State Journalism Convention

I went to the state Journalism Association of Community Colleges convention in Sacramento with a big smile on my face and came back with an even bigger smile.

pc: John Rose

After months of waiting, I found out I was accepted to CSUN the day before I left for the convention. The night the convention ended, I won first place for on-the-spot opinion writing!

And just when I thought life couldn't get any better on the bus ride back as I did absolutely nothing but stare off into the blooming, rolling hills of California—that was basically the only break I had during spring break.

But it was absolutely worth it.

When I found out I was accepted to CSUN, I was checking the online portal like I always did about twice a day. At the same time, I was actually calling my dad—not because I was expecting to get a response from CSUN—but to ask him a question regarding my taxes. As soon as he answered the phone, my CSUN portal page loaded and I could automatically tell that they responded to my application. Freaking out, I scanned through the few big paragraphs on the screen for the word "accepted." I found it and started to tear up in happiness and relief all while my dad was on the phone. I called my best friend Julia right after— we're going to be roommates at CSUN!!!

Now I could fully enjoy my experience at the journalism convention!

I signed up for two contests at the convention which were opinion writing and copy editing. The last night at the convention all of us were dined to a nice dinner right before the award ceremony. We all dressed up for the night and were eager to find out if we won anything. As soon as they started calling names for the opinion writing contest, my heart was racing. As an opinion editor, this meant a lot to me. They worked their way backwards starting with honorable mentions, fourth place through first place. After they called second place, I realized I had to be first or I wouldn't be called. At that point I blocked out my "what if's" and started clapping for whoever won first place—they called my name. I looked at Julia and everyone else from The Channels all looking at me with their jaws wide open. I stood up, realizing that yes, they actually called my name. The clapping and cheering in the room was loud, but my my thoughts were louder. Placing my hand over my heart, I felt as though I was having heart palpitations as I was walking up to the stand. It was like graduating from high school when I pretty much blacked out walking across the stage receiving my diploma. It goes by so quick, it's like I can't contain so much happiness all at once.

This was it. This was the moment that everything in my lifetime—every stressful day of my education— it all came together into a plaque, validating that I have what it takes to make the bigger dreams in my life a reality.

The best part about receiving this award, is that I received it by writing a personal column. Ever since my cancer treatment, I've wanted to write an autobiography to inspire others. If I can win first place out of all the community college journalists in California, I can get a book published!

As of right now, I have absolutely no time for anything else but school for the next month. I'm excited to receive my journalism associate for transfer degree and move towards the next chapter of my life, but right now I'm in the homestretch at SBCC and it's time to give it my all and focus.

Gotta go write a story for The Channels, catch up on my latest stories below!

Trustee represents SBCC at D.C. summit as new legislative liaison

Board of Trustees approves student health fee increase

Gender-neutral bathroom topic turns heated at board meeting