One cancellation, two delays, three memorable days in New York City

It’s seven forty-five on Wednesday night, and the journalism staffers of Hillcrest High School, though they might not admit it, are beginning to wonder if the trip was really worth it. No matter how amazing touring New York City, taking classes at Columbia University, and hanging out with your friends out of state might sound, after waiting around since 1pm to take off, the whole travel experience is beginning to lose its luster. The only thing that kept us going (once we reached our hotel at 3 am), was that there was a bed waiting for us.

For me, I knew going to New York was going to be sort of other-worldly experience. It’s one of those places that you hear about and see in films and TV your whole life, but seeing it is the only real way to solidify something so unique and exciting in your brain.

Though it was a trying experience, I knew that the red eye traveling and irritable band of teenagers running on pure adreneline would all be worth it as soon as I saw the glow of the Manhattan skyline out my window at around eleven thirty.

After our eventual arrival at the hotel, few hours of sleep, snagging a bagel at a nearby deli and tackling the subway for the first time, we all arrived at Colombia, a little bleary-eyed but still excited.

Just being aroung the campus gives the already awesome convention that little extra academic flair. Here there are students from every corner of the country, from California to nearby New Jersey, representing 329 schools, and there are dozens and dozens of hourlong lectures and classes to attend, ranging everywhere from Photoshop Applications to Imagine Your Lead Sucks….. taught by award-winning teachers and advisors.

If today is any hint to what the next two day are going to be like, we are definently looking at a memorable trip. Right now, we are lounging in our rooms, trying to recharge from our sleep deprived day, and are looking forward to a night on Times Square….hopefully without any transportation issues! New York, after a hectic and frustrating commute, is beginning to live up to its reputation.

Junior Mallory Johnson, arts editor
Hillcrest Hurricane