She was among the 150 students representing 35 states and territories chosen to participate in this five-day event.
“My trip to the Washington Journalism and Media Conference was amazing,” she said. “Every day, we would take a bus to Washington, D.C. to listen to different speakers talk about their experiences working in the journalism and media field. News correspondents from FOX, CNN, NBC, USA TODAY, and other news stations were able to speak to us.”
Mary said she “learned so much from this conference. I realized how important time management is, and that time is really precious. It’s something that should definitely be used wisely. Every speaker also told us that if we have a dream, work hard to get it. Don’t give up, and be persistent. Don’t be afraid of rejection, don’t be afraid of the word ‘no.’ Because for every ‘no’ that you get, that should be used as motivation to continue to work hard to hear a ‘yes.’ ”
Aside from participating in the conference, Mary was able to take a break and visit many places in Washington, D.C.
“We took trips to the Holocaust Museum, the Newseum, the Smithsonian Institute, going on a moonlit monument tour, and we toured the U.S. Capitol and other places.”
Some of the coordinators wanted to teach the students how to become independent, so they gave each a map and dropped them off at a certain place.
Mary was also able to find her way to the Cannon Building where she visited Congressman Kilili Camacho Sablan.
“Congressman Sablan and his staff were extremely hospitable and I am very grateful for that. It was such a pleasure meeting with them, and I’d like to give them a big thank you for all they have done for me,” Mary said.
Mary hopes to use her experience toward motivating her peers to never give up hope.
“I would use my experience at this conference to encourage students not to give up. Anyone can make it in this world, no matter who they are, how they look, or where they come from. all they need is the motivation, and the determination to succeed. I’d share my experience to those who worry about their future. It’s really something we should all look forward to, we shouldn’t fear it.”
For the upcoming school year, Mary will be the JROTC battalion commander, a member of the National Honor Society, the Music Club, the Inetnon Natibu Club, Close-up, the Youth Advisory Panel as well as a national youth correspondent representing the CNMI. She was recently appointed by acting Gov. Eloy Inos as the new student representative to the Board of Education.
