Column: D.C. trip provided multiple learning opportunities
I was asked to write about my experience of going to Washington D.C. and representing the school at the 2019 National College Media Conference and to pick one thing that had the most impact on me.
The problem I saw in this would be that I couldn’t pick out just one thing, as everything I saw and did while at the conference had a positive impact.
The first thing would be the sessions I went to, where I learned more about sports reporting, sports photography and photography in general. I knew going in I would learn more information than what I knew already.
With the sessions on sports in general, I learned some helpful tips which I plan to put in effect for the sports section with the Pacer Times as well as the rest of my career in the journalism business when I’m finished with my schooling.
For the photography side of the sessions, I picked up some tips to not only help with my photography in general, but also to help my career as a photographer so that I could continue to grow both in schools and in the regular world.
While in a session I also learned to take critique of my picture, whereas in the past I tried to stay away from since I was my own worst enemy and never really wanted my pictures to be judged.
For the photography contest, I was to enter one picture that I took while in D.C. of someone who either works or lives in the area and to tell a story about that person. Even though I entered one picture that I was proud of taking and learned more about the man’s story, I was knocked out in the semi-final round but I took it with a grain of salt and was able to take away the knowledge that I’d learned.
Outside of the sessions I met some new people who also did sports reporting or editing, and photographers from different schools. I learned the different ways that they did their photography and traded tips and notes. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful, and even though we didn’t get to go through all the museums we wanted to, it was still overall a great experience.
If I was asked if I wanted to do it again next year I would say yes. In addition to learning new tips and expanding my knowledge, the friendship I gained was more important than touring D.C. itself.
This column is written with the opinions of one editor and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Pacer Times.
