I Made a Pintrest Board!

Hey all! The convention is in less than two weeks!

I've decided to actually use my Pintrest account and create a NOLA themed board. If you want to be able to pin to it, please let me know!

And this blog is going to be moved to a different host so I'll be able to update it more efficiently. Stay tuned for the new URL! Please and thanks!

Will this happen?

I'm frustrated.

A month outside of the convention and I'm not sure I will be able to make this happen.

I want to take the trip. I don't want to let anyone down but I have to be rational. I have to be realistic. I've always said that there is a possibility that I would not be able to take this trip. I knew that going in with Philadelphia. I know that going in with this trip. However, I don't feel any less disappointed.

There's a lot riding on this trip. I'm on a panel about hustling. I don't want to let the people that put this together to feel slighted.

My reputation could be affected by this as well. After all, how can I be the one pushing people to go to the convention when there is a possibility that I cannot make it myself? I don't feel right doing that and that is why I have not been doing it as much as I used to. It feels hypocritical.

I didn't write this post to pity or guilt anyone.

I didn't write it thinking money would get thrown at me.

I wrote it to vent.

I wrote it to be transparent because this is the reality for many students.

Am I saying we shouldn't try to go? No!

I'm still going to try. I'm still going to promote. I have given myself a deadline and I'm going to stick to that deadline.

I'm going to try to make this work.

Somehow.

Wordless Wednesday

A snap from the Student's Choice Awards at NABJ '11! It was a lot of fun to be had and I hope to have some more!

You can donate to my NABJ '12 trip here.

Inspiration.

Yesterday was my first day of relaunching this blog and today, one of my friends told me I inspired her to get an idea of hers off of the ground. When she told me that, I was humbled. That conversation took me back to last August. I had made it to Philadelphia. I was introducing myself to people and trying to network and almost every time my name left my or someone else's lips, this blog or fundraising tweets were mentioned. An introvert by nature, the attention took me aback but I still appreciated the love. These people let me know that I didn't do all of this in vain. My friend's kind words conjured up similar feelings. She reminded me why I am doing this again.

I've went into these fundraisers knowing there is a chance I wouldn't be able to make it to the convention. I made it to Philadelphia but that doesn't mean I will make it to New Orleans. However, even if I don't make it, I know that I will still gain something from this experience. If my fundraising and blogging inspires someone to take a chance at a goal, then I know that I have accomplished something. Knowing that I have inspired other people inspires me. That is just as valuable, if not more, than the trips themselves.

I'm back!

Ash back! Ash back! *Rick Ross voice*

Welcome back to From ATL to Philly!

I know it has been a while but I am ready to start this journey again. In the midst of school, writing and a host of other things, I started fundraising again but I tried to do without the blogging component. Big mistake. It was a bit of laziness on my part and for that, I apologize. It isn't right of me to ask someone for something and not hold up my end and it took a phone call from one of my mentors to pull me out of my slump. I'm out and I'm ready to hustle. There are two months until the convention and I plan to use those two months.

Will I get to New Orleans? I have no idea. If I don't make it, I will be able to say I tried to make it.

Follicle Chronicles: My hair in Philly

The natural hair struggle is real, y'all. At least it was in Philadelphia.

Due to busyness and procrastination, I didn't get a chance to wash and twist my hair before I was able to catch my plane. I figured I would be able to work something out and find the time to do something to my hair when I arrived. I was wrong. I was barely in the hotel room for an hour before someone burst into the door and I heard, "Get up! Get dressed! You're going to a reception with me." It was Benet Wilson a.k.a. our beloved Aunt Benet and I wasn't going to say no to Auntie so I got up, got dressed and did some weird tuck thing to my hair. Not my best job, but it worked!

Here's a picture:

Me and Auntie at the reception. Picture courtesy of Andrew Humphrey

I thought this hairdo would be a one-time thing. I was wrong. One thing I learned during my stay in Philly was the convention will keep a person busy! I barely had time to take a breath let alone twist my hair up. As a result, I wore the style for another day. 

I ended up hating it so I decided to throw some chunky twists in my hair and hope for the best in the morning. Thank goodness for the twist-out. My hair came out looking like this:

It lasted until the day I left to go home. 

I'm determined to do better. How? I might try the following

Wear it straight

I suck at using heat in my hair so it would have to be done by someone else. My hair hasn't been straight in over a year because I don't want to damage it. Hopefully, one of the people I'm rooming with will know her way around a flat iron without frying my tresses.

Experiment!

I love twists, twist-outs and my fro but I think I need to be a tad more versatile especially for social and business functions. Looks like it's time for me to peruse a few blogs and Youtube channels. I might whip out my perm rod and rollers and improve my rollersetting skills. 

Hopefully, I'll be more prepared for NOLA. 

NABJ naturals, what did you do with your tresses in Philly? What are you going to do for NOLA?

Side note: See that little box on the top hand corner? It's connected to my Road to NOLA fund. If you're so inclined, spare a dollar or two. No amount is too big or small. It all counts!

Just throw it in the bag....

Poor thing. It has seen better days. 

I was elated when I got my NABJ backpack in Philly. To me, that bag was the ultimate souvenir. I felt a little burst of pride as I rolled it around Philadelphia with my convention badge hanging around my neck. The handle is a tad short, but that didn't stop me from taking to all of my workshops. Even now, that backpack has become my computer bag. Whenever I want to take Coco, my laptop, on campus, I bring out the NABJ bag and Coco is able to roll through Atlanta with me. Sadly, due to wear and tear, I will be retiring the bag soon. Thankfully, I'll be getting another in NOLA and a little birdie told me that convention planners want feedback from members about next year's bags. Personally, I wouldn't mind another backpack as along as the handle is a tad longer. 

What about you? What do you want to carry in NOLA?

Get involved!

Me and Rachel Huggins (@HugginsRachel) in Philly for NABJ '11! I'm going to use pictures from the trip for posts as often as possible!

Over the past few months, I have made it my business to become more involved with my local NABJ chapter. I am on the executive board for the chapter at my school and I regularly attend events and meetings hosted by the professionals. I have never left an AABJ event dissatisfied and I always encourage other students to come. Sadly, I think this advice tends to fall on deaf ears.

In April, I wrote an article for my school paper urging journalism students to get involved with student media and professional organizations.

Here's an excerpt:

There are probably hundreds of journalism students on campus, yet, when I have asked students if they are involved in student media, I usually get a blank stare. I usually get the same reaction if I ask someone if they are involved in professional organizations like the Atlanta Press Club or the National Association of Black Journalists.

It seems like that message has fallen on deaf ears. Trying to get people to come to meetings and events can be like pulling teeth. I can make the prettiest flier and talk about networking until I am blue in the face but as the old saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. Only a few horses are drinking.

I didn't write this post to complain or make myself look good. I want this platform to promote student involvement in NABJ and other journalism organizations. Students, we literally have hundreds of opportunity at our finger tips and in our backyards and we're not using them as much as we should. The professionals want to help. They like seeing us at events and speaking up at meetings. After all, they were in our place at one point. They know how hard it is for someone to get into the journalism industry, especially as a person of color. But, the can't help us if they don't know us. We need to get involved.

If you have an NABJ chapter at your school, go to the meeting and show up to the events. If not, get some people together and start one. If you need help, let someone know! Reach out to your NABJ family.

If you're ever in Atlanta or we happen to pass by each other at a convention, speak! I won't bite you and I won't side-eye you. I'm sure there are plenty of other members that have the same open door policy.

As yet another saying goes, a close mouth don't get fed.

How you you get and stay involved?

NABJ 2012 Teaser

I don't know about you but I'm ready! 

Link Love: 10 Steps to Being a Better Student Journalist

Check out this guest post by student member Ameena Rasheed on the NABJ Digital blog.

Here's an excerpt:

I was able to attend the 2011 NABJ Multimedia Short Course at Florida A&M University, Sept. 8-11 and it was an exceptional experience. I learned a wealth of information that made me a better journalist and I feel the need to share those skills that I learned with my fellow NABJ students. Here we go!
1. This first tidbit is one that I received from Florida A&M University Professor Dorothy Bland. Expand your network and get involved in a multitude of journalism and professional organizations. From the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) to the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), there are a plethora of associations you can join to diversify your network. Try to shy away from keeping your circle of connections “strictly chocolate.”
2. Make sure you not only know current events, but details about historical events in history like 9/11. Don’t forget about government officials (President’s Cabinet and Supreme Court Justices) and international dignitaries. REMEMBER: Spelling counts, so make sure that you know the names of these people backwards and forwards. Many news organizations, like CNN, give current events quizzes to future employees. The last thing that you want to do is end up unemployed because of something like a misspelled name.

My chapter featured on the national site!

Check it out!

Wordless Wednesday: Workin' At the Car Wash!

I Wish I Went to an HBCU

As I entered my senior year of high school, I was excited to start applying to colleges. I was already dreaming of dorm life and couldn't wait to see what it would be like to "be on my own." I didn't have a long list of qualities I wanted in a college but I did know one thing: I didn't want to go to an HBCU.

That wasn't a typo. Before I went to college, I was anti-HBCU. I believed every stereotype that surrounded them. Every school I attended prior to college had a 99.9% Black student population and I thought I needed diversity or what I thought would be diversity. I had a vision in my head of my multicolored friends sitting in the cafeteria talking and laughing. I didn't think I would find diversity at an HBCU. 

Well, as the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20.

Thank to the internet and MARTA, I have been able to visit the HBCUs in my city and interact with HBCU students across the country. When I hear these students talk about the history and culture of their schools, I feel a sense of longing. When I visited the AUC, I felt like I was home. The students didn't care if I went to GSU. They just wanted to have a good time. I didn't feel like a brown dot getting lost in a multicolored sea. I was around my people. 

Don't get me wrong, my experiences at GSU have mostly been positive but I feel like I would have excelled had I matriculated in more close knit environment. Yes, State has a lot of resources but they are general resources. One size fits all.

This post might come off as a bit idealistic to some but I don't care. I've been thinking about taking classes at Clark or Spelman for a change of scenery, so I might be able to test my theory. Until then, we'll just have to wait and see.

What do you think? Did you choose the right college? Are there things you would change?

Funk

I was not myself yesterday.

I was beating myself up. I was comparing myself to A, B, C and D.

Essentially, I felt like crap.

Normally, I'm a private person. It's hard for me to open up so it took me hours to muster up the courage to type this post. I don't want come off as a sap but I figure typing a post like this might help someone that is experiencing similar feelings.

I am a social media fiend. I use it every day, throughout the day. As I scroll through my news feeds and time lines, I see people raving about their new internship, apartment, kitchen sink and etc. I love seeing people experience the joy that comes with a new accomplishment but sometimes, there's an evil little voice in the back of my head.

"Why don't you have that?"

"What's wrong with you?"

Sometimes, that little voice sounds like a whisper. Sometimes, it sounds like a shriek. It drives me crazy. But I'm hopeful.

I felt this way when I was still on my Road to Philly. But I ended up in Philly and have several unedited pictures to prove it. I did that and I'm going to do more. I'm going to pull myself out of this funk.

There's a light at the end of my tunnel. There's a light at the end of every tunnel.

Sometimes, I just need a reminder.

Are you moving or shaking?

As you know, this blog is targeted towards uplifting Black students and young professionals. I'm love giving people their props is their doing it big and are good at what they do. That said, I'm looking for people to interview for my (hopefully) weekly Movers and Shakers feature.

What am I looking for?

Someone who is a beast at what they do. Young people that are trying to move on up in the world. Someone that sets themselves apart from the rest. The early bird that gets the worm.

Movers and Shakers are ideally between the ages of 18-35 but I am willing to make slight concessions.

If you or someone you know fits that description, email me at ashleighatwell@gmail.com so I can do a feature or allow them to publish a guest post.

Vote or Die (er..Not Really)

Students!

Today is the LAST day for you to vote for your student representative. At 5PM, the polls will be closed and the votes will be counted. If you haven't voted, I don't know what the heck you're waiting for but you need to do so as soon as possible.

It is obvious where my allegiance lies, but we have two qualified candidates. Two students that are willing to be our only voice on the NABJ national board. That is a huge task to undertake but Marissa and Wesley are willing to step up and take it. The least we can do for them is vote. It takes less than a minute. Check the box and you're done. No bells and whistles. No jumping through hoops.

Last time, only 140 of us voted. There are over 1000 of us. There are 465 members in the NABJ students Facebook group and 766 people following the NABJ students Twitter page. I am aware that students aren't the only ones in these social media groups but we probably make up the majority. If we can click a "like" or "follow" button, we check that ballot box. We have no excuse. I don't pay $43 a year to be in this organization to rest on my laurels. If I have a voice, I'm going to use it. I love this organization and I want to see it grow. We are the future of this organization. If we are complacent now, what will happen to NABJ 10 years from now?

If you're undecided, I understand. We have two great candidates. It can be hard to choose between them. I get it. However, both of them have websites and both are easily accessible on Facebook and Twitter. Indecisiveness isn't a reason not to vote.

Hopefully, you will heed these word and check that little box. If not, I hope you get your money's worth.

Welcome Back!

Today is the official relaunch of From Atlanta to Philly!

After a lot of thought, I've decided to keep this thing going and I am very excited to bring you some fresh content. This blog started out as a fundraising accessory. Now, it has became a part of my brand and career and I will do whatever I can to keep it going. That means no more sporadic post and one dimensional content. There will most likely be a Road to NOLA (more on that later) but it will not be the central focus of this blog.

At From Atlanta to Philly, the motto is for students by a student. That means most of this content will cater to students and young professionals but don't fret if you don't fit into that category. There will be something for everyone.

Stay tuned.

Wordless Wednesday: Bigger Vision, Meaningful Impact

http://www.marissaevans.com 

Wordless Week: Day 1

Hi all!


I'm in the process of revamping this blog. In the meantime, I will be posting pictures from my trip to Philadelphia. I have enough to have a Wordless Month but I wouldn't do that to my readers. I enjoyed meeting so many of you and I'm glad my little corner of the internet has touched so many people. Enjoy the pictures and I will resume my normal posting next week. 

My new favorite place in the world: Reading Terminal!

Thank You!

I've been fundraising for my trip to the convention since February and as August quickly approaches, I feel like I should take some time to thank the people that have supported my efforts. There were times that made me feel like I was in over my head and I wouldn't make it to the convention but there were people that urged me to keep at it and I think those people deserve some recognition.



Mommy: Thanks for sticking with me through this process, for being the first to buy my tee shirts and for not allowing me to give up on this project. I appreciate you for all of this and more. I love you.

Toya and Dee Dee: Thank you for helping me out even though you have your own families, homes and careers to worry about. I love my big sisters and I miss you both.

Rina: Thanks for your help and generous spirit. You didn't have to do half of what you did. Thanks for the support.

The Rest of the Family: Thanks for supporting my efforts and not telling me I was crazy for doing this. I love you guys.

Jarrodd: Thanks for being where you always are: by my side. You support almost everything I do, no matter how crazy and cockamamie it might sound. I love you baby.

NABJ/AABJ Family: There are so many people I could name but this post would be entirely too long! I have forged so many great connections since I started this process and I believe those connections will last me for a lifetime. I think I have found friends, mentors and potential collaborators in many of you. Special shouts to Rod Hicks and Benet Wilson for doing your best to help me get to the convention and for your advice on everything from this trip to my career. I would also like to extend shouts to Marissa Evans for her advice and support as well. I enjoy our phone calls and I love that you trust me enough to bounce your ideas off of me. I hope we get to work together one day. I'm always one call away! I would also like to shout out my travel buddy Areyonne Johnson. You are a sweetheart and I can't wait til August. We're gonna represent for GSU!

If I forgot your name, please don't feel slighted. I appreciate EVERYONE that has been supportive (I need another word, lol) of this journey.