Earlier this month, I had the honor of representing Excelsior Springs as a youth correspondent at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) at George Mason University in Washington, D.C. It was an incredible opportunity to explore journalism, network with industry professionals, and learn more about writing, broadcasting, and reporting.
The journey began on July 7th with an early flight from KCI Airport. Upon landing in D.C., I was met by conference chaperones and transported to George Mason University’s campus, where I met my roommate and settled in for the busy week ahead. The conference began with an opening night address from Alexis Johnson an Emmy-winning news correspondent based in Washington D.C. She emphasized the importance of expanding our professional networks, finding our niche, and continuously learning new skills in journalism.
The first full day of the conference included a visit to Planet Word, a museum dedicated to language and communication. There, I engaged with interactive displays and listened to an inspiring speech by Doni Holloway, an alumnus of George Mason University and a multimedia journalist and producer for NBC/MSNBC. Holloway’s message was clear: “Dreams come true.” He urged us to persist in our passions and reminded us that it only takes one person to believe in us for our dreams to become reality.
Later that day, we toured monuments on the National Mall. I proudly posed with Missouri’s pillar at the World War II Memorial, walked to the Lincoln Memorial at sunset, and visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial at twilight. The beauty of these sites provided a beautiful backdrop to reflect upon the day’s experiences.
Tuesday began with early morning sessions featuring Andrias White Murdaugh, an anchor on WTVR CBS6, and Kevin McCarthy, an entertainment reporter and film critic. Murdaugh’s interactive approach and emphasis on community journalism deeply resonated the work we do at the Excelsior Citizen. Murdaugh stressed the importance of being a community resource that provides truth and trust.
McCarthy’s journey from a passionate movie-goer to a prominent film critic was a great example of the power of enthusiasm and perseverance. His advice was to use our student status and “just ask” for opportunities. “The worst they can say is no, but you can at least try,” McCarthy he said. By asking for opportunities, McCarthy has been able to interview and befriend some of his favorite directors and actors like Ryan Reynolds, Stephen Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino. After his speech, I briefly spoke with him about getting into film, acting, making connections, and Wes Anderson movies. He emphasized, “You should always be yourself; your true personality can be entertainment,” and gave some encouragement, saying he’s “looking forward to seeing me on the big screen one day.”
Tuesday’s activities also included a visit to the National Press Club, where we heard from Susan Goldberg, president of GBH and a producer at CBS. She shared examples of the reporting she’s been a part of and stressed the importance of continually being open to learning new things both as a journalist and citizen. The evening closed with Nick Johnston, publisher of Axios, who shared strategies for setting goals and discussed how he writes short stories to inform and educate readers.
Wednesday started with a newsroom simulation where we practiced writing short stories similar to those found on Axios. We pitched our stories to publishers and received helpful feedback.
Anna Layden, a freelance photojournalist, shared stories about what it was like to get up close and personal with politicians on Capitol Hill. She emphasized the importance of confidence and proximity for capturing dynamic and moving photos. Layden mentioned her friend Tom Brenner, a photojournalist and friend of the Excelsior Citizen who visited Excelsior Springs during the Missouri Photo Workshop in 2022. We bonded over our shared connection and discussed her favorite stories to capture. She explained that she enjoys covering family issues and values, emphasizing human connection.
Later that evening, I attended a session with investigative reporter Bria Lloyd, who highlighted the necessity of long-term, in-depth storytelling in journalism. Lloyd’s insights into effective investigative techniques and her willingness to offer future assistance were incredibly valuable. She also discussed her involvement in creating a documentary on George Floyd’s death and the importance of race in America. Lloyd emphasized that all journalists should possess investigative skills to understand and communicate complex issues.
Thursday’s itinerary included a guided tour of the United States Capitol. Afterward, I explored the House of Representative offices, where I found Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s office and met one of her interns. I admired the famous Canon Tunnel, decorated with art from youth across the country. I then used the Senator subway system to reach the Senate side offices and was able to catch a glimpse of Senator Mitch McConnell’s office.
The final day of the conference featured a heartfelt goodbye speech from George Mason University alumnus Keirsten Robinson. Her words reinforced the lasting impact of the connections we made and the experiences we shared. The conference reassured me that my work at the Excelsior Citizen is meaningful and impactful. Through team-building exercises, work simulations, and engaging with seasoned journalists, I developed new leadership and work strategies. The friendships and professional relationships formed during this week will undoubtedly influence my future in journalism and beyond.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
