NEW YORK CITY–A group of 16 students accompanied by Mr. Swain, Mrs. Decker and Mrs. Ostrander attended the annual Columbia Scholastic Press Association journalism conference in NYC last week. Galway was one of the many schools from across the country at Columbia University.  Students were given the opportunity to choose from a number of different classes depending on their own personal preference.The variety of courses ranged from workshops on technology to photography, poetry, vocabulary, reporting and much more. Aside from obtaining knowledge and ideas to bring back and share with our fellow staff members, we had the opportunity to interact and share experiences with students who traveled from as far as San Francisco to attend this conference.

Although we did not travel as far as many students from other schools had, we sure had our share of interesting travel experiences. Our bus departed from Albany at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, and around 10 a.m. we arrived in NYC. Next began what was the first subway experience for many of us. How to best describe this experience? Let’s just say we met some interesting people. For future reference if you’re claustrophobic and are not comfortable being packed in a subway with strangers like a can of sardines, I suggest you find an alternate means of transportation.

Once we were on the beautiful Columbia campus, we attempted to acclimate ourselves to the layout of the campus and navigate to our classes. Let me just note how grateful I am to attend a school where the classes are, for the most part, all within a square of four hallways. Even with a map, finding classes and arriving on time was a lot more difficult then you would expect. Later that afternoon the crew ventured to Little Italy for dinner. The restaurant was absolutely gorgeous, and all the food sounded appetizing so we looked to Ben Manna for recommendations. You would think the Italian himself, whose family owns a restaurant, would have a better suggestion than “Everything’s good,”  but he sure was correct on that–all the food was delicious. After a few quick stops to shops in Little Italy, we headed back to the hotel, exhausted.

Day 2 came and we were up and out of our hotel early, ready for classes. Of course, the way there included what had already become a routine stop, Starbucks. I’m sure Starbucks appreciated our loyalty, not to mention our humor. Yes, see every normal person would boringly give their first name to the lady at the counter, but where’s the fun in that? Keep in mind we’re Galway students, so we were neither normal or boring. The worker smirked as she called out the caramel frappe for “Bueller.”  After numerous classes on digital media offerings, careers in the field of journalism, ways to write effective leads, and how to interview, we left the university and went to a “Moth Story Slam” at The HousingWorks. After waiting outside in a line to get in for about two hours, I would say it was definitely worth it. Ten volunteers were chosen to share their stories on the topic of the night which was “Busted.” Every guest also wrote a story of a time when they almost got away with something on a slip of paper and submitted it to the host of the show, so some audience members were lucky enough to have their slip read throughout the night. The stories brought laughter, tears and everything in between. I recommend it to everyone, English fans or not, you’ll love it, hands down.

Our last and final day in the city ended with a walking tour of Central Park. We then ventured through Times Square and scurried back to our hotel to make it in time for check out and to catch our bus. We arrived home to snowflakes. All and all, it was a great trip, and the bus ride home was much better and less nauseating then the ride there, if I do say so myself. I’m sure I’m neglecting to mention a variety of activities, but you had to be there to understand the madness. Have you decided you’re interested in attending the Journalism conference next year? Are you interested or already a part of EMC or GTV? If not, what are you waiting for?!  See Mrs. Decker, Mrs. Ostrander, Mr. Swain or any of the students who attended the conference with any further questions.

Unsure if you may be interested in attending?

Well there’s only one way to find out, as the Nike motto goes, just do it!