YAF Conference, Part 6
It rained for a long time during the drive to Minnesota. Leaving Springfield, it seemed like it might be smooth sailing for the entire trip. Although it wasn't sunny, I didn't think that a good majority of our trip was going to take place dodging rain drops. What a big surprise! Having to dodge rain drops made the trip seem like it was taking even longer.
Not even thinking that the trip would be rainy, I ended up being somewhat unprepared. The rainy weather kept the temperatures lower than I thought they'd be, so it felt somewhat like winter- just a little bit chilly. It felt like that leaving Springfield. It felt even chillier as we travelled up northward. Luckily, I wasn't the only person who wasn't the only one not to have brought a light jacket or sweater; a few other people made the same mistake. Other than that, the weekend adventure had no problems.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Such An Experience
YAF Conference Diaries, part 5
I think that it's interesting to share my experiences of actually having an opportunity to have experiences outside of the campus setting. Prior to this point, I only really had one experience of travelling independently. Unfortunately, this experience involved me taking an airplane, which I found to be quite difficult. Boarding and deboarding the plain was a challenge because there were no ramps, that I am aware of.
Being in the hotel was like being completely on my own. Luckily, I had some friends who helped me out, and that made me feel a lot better. I enjoyed being with my friends, and even getting to know some new people- at the same time. I don't think I would have gotten such an awesome experience had I attended another school.
There were schools from all over the country at this event. I think we had about a thousand kids at the conference- all of the participants had an opportunities to hear about what it's like to work in politics. We had seminars about that, and we also had student-led forums about how to become involved in politics at your school.
The most interesting event I found the most interest in was the seminar about "blogging". It was about how the computer can help us let people know about the issues that we might be having at our schools, and we also learned that writing about issues that you're most concerned about can help to get the problem noticed.
I think that it's interesting to share my experiences of actually having an opportunity to have experiences outside of the campus setting. Prior to this point, I only really had one experience of travelling independently. Unfortunately, this experience involved me taking an airplane, which I found to be quite difficult. Boarding and deboarding the plain was a challenge because there were no ramps, that I am aware of.
Being in the hotel was like being completely on my own. Luckily, I had some friends who helped me out, and that made me feel a lot better. I enjoyed being with my friends, and even getting to know some new people- at the same time. I don't think I would have gotten such an awesome experience had I attended another school.
There were schools from all over the country at this event. I think we had about a thousand kids at the conference- all of the participants had an opportunities to hear about what it's like to work in politics. We had seminars about that, and we also had student-led forums about how to become involved in politics at your school.
The most interesting event I found the most interest in was the seminar about "blogging". It was about how the computer can help us let people know about the issues that we might be having at our schools, and we also learned that writing about issues that you're most concerned about can help to get the problem noticed.
What Happened Coming to Minnesota
Minnesota YAF Conference Diaries, part 4
Because both cars of College Republicans had left UIS fairly early on Friday morning, we were all fairly hungry. Because we were so pressed for time, we didn't really have time to pick up anything from the Food Emporium that morning. We wanted to make it to the conference as on time as we possibly could in order to register everyone and make sure that everyone had somewhere to sleep for the night.
Knowing that the ride was going to be long, we decided to stop somewhere so we could get breakfast. Originally, the thought was that we'd get breakfast to go, so we wouldn't have to lose time on getting to Minnesota later that afternoon. However, we actually ended up going to McDonald's and getting our breakfasts in a to-go bag, as if we wouldn't be eating there.
What a nice way of making everyone think that we probably wouldn't be sitting down for breakfast. Although we put our breakfast items in to-go bags, we all sat down and enjoyed breakfast together- like one big family. That was a really nice bonding experience. After all, we were going to be together the entire weekend.
All of us ordered different things. Some people ordered lunch items- like a big mac meal. It's too early for lunch, I thought as I heard some of my friends order their food. Knowing that I was hungry, I decided to order something that I had never had before- an egg mcmuffin. Boy, was it ever delicious! Knowing that I'd probably also want something to drink, I also had an orange juice. Luckily, there was no disgusting pulp in the orange juice.
After everyone had finished their breakfasts and used the bathroom, we proceded on our journey. Luckily, we all enjoyed our breakfasts so much, not many of us were really hungry for lunch. However, we never actually stopped for lunch, as we were worried about missing "check-in".
Because both cars of College Republicans had left UIS fairly early on Friday morning, we were all fairly hungry. Because we were so pressed for time, we didn't really have time to pick up anything from the Food Emporium that morning. We wanted to make it to the conference as on time as we possibly could in order to register everyone and make sure that everyone had somewhere to sleep for the night.
Knowing that the ride was going to be long, we decided to stop somewhere so we could get breakfast. Originally, the thought was that we'd get breakfast to go, so we wouldn't have to lose time on getting to Minnesota later that afternoon. However, we actually ended up going to McDonald's and getting our breakfasts in a to-go bag, as if we wouldn't be eating there.
What a nice way of making everyone think that we probably wouldn't be sitting down for breakfast. Although we put our breakfast items in to-go bags, we all sat down and enjoyed breakfast together- like one big family. That was a really nice bonding experience. After all, we were going to be together the entire weekend.
All of us ordered different things. Some people ordered lunch items- like a big mac meal. It's too early for lunch, I thought as I heard some of my friends order their food. Knowing that I was hungry, I decided to order something that I had never had before- an egg mcmuffin. Boy, was it ever delicious! Knowing that I'd probably also want something to drink, I also had an orange juice. Luckily, there was no disgusting pulp in the orange juice.
After everyone had finished their breakfasts and used the bathroom, we proceded on our journey. Luckily, we all enjoyed our breakfasts so much, not many of us were really hungry for lunch. However, we never actually stopped for lunch, as we were worried about missing "check-in".
What Happened Coming to Minnesota
Minnesota YAF Conference Diaries, part 4
Because both cars of College Republicans had left UIS fairly early on Friday morning, we were all fairly hungry. Because we were so pressed for time, we didn't really have time to pick up anything from the Food Emporium that morning. We wanted to make it to the conference as on time as we possibly could in order to register everyone and make sure that everyone had somewhere to sleep for the night.
Knowing that the ride was going to be long, we decided to stop somewhere so we could get breakfast. Originally, the thought was that we'd get breakfast to go, so we wouldn't have to lose time on getting to Minnesota later that afternoon. However, we actually ended up going to McDonald's and getting our breakfasts in a to-go bag, as if we wouldn't be eating there.
What a nice way of making everyone think that we probably wouldn't be sitting down for breakfast. Although we put our breakfast items in to-go bags, we all sat down and enjoyed breakfast together- like one big family. That was a really nice bonding experience. After all, we were going to be together the entire weekend.
All of us ordered different things. Some people ordered lunch items- like a big mac meal. It's too early for lunch, I thought as I heard some of my friends order their food. Knowing that I was hungry, I decided to order something that I had never had before- an egg mcmuffin. Boy, was it ever delicious! Knowing that I'd probably also want something to drink, I also had an orange juice. Luckily, there was no disgusting pulp in the orange juice.
After everyone had finished their breakfasts and used the bathroom, we proceded on our journey. Luckily, we all enjoyed our breakfasts so much, not many of us were really hungry for lunch. However, we never actually stopped for lunch, as we were worried about missing "check-in".
Because both cars of College Republicans had left UIS fairly early on Friday morning, we were all fairly hungry. Because we were so pressed for time, we didn't really have time to pick up anything from the Food Emporium that morning. We wanted to make it to the conference as on time as we possibly could in order to register everyone and make sure that everyone had somewhere to sleep for the night.
Knowing that the ride was going to be long, we decided to stop somewhere so we could get breakfast. Originally, the thought was that we'd get breakfast to go, so we wouldn't have to lose time on getting to Minnesota later that afternoon. However, we actually ended up going to McDonald's and getting our breakfasts in a to-go bag, as if we wouldn't be eating there.
What a nice way of making everyone think that we probably wouldn't be sitting down for breakfast. Although we put our breakfast items in to-go bags, we all sat down and enjoyed breakfast together- like one big family. That was a really nice bonding experience. After all, we were going to be together the entire weekend.
All of us ordered different things. Some people ordered lunch items- like a big mac meal. It's too early for lunch, I thought as I heard some of my friends order their food. Knowing that I was hungry, I decided to order something that I had never had before- an egg mcmuffin. Boy, was it ever delicious! Knowing that I'd probably also want something to drink, I also had an orange juice. Luckily, there was no disgusting pulp in the orange juice.
After everyone had finished their breakfasts and used the bathroom, we proceded on our journey. Luckily, we all enjoyed our breakfasts so much, not many of us were really hungry for lunch. However, we never actually stopped for lunch, as we were worried about missing "check-in".
Club-Hopping
Minnesota YAF Conference Diaries, Part 3
Towards the end of our first night in Minnesota, part of the group decided to have fun- stay out late and check out the Minnesota nightlife. Originally, I wasn't one of the excited ones about this adventure that had my friends so excited. Knowing that I, like many of the others, had just been in a car for around 9 hours, I was pretty exhausted. Unfortunally, I went along anyway. . . joined my friends on their adventures. Hey, I didn't want to be left out. Although I can't drink as a result of my epilepsy medication, I still wanted to try to enjoy the fun as much as possible- substituting any alcoholic beverages with a soda or two.
Dinner, which we had at the hotel, was all right; however, my friends didn't want to stay at our "boring" hotel more than we actually had to. I'd have to say that I'm glad we didn't stay at the hotel, especially since there was ABSOLUTELY nothing to do there at all. So. . . after the keynote speaker, my friends and I began our night exploration of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
It was a bit chilly and rainy, so we hopped into cabs to go to the various bars and clubs that Friday night. At one location, all of us could get in because we were all over 21-years-of-age- all, except for one person, and he juse ended up returning back to the hotel. Apparently, he felt left out.
At the first club our group visited, we just all got some food or drinks. While, my friends all got whine, beer, or other alcoholic drinks, I just enjoyed their company. I was still somewhat full from dinner earlier that evening. We then went to another bar, and my friends bought me two Cokes, which caused me to have to go to the bathroom quite a bit.
Our last stop was a nightclub, where all of my friends whent dancing. At this particular club, the accessibility was awefull. Again, I had to make a bathroom run due to the amount of soda I drank throughout the night. Luckily, I had two good friends who helped me navigate the stairs to and from where the bathroom was located. Although there was no railing on the stairs, I didn't fall down them- thank goodness!
Towards the end of our first night in Minnesota, part of the group decided to have fun- stay out late and check out the Minnesota nightlife. Originally, I wasn't one of the excited ones about this adventure that had my friends so excited. Knowing that I, like many of the others, had just been in a car for around 9 hours, I was pretty exhausted. Unfortunally, I went along anyway. . . joined my friends on their adventures. Hey, I didn't want to be left out. Although I can't drink as a result of my epilepsy medication, I still wanted to try to enjoy the fun as much as possible- substituting any alcoholic beverages with a soda or two.
Dinner, which we had at the hotel, was all right; however, my friends didn't want to stay at our "boring" hotel more than we actually had to. I'd have to say that I'm glad we didn't stay at the hotel, especially since there was ABSOLUTELY nothing to do there at all. So. . . after the keynote speaker, my friends and I began our night exploration of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
It was a bit chilly and rainy, so we hopped into cabs to go to the various bars and clubs that Friday night. At one location, all of us could get in because we were all over 21-years-of-age- all, except for one person, and he juse ended up returning back to the hotel. Apparently, he felt left out.
At the first club our group visited, we just all got some food or drinks. While, my friends all got whine, beer, or other alcoholic drinks, I just enjoyed their company. I was still somewhat full from dinner earlier that evening. We then went to another bar, and my friends bought me two Cokes, which caused me to have to go to the bathroom quite a bit.
Our last stop was a nightclub, where all of my friends whent dancing. At this particular club, the accessibility was awefull. Again, I had to make a bathroom run due to the amount of soda I drank throughout the night. Luckily, I had two good friends who helped me navigate the stairs to and from where the bathroom was located. Although there was no railing on the stairs, I didn't fall down them- thank goodness!
The Hotel
The Minnesota YAF Trip Diaries, Part 2
Once we got to the hotel, more trouble reared its ugly head, which I didn't think was going to happen. Like me, everyone thought that all of the hotel room arrangements had been made properly to ensure that everyone got a bed for the night. As originally planned, I was supposed to share a room with two other girls from UIS. After everyone arrived at the hotel, checked in, and was given their room assignment- I was sure that there wouldn't be any trouble.
I was wrong!
Somehow, I had been placed in a room with four other girls. Now, that's too many in one room- considering that all of us would need the bathroom, and our schedule for the following day, probably wouldn't have let us all have our time in the bathroom without making us late for the day's activities.
Eventually, the situation got worked out, and everyone finished getting ready for the opening reception. While my roommates were getting ready to go to the reception, I learned that I somehow didn't get in the registration records. How could that have happened? I had never before had anything like that happen before, but- like the hotel room situation, this also worked out after all.
Once we got to the hotel, more trouble reared its ugly head, which I didn't think was going to happen. Like me, everyone thought that all of the hotel room arrangements had been made properly to ensure that everyone got a bed for the night. As originally planned, I was supposed to share a room with two other girls from UIS. After everyone arrived at the hotel, checked in, and was given their room assignment- I was sure that there wouldn't be any trouble.
I was wrong!
Somehow, I had been placed in a room with four other girls. Now, that's too many in one room- considering that all of us would need the bathroom, and our schedule for the following day, probably wouldn't have let us all have our time in the bathroom without making us late for the day's activities.
Eventually, the situation got worked out, and everyone finished getting ready for the opening reception. While my roommates were getting ready to go to the reception, I learned that I somehow didn't get in the registration records. How could that have happened? I had never before had anything like that happen before, but- like the hotel room situation, this also worked out after all.
Nine Hours in a Car
The Minnesota YAF Conference Diaries Part 1
I think that it's safe to say that the car ride to Minnesota wasn't very scenic. It was long, though. With my physical disability, sitting in a car for a long time like that makes my legs stiff and sore. Luckily, we did stop several times- to get gas, food, and use the bathroom. Without making any of those stops, I think everyone in the car- the "singing car"- in which I had the pleasure of riding in going to Minnesota- probably would have gone crazy.
Weather conditions were also a bit of trouble.Coming out of Springfield, the weather was clear and nice. I hadn't originally planned on needding a light-weight jacket in Minnesota. Yes, the farther north we travelled, the cooler it got. At least it didn't snow- not cold enough.
I think that it's safe to say that the car ride to Minnesota wasn't very scenic. It was long, though. With my physical disability, sitting in a car for a long time like that makes my legs stiff and sore. Luckily, we did stop several times- to get gas, food, and use the bathroom. Without making any of those stops, I think everyone in the car- the "singing car"- in which I had the pleasure of riding in going to Minnesota- probably would have gone crazy.
Weather conditions were also a bit of trouble.Coming out of Springfield, the weather was clear and nice. I hadn't originally planned on needding a light-weight jacket in Minnesota. Yes, the farther north we travelled, the cooler it got. At least it didn't snow- not cold enough.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)