Philly: Days 2 and 3

It has been a long and exciting two days since I've blogged about my time in Philly. Time to catch up.

On Wednesday, I started my day off with a learning lab co-sponsored by NABJ's Visual and Digital Journalism task forces. The session, titled Multimedia Training: The Innovation, gave attendees an introduction to visual journalism and shared information on how to use technology to enhance a journalist's career. The panelist shared software, social media ideas, and other ways potential multimedia journalists can take their career to the next level. I walked into that session as a print journalist and left wanting to be able to myself a multimedia journalist by next year's convention.

After the lab, me and a group of students went to the Reading Terminal Market for lunch. It was awesome. They had everything. Vendors sold a variety of items including fresh meat, fresh fruit, jewelry, clothing and handmade cosmetics. There were various restaurants that sold a variety of cuisines including Mediterranean, Chinese and Italian.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do much after the learning lab and lunch because I had to hold a conference call but thankfully, yesterday made up for that short day.

Yesterday morning, my day began with the Arianna Huffington talk. As expected, there was controversy over NABJ's decision to let her talk and the crowd was met with protesters distributing fliers about Huffington's rumored unwillingness to pay some of her writers. Nonetheless, the event went off without a hitch. Highlights included a personal message from President Obama, a jig, speech and Q&A from Attorney General Eric Holder and a dance from a troupe from Camden, New Jersey. After the Huffington event, I went to a round table that included some of NABJ's 44 founders, who discussed everything from the industry during the 60s and 70s to the founding of NABJ and the Unity controversy. I felt privileged to be apart of that event and it made me proud to be a member of this organization.

When the founders' event was over, I was able to grab lunch with a few other students before heading back to Marriott to "volunteer" with the Digital Journalism task force. I don't want to say why I put the word volunteer into quotes just yet but I would like to give my fellow students a bit of advice: if you're asked to volunteer, do it. Don't ask questions. Just do it.

I ended the night with the Student's Choice Awards. That event was the first time I was able to chill with a large group of students without professionals around. Needless to say, it was a good time to be had by all and I will show you how good of a time it was in another post.

Time for pictures!

Philly: Day 1

Greetings from the City of Brotherly Love!

I made it to Philly yesterday and I hit the ground running.

I boarded my first flight at 11 AM after going through the zoo that is Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The flight itself was relatively uneventful but the ride to the hotel made me appreciate my hometown. Prior to my arrival, I thought Atlanta had the worst roads ever but Philly has Atlanta beat in that area. Riding that shuttle made me feel like I was on a mini roller coaster.

I made it to the hotel in about 10 minutes and tried unsuccessfully to take a nap. After an hour or so, I started to doze off and that's when my roommate, Benet Wilson AKA YOUR Aunt Benet came to the room and had me get dressed and accompany her to a reception. Admittedly, I was a tad confused but I threw on some clothes. The event turned out to be a reception for the Philadelphia Media Network. I met and spoke with several notable NABJers including NABJ co-founder Paul Brock, current NABJ presidential candidates Deirdre Childress and Charles Robinson III and former NABJ president, Herb Lowe.

It was a great event and I'm glad Aunt Benet took me because networking is key and I can never have too
many connections.

Now, without further ado, pictures!

Coming out of neutral...

It was a hard decision.

Both student candidates are very qualified and have been doing some heavy campaigning. But, I had to choose one and I did. 

I am officially endorsing Marissa Evans as candidate for student representative. I believe she has all of the right tools to lead NABJ's student members. I have heard people imply that she has on rose colored glasses when it comes to NABJ and I completely disagree with that assertion. I've talked to Marissa several times over the phone and internet and I believe she has a vision. She doesn't mind thinking out of the box and that won me over.

I voted for Marissa and I hope many others follow my lead. Vote here. 

See you in Philly!

NOLA 2012!

I'm excited about the NABJ 2012 convention and I haven't been to Philly yet. Why? The location. NABJ 2012 is going to be in New Orleans! I've admired this city from afar for years and I finally have a good reason to visit. I'm going to start preparing for this trip early so look out for Road to NOLA in the near future.

How do you feel about NOLA being the location for NABJ 2012? Drop a comment.

5 More Days!

The convention is in 5 days!

I'm beyond elated. All of my work is about to pay off. I will be blogging EVERY NIGHT while I'm in Philadelphia. So look out! Also, I don't usually post on weekends but I'm making an exception so look out for a fashion post sometime tomorrow or Sunday!

Student Journo Program: CWR Virtual Cultural XChange

I found another great program for student journos! Check out the excerpt below.

The CWR Virtual Cultural XChange (VCX) Program is just as the name suggests, a cultural exchange program that uses telecommunications and Internet technology to allow student journalists from different countries including, Brazil, China, Nigeria, the U.S.A., and other countries to exchange cultural information and network with each other without ever leaving home. The intent is for the participants to learn about each other’s cultures and then to share what they are learning with our CWR readers and to take our readers on a virtual journey to learn about the different participating countries, their cultures, and their people, through the experiences of the participating students sharing what they have learned, and through a systematic program developed for students to write about a different aspect of their culture and people each month in The College World Reporter.

The director of the program told me that the program has been very successful among students that form groups with others that attend their university. I plan on applying and any other student reading this should consider doing the same. Also, if any student at Georgia State is considering applying for this program and would like to form a group with me, email me at aatwell3@student.gsu.edu.

Email TheCWR@CWRMagOnline.com for more information.

Show and Tell: Part 2

I've gotten a variety of answers for the question I posed about portfolios. I've decided that I'm going to a digital portfolio as well as a physical one to take to Philadelphia. The only issue I'm facing is whether or not I want to set it up as a traditional website or a blog site. I want my readers to help me decide by participating in a poll. Chose the option that you think is best for me. I will be unveiling the site later this month.