Last spring semester I anxiously awaited news of the JEM New York City media trip. I had contacted Dr. Lepre numerous times in the past so that I was not to miss out on the opportunity to sign up for this amazing trip.

When I first heard of the trip, I hoped it would become an annual occurance. Just barely beginning my journalism classes, I had wondered about many aspects of the field. Being on the magazine and visual track, I was very curious to know exaclty how things ran in media offices. What do the offices look like? How do stories go from ideas to published articles and news casts? Who else is involved in the process? Who are the behind-the-scene employees? Where and how are the publications printed? 

Now I am 21 and the New York trip is finally in my grasp. 

Even though I was born a few hours from New York City and I am a New York Rican by birth as my dad just reminded me in text messege, I have only visited the city once, which was more than 10 years ago.

Even as I am writing this now, it hasn`t hit me that at this time tomorrow I will be in the streets of New York. I am eagerly awaiting my first steps off the plane and into the city.

As I began packing, a ball of nerves and excitement came over me. Why am I nervous you ask? For one, I have not been on a plane post-September 11 and I tend to over pack, and the weight limit for each piece of luggage is 50 pounds, need I say more?

I am eagerly awaiting my first steps off the plane and into the city. 

 We will be staying at the Hilton New York on Sixth Ave. 

Although there are many events scheduled, some only allow limited participants. At our final meeting everyone was asked to pick their top six choices. To my delight, most of my picks were honored. 

Along with panels about networking, internships, freelance writing and making the move to New York, I will be  attending the following functions:

1. Fox News Tour
2. Tour of OK! Magazine
   
3. Oprah Magazine talk and tour
4. Shadowing opportunity at Real Simple Magazine
5. The CW 11
6. Hearst TV promotions and marketing talk

I am most excited about the shadowing opporunity at Real Simple. I am sure it will be an educational and eye-opening experience.

We arrive in New York around noon on the 30th. That evening we are going to Pala, a pizza place that serves pizza by the foot.  Our trip will conclude with the notorious "Swanky Dinner," which the location is still on the low key, but is promised to be absolutely fabulous with the chance of celebrity encouters.

I have to be ready by 5 a.m., but I don`t think my nerves will allow me to sleep.

New York here we come!