragedies in their life,  what made them who they are today.

4. Holocaust Museum I walked out of this museum in tears. I went in with little to no information on the background of the horrific event that went on in Germany, and came out so emotionally moved that I wanted to learn even more. It began with a simple exhibit with a trip through the life of child during the beginning of the transfer to the concentration camps and ended with a mountain of distressed shoes that were taken from the Jews before they went into the gas chambers. It was so eye opening to think that each one of those shoes belonged to a person. With a mom and a father and a family. And hopes and dreams of someday reaching. All cut short because of  the selfish actions of another person. The pictures, although very graphic, were what really got to me. Such emotion portrayed through one lone persons face.

5. Capitol Hill Last time visiting the Capitol I ended up on CNN. Well, in the background at least. We were standing on the steps and a very popular senator at the time in the news was scurrying out and I just so happened to be in the background. This time around though, no CNN, just a great tour through the dome and the Library of Congress. I’ve heard before about the crazy echo effect in the old House of Representatives, but I truly didn’t believe it until our tour guide walked all the way across the room filled with tons of bustling people and began talking. Hearing every word clear and crips as if he was by my side, I was looking around for a microphone or speakers, although there was nothing. Completely crazy.

6. Newseum With my dear interest for journalism, I assumed this would be the museum I’d love. And of course, it was. So many historical and iconic exhibits were available to see, and journalism was tied into every single one of them. The Berlin Wall and the piece of twisted metal off of one of the Twin Towers were my favorite. Such moving events in our history and there was living, physical proof that captivated so much emotion, pain, and hope to carry on.

7. Changing of guards at Arlington Cemetary The Arlington Cemetary was magnificent in itself, but watching the men walk so briskly and proud over the tomb was a sight to see. So much pride and dedication flowed from each man as they guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. With the monuments of D.C. peeking out over the tree tops in the background, this was yet another emotional sight that brought tears to my eyes. 

8. Looking at the Potomac River from the Kennedy Center At the end of our class trip we made a quick stop to the Kennedy Center and had some time to kill before heading off to our goodbye dance. Our group got to relax out on the open area overlooking the graceful Potomac River. As the sun was dipping low into the horizon and the water was drifting along its path, I truly could not have been any happier. I was with my best friends who meant the world to me, in a city that I loved, ending one of the most awe-inspiring trips I had ever been on.

Ashleigh Mavros first sparked her passionate interest for writing in the fourth grade by writing complex poems and short stories for a teacher that challenged her to think beyond the box; Ms. Fish.

Since her elementary years Ashleigh participated in the Power of the Pen creative writing contest during her seventh grade year, taking a third place overall out of a hundred and fifty students and a first place best of round one for her story titled “When They Call”.

Remaining active with her writing, Miss Mavros explored the ins and outs of a reporter as she shadowed numerous staff members at the Sandusky Register during her eighth grade year including news reporter Brandi Barhite, photographer Abigail Bobrow, and court reporter Tom Jackson.

In her freshman year of high school Ashleigh became a member of the Polar Press,  Margaretta High School’s student newspaper. Beginning as a news reporter, Ashleigh then moved onto being the sports editor, news editor, and co-editor of the paper for her next two years.  Ashleigh recieved the journalism student of the year award for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school year. For Ashleigh’s senior year she will take over as editor of the Polar Press.

Ashleigh has made high honor roll every quarter of her high school career and actively participates in 4H, National Honor Society, SADD, Ruri-Teens, Junior Leadership, Life Teen, and is a three year letter winner on her varsity swim team. 

Wow. That’s about all that I can say to cover the experience of the first day of my conference. From the one hour airplane ride on the baby jet to meeting people from across the country this has been one crazy, hectic day. It’s unbelieveable how much I could take in from just hearing one speaker, dozens of students, and experiencing the overall atmosphere of the city and campus. I was planning on coming to this conference to gain an insight on journalism, and I have a feeling this week is going to blow my mind away. My mind is rolling and i’m keeping a notepad with me everywhere I go because I can’t stop all the ideas from flowing into my head. I haven’t used my brain this much since a month before school let out….long time. Haha The students here are AMAZING. I know that everyone has their own stories and experiences and I just wish I could take a little bit from every person here! Well guess I should head to bed since I can’t even describe this anymore. Maybe after a good nights rest i’ll have had a lot to think about : ).