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Pretending to be a broadcast journalist at Newseum

I've only just begun to immerse myself into journalism, but this weekend I decided to take the plunge. I flew back to the East Coast to attend the 3rd Annual DC Journalism Job Fair at the Georgetown School of Continuing Studies to meet other people in the field and talk to recruiters.

Early on Saturday morning, I put on my business attire, my pumps, and my neutral nail polish, and took the 7:35 MARC train down to Washington, D.C. It was raining when I arrived, but beautiful as always. The first time I visited D.C. was in 6th grade, during the muggy month of May, but I felt at home amongst the towering monuments and in the busy streets. The subsequent times I have visited since - twice - I have only fallen more in love with our nation's capital. 

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien at Union Station to fuel up for my long day.
Avocado toast and coffee: yum!

The job fair was an overwhelming, but exciting experience. I was nervous and wobbled in my heels as I walked into the atrium. I introduced myself to many people and handed out my newspaper clips and resumes. The recruiters and fellow job seekers were friendly and kind which made my first job fair not only memorable, but enjoyable. 

Afterwards, I took the metro to Penn Quarter and walked over to one of my favorite museums, Newseum, because I had not yet had enough news for the day! The last time I visited was during that school trip in 6th grade, and I remember being awestruck by the importance of journalism in our world today. I took my time walking through the exhibits and had a lovely afternoon at the museum. It's a spacious building with large glass windows and a steady flow of people moving throughout the galleries. By the way, if you're interested in going to Newseum, you should go now because tickets are 15% off! 

Newseum's gorgeous glass windows

My favorite exhibit was probably the permanent 9/11 Gallery on the fourth floor. There was an emotional display about the photojournalist Bill Biggart, who died while photographing the attacks. His photos were absolutely stunning, but in a twisted and tragic way. Inside the little theater was a short documentary about the journalists who covered 9/11. I watched the video, crying silently the entire time. 

Bill Biggart's photos before his tragic death on 9/11

I was four years old on 9/11 and didn't see the news that day. Watching the footage fifteen years later was disturbing and jarring; I truly felt that I had taken a step back in time. When the plane crashed through the second tower I had to look away. The journalists who reported in New York talked about how they had to compartmentalize being a reporter and being a person: a feat not many of us can do. They interviewed eye witnesses and recorded the collapse of the Twin Towers. The work they did was monumental and so important in capturing one of the worst days in history. 

I left D.C. feeling tired - note to self: do not wear heels for the whole day ever again - but inspired and invigorated. The advice I received from almost every recruiter was to keep writing. I plan on doing just that. 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.