Yorba Linda High School’s journalism classes have gotten the chance to attend Columbia University’s annual journalism conference this year. Along with the Newspaper, Yearbook, and Video Production Classes; El Dorado High School’s Yearbook class has joined us on this trip for the very first time.

Not only were students able to explore careers in journalism, they got to explore one of the world’s most largest and culturally significant cities in the world – the home of Broadway, the headquarters of the United Nations, and Concrete Jungle: New York City.

On the morning of the flight, everyone had to be prepared and at the school by 4:00 A.M, meaning that some had to wake-up as early as 2 or 3 A.M. Although the sky was at its darkest and the school at its most silent, everyone was brimming in anticipation of what was to come.

From the moment we landed in Newark Airport, the entire trip was filled with laughs, memories, and experiences to take with us for the rest of our lives. With Halloween falling on the day after landing, we celebrated by dressing as tacky tourists and skating at the Rockefeller Center. Megan Wang (12) maintains that “singing ‘Apple’ by Charlie XCX while ice skating is ingrained in my brain.”

Going to New York was an opportunity for many to step out of their comfort zone. Melody Li (9) reflects on her time there: “New York was an amazing experience, and it unlocked so many new paths that I thought were impossible.”

Everyone had their own highlights of the trip – whether it was learning more about the field of journalism or making memories they would carry with them for a lifetime. For Katie Gary (9), it was “[g]oing to the NBC Studios at Rockefeller Center.” She adds: “Growing up watching all of Jimmy Fallon’s interviews with all of my favorite celebrities, then actually observing his own desk and studio blew my mind.” Katherine Huang (9) mentions how “The New York Trip was a really fun and exciting experience since it’s the first time I’ve traveled with the school.” Elizabeth Horner (10) enjoyed being above the city at the top of The World Trade Center. To her, “everything looked so small, and the city sparkled with all its lights.”

While New York was the door to new opportunities, the key was the Columbia University’s annual Journalism Conference. Countless professors, advisors, photojournalists, published authors, and other professionals both from Columbia University and the rest of the United States attended the conference. They hosted workshops to give aspiring journalists a glimpse of potential careers and paths. Students can learn and network both with professionals and with fellow peers from other parts of the country. Eric Gao (11) reflects on how these conferences help our journalism program grow: “The journalism conference at Columbia always has new takeaways. It helps us learn so much about improving our program.”

Of course, this trip wouldn’t have been possible without Mrs. Shay organizing and doing this trip as often as she can, Mrs. Shube and Mr. Cadra supporting us in any way they can, and the parent chaperones accompanying us. Without them, us students wouldn’t be able to go on this trip. Additionally, we were thrilled that El Dorado High School was able to join us for the very first time.

In retrospect as a senior, Megan Wang looks back on the times she had on these trips: “Being fortunate to have gone three times, every time I’ve learned and done something new in the city. The trip was so fun, and I was able to connect and bond with many of my fellow photojournalists. These trips have definitely been the highlight of my high school experience, and are the reason why I fell in love with the city.”

The New York Trip YLHS’s journalism classes go on have created some of the greatest memories for those who attend them – memories stick with them and can be shared for years to come.