"You can crush a man with journalism"

Couple of more pictures from DC! Super fun trip, loved it a lot.

But if I'm here...and you're there...then who will write the headline? #freespirit16 (at United States Capitol)

ALL of #freespirit16 :) even Chris Berman, our newest member. Before the conference, I looked through all the other groups and their hashtags and I saw how close everyone was and I was a little afraid we wouldn't have what they had. And then being the last person to arrive, I was afraid everyone else had already made connections and for sure we wouldn't have what years past had. And I was right. We had it better (sorry alumni). Never have I ever felt so close to so many people in such a short amount of time. Whether it was referencing every single spongebob episode known to man kind or packing like sardines into one small elevator or crying in the hotel lobby, I loved every minute of it. You guys made me feel so at home and like I could really be myself, even with 50 other journalism nerds who were all strangers to me only a month ago. I'm so lucky I got to spend these last incredible five days with all of you. I know many of you have already arrived home, but I wish a safe travels to anyone who has yet to leave. Love you guys. (at Newseum)

Home 💓 #freespirit16 (at United States Capitol)

"I'd rather die standing than live on my knees." -Charlie Hebdo editor Stéphane Charbonnier. Charbonnier was placed on the al-Qaida death list after publishing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in 2011 but still continued with his work, unmoving. On Jan. 7, 2015, Charbonnier was killed by two masked gunmen, along with seven other Charlie Hebdo staff members. The gunmen were later found to be linked to al-Qaida terrorists. The idea of journalists being sought out and kidnapped, raped, murdered -entirely for doing their job is a lot to take in. It's crazy, weird, terrifying. As I've said, journalism can seem so scary. All these countries allowing attacks on journalists just for reporting and sharing the truth. I know the U.S. is not as bad as other countries, such as China where journalists and captured all the time. I know a high school journalist in suburban Washington reporting on ASB elections has little to nothing to worry about. But I also know that journalism isn't becoming a safer profession. As I look further and aim toward my goals, I see fellow Americans such as Donald Trump encourage and aim attacks on innocent journalists. And so I see journalism becoming something even bigger and greater to stand for. I see free press as a First Amendment right to never leave at any gate, not just the schoolhouse. I'm not afraid of being a journalist, I'm afraid of someone telling me I can't be one. Pictured: a glass memorial for journalists killed while on assignment. The memorial is rededicated each year to add more names of fallen journalists from the preceding year. So far. 2,291 names have been etched on the glass panel. #freespirit16 (at Newseum)

SOBs in training #freespirit16 (at The White House)