The title is also the name of my band by the way… http://www.myspace.com/takenbysurprisenj
ANYWAYSS
This week, as my title suggests, was surprising. I’ve never been surrounded by so many people that were so eager to meet each other. I guess New Jersey isn’t a very friendly place? But I have not found a person here I do not like or a person who has not interested me.
I am also very surprised at the level of commitment that my fellow correspondents have to learn. Most people I talk to have a major reluctance to do this, but I think almost everyone here has gained something from the conference. I don’t mean to brown-nose, but it’s true.
I think this week may have been one of the most rewarding of my life. I made connections with some amazing people with whom I hope I will be in contact with for years after this, especially when it comes time to enter the “real world.”
I think the most profound moment of my experience here was at last nights concurrent session. I shook hands with Kathy Orton, a Washington Post sports writer, whom I told of my interest in photojournalism and especially in sports photography. She told me to send her an e-mail and she would put me in contact with Washington Post staff photographers. Opportunities like that don’t happen every day, and I think this conference has opened up a lot of doors.
Unfortunately none of these doors have good food or bedding behind them. Or a good night’s rest.
Peace,
Bri Guy