Me on the NBC platform at the DNC
Working at the DNC was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.
My favorite memory from Denver – meeting Caroline Kennedy
I am a huge fan of all things Kennedy. I have read nearly every book out there about JFK, so when I heard that Caroline was in the Pepsi Center, I nearly had a heart attack. I waited by the elevators, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, until I found out she had already left the building. I was devastated. Fortunately, a little while later, I spotted her by the security line exit as I was waiting to pick up a guest. Just seeing her from afar was enough to make me shake uncontrollably. I tried to compose myself as I approached. I had already planned out what I would say in the hopes of meeting her. I walked up and said, “Sorry, to bother you, but I just wanted to tell you, I so admire you and your family.” She smiled, shook my hand and said “Thank you.” The second her hand touched mine, my mind went blank. I wanted to say something profound, explain to her the affect her family’s legacy has had on me. I wanted to say something meaningful about how her family’s achievements inspire me to become the best person I can be. I wanted to say something at all. Instead, I just smiled, continued to shake her hand and stuttered for a few more seconds. Even though it wasn’t my best moment, meeting Caroline Kennedy that day is something that will stick with me forever.
Watching Ted Kennedy’s speech later that night was incredible for me. As I watched his speech, I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy. Standing inside the Pepsi Center, listening to him, I just couldn’t believe where I was. I couldn’t believe I was watching one of my idols speak, surrounded by my idols in the broadcast world. It was a surreal experience. I couldn’t believe I had made it to this point. Watching him that night only deepened my dedication to becoming a reporter. The things you get to see as a reporter, the people you meet, the places you go – its incredible. Being a reporter is like getting a free ticket to see the world. If I ever have doubts about going into journalism, I will think back to that night and remember the way I felt.