Getting the Spot
I was recently one of 25 aspiring journalists accepted into the University of Alabama's Multicultural Journalism Workshop. I was exceptionally grateful for this opportunity of a lifetime. Plus it was free. Who can turn down an all expense paid trip. 
BAMA...ugh
I'm not a fan of the University of Alabama. My mother had to tranquilize me in order to get me to come here. I am a HUGE Florida Gators fan. I would have worn my florida shirt but I didn't want to get mugged. Plus, that would be disrespectful. But on a more serious note, this campus is beautiful. i must applaud the landscapers for keeping the grasses, trees, and shrubbery so beautiful.
UA's Quad
Getting There
Although check-in was from 1:00-3:00 my mother, being the over-achiever that she is, decided that we would leave home at 10:00. The thing is, I live in Helena and Tuscaloosa is only 45 minutes ago. So we arrive in T-town super early (like 11:20). We waste time by going to McDonalds. I wanted to go to Dreamland Barbecue but I am on a budget. After that we go to Paty Hall and unload my stuff in my dorm. By that time it is 1:00. The first event didn't start until 5:30! My mom hugged me and told me goodbye and then left. Let the fun begin...
Fun
Fun consisted of me sitting in my dorm room #209. My roommate checked in shortly later. his name was Kevin Wu. His dad was a Chairman over something at the University. He seemed like a nice enough person. We conversed for a while and then he and his father left to go find the esteemed Dr. Mullins the director of the MJW. I stayed in my room and called my friend. We talked for 73 minutes. After we were through talking, I roamed the hallway looking for the other 24 people who were supposed to be here. I must admit that i was looking for the girls. Hahaha! I met Aaron and Thronzo who were in the rooms adjacent to my own. There was nothing else to do so I set my cell alarm for 5:00 and went to sleep.
****time passes****
Silver Anniversary Banquet
The banquet was nice. It was at the Sheraton Five Points Hotel near the campus. The decor was eloquent. For dinner we had mashed potatoes, baked chicken smothered in brown gravy, a roll, and some mixed vegetables. We also had cheesecake!
-Keeping the Faith-
We had many speakers. The one that stood out to me was Dr. Merv Aubespin. Everyone calls him "Uncle Merv". He talked about his experiences in journalism and the need for developing a passion for journalism. He told us that there were times when we wouldn't like our work and would feel like giving up. All we had to do was keep the faith. He told us how his journalism career has took him all across the world. He has been to 20+ African countries, has spent time with Nelson Mandela, and has accomplished many other feats. He was described by a fellow camper as being a caramel-kissed Santa Claus. He is indeed a man of distinction.
Dr. Merv Aubespin Keynote speaker.
