June 20th – 27th, 2025:
I hate goodbyes more than anything else. So, I simply will not be calling this a goodbye. It is merely a “see you later”.
I had such an amazing time in D.C. for the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. I had the honor to represent the state of Georgia (State of Atlanta… Those who know). I was nervous going into it, as one would be. But I couldn’t begin to fathom how much those few days in D.C. would mean to me. I befriended some of the best people I have ever met, and I am truly grateful for that. The knowledge I gained and the connections I made were invaluable. But, they don’t compare to the relationships I made with those around me. I am so incredibly grateful for the people I met, those I didn’t become very close with, and even those I didn’t completely get along with. I am so, so, so incredibly grateful to have had this experience.
Photo: Vincent Hsiao
Going into it, I was terrified. I was the only one from Georgia. I didn’t know if I would get along with anyone. Little did I know that I would click with the first person I met. My airport group consisted of the Florida representative, Juliana, and me. She made me laugh, and I immediately felt comfortable with her.
Left to Right: Millie DeBell (CT), Ava Kate White (AR), Henry Knowles (TN), Me (GA), Juliana Perez (FL), Ben Lehman (CO)
Of course, I found the panels and connections to be incredibly valuable. But nothing compares to the friends and relationships that came out of this experience. I opened up to people in a way I never have before, and I am so glad I did. I rarely let people see the real Stella right off the bat. But these people were different. I didn’t feel like I had to be someone I’m not.
I truly hope the relationships I formed with my peers in D.C. will continue to grow, despite the hundreds of miles between all of us. Everyone was so kind and funny. They would laugh at my jokes (especially the ones I thought were bad). Ava Kate, Millie, Ben, and Juliana all have a special place in my heart. We all made a connection that I believe is so very special. I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am.
Left to Right: Henry Knowles (TN), Me (GA), Ava Kate White (AR), Millie DeBell (CT), Ben Lehman (CO), Juliana Perez (FL)
Although we had an odd start, I’m very grateful to my roommate, the South Dakota representative, Vivian, for putting up with me. Despite the blank stares she gave me while she was barely conscious on the first night, I’d like to believe we ended up getting along pretty well. I am grateful to Vivian for being able to wake me up every morning despite the numerous amounts of her saying “Stella” it took for me to wake up. I’m grateful to Vivian for listening to me ramble, and for throwing clothes at each other while packing at 2:00 am, and then comforting me the morning we left.
Aside from the sappy stuff, I learned so very much from this experience. I got to hear from well-known journalists such as Aaron Parnas and David Fahrenthold. I got to see that my passion really can be a career.
Although it may not make me the most money, it’s still a career nonetheless. It reminded me that one day my GPA and ACT score won’t matter and that I will struggle to remember the AP classes I took in high school. One day, I will be more than a student journalist trying to balance schoolwork and journalism. And for me, that is enough to keep going.
I’ve also learned that there isn’t a perfect balance between life and work, but that I just have to find what works for me. But even if I don’t find a balance, I know that this will pass, and that I will be okay.
I hugely recommend the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference to anyone interested in applying. It was the best experience I have ever had. From the bus rides to almost tearing apart the hotel room because I thought I lost my Owala. Henry, Ben, Ava Kate, Millie, Juliana, Vivian, and everyone else all made this experience so special. The sore feeling in my face from smiling and laughing all the time was worth it.
The trip was managed by CloseUp, and our leaders were some of the funniest and sweetest adults I’ve been around. Aidan and Delaney managed to make the boring things fun while tolerating all of our shenanigans (even Henry asking Delaney if she was crying over Ronald Reagan).
Like I said earlier in this, I know it wasn’t a goodbye, just “see you later”. That doesn’t mean saying “see you later” was any easier… sorry for those who had to see and listen to me ugly cry… Especially in the elevator. Shout out to Vivian for putting up with me crying at 3:30 am before we went to the airport… I know I probably won’t see all 51 representatives in one place again, but I know paths will cross once again in the future.
Thank you all for such a special week.
Photo: Vincent Hsiao
June 20th – 27th, 2025 : Washington, D.C.
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Stella St. Clair 