Hey!!
I really can’t believe that this was my last full day here. Its just indescribable. I finally got to have a hot drink (Chai) from Starbucks, and I might run over to the bookstore in just a little. 
Our day wasn’t that early, but we went and divided into our color groups. Timm talked about our rights with us and explained some very important cases from the Supreme Court that was relevant to our next talk and our first amendment rights.
As we listened to Frank Lomonte the executive director of the Student Press Law Center who helps students with their first amendment rights in school. I found out that unlike I had previously thought, we do have first amendment rights in school, however, they are restricted. We then heard from Micheal Dickerson about being interns, becoming interns and what it means.
Next we traveled to the Capitol. We ate at the station, and then I began walking with my friends to the Capitol building. Around 9 of us were able to take a quick tour around the building with a security guard. It was amazing and unfortunately my camera died in the middle of it. The House was in session so after walking all around our guard left us watching the House. I then had to leave for my appointment with Senator Barrasso.
It was a ten minute walk over, and I, forgetting my dress had pockets holding my cell phone, had to go through the security scanner four times. I then went up to the Senator’s office, and waited. Soon two of his aides, took me up to the committee he was in. We waited and in that time Senator Barrasso’s speech maker dropped off two speeches. Senator Barrasso then came out and we quickly took a picture and then we were off. He had a speech to give over in the capitol building. I was allowed to ride over on the shuttle with the Senator while we talked. He then dropped me and his aide Chris over in the Senate Gallery. I was allowed to sit in the gallery side where the public wasn’t allowed. Senator gave his speech on the budget and how it needs to be balanced and how we shouldn’t raise the ceiling (yay!). I then had to go back to the group and we took a group picture before coming back to the dorms so that we could get ready for the gala tonight.
I had a great time at the Capitol and I loved meeting Senator Barrasso. One more morning left :’( I will be happy to go home and sleep in my bed, however I wish I could stay here for longer and see everything. D.C. has been wonderful and I truly love that I was invited to the Journalism conference, I learned more than I thought, and I can’t wait for more.
~K
