Day 7 (Mon., June 6)

Wow, what a way to start a week. I must say that today was pretty good. This past weekend I was busy, but during the time off I felt lonely and perhaps a little home-sick. Then, today I was brought to the reality that I am working hard and that it will someday pay off. With that in mind, let me give you some great news. I AM GOING TO LAS VEGAS. Yeah, baby!

Ok, now that I caught my breath, let me tell you what's up. Today I was informed by Chris Vachon of the Society of Professional Journalists that I was picked as one of the 12 students nation-wide to take part of the SPJ's student project during its national convention in Las Vegas later this year. The following statement came in an email this afternoon:

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"Dear Julio:
Congratulations! I am pleased to welcome you as a staff member of The Working Press for the 2005 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference. You have been selected as a staff photographer. This year’s convention will be held at the Aladdin Resort & Casino, located in Las Vegas. We are excited about the convention and are pleased that you will be joining us to cover this important event. "
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If you are familiar with my other internship journals, you probably know all about SPJ. Last year I did the same internship out in New York City. I am excited to go. Not only because Vegas is my favorite place in the United States (before last year's internship, I used to travel to Vegas five or six times a year and I know the city like the back of my hand). I can't wait to go. I am sure I will get to go before that because my buddy Hector Quintanilla is celebrating his bachelor party there next month and because I am having withdrawals from not going. But going there in October is going to have special feeling. I am proud to give you these news as it's something very important. The fact that I get to go and that a big organization like this one is inviting me as a special guest means a lot. Last year I met so many important people in the journalism world and I made an impact with what people considered great photography. I am looking to do the same in October. I can't wait to make these people proud again.

Speaking of pride. Today I got a very inspiring email from Minerva. She's my great friend from the Los Angeles Daily News, where I was a freelance writer and editorial assistant for five and half years. I build friendships and family at that newspaper. I can consider Minerva as an aunt as she is always looking out for me. Whether it's by a supporting email, a great phone conversation and/or quality lunch, Minerva has been there as an aunt. I call her aunt because she's just that. I have a lot of nonrelatives take me on as relatives being that my family is in Mexico City and that I don't really get to see the concept of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents because of the distance. Anyways, we had not spoken in a while as this past semester at CSUN was extremely hectic. She wrote yesterday asking about how I was doing. I had to break the news that I was not in SoCal. Then she wrote the most inspiring email ever to give me some support. I have gotten her permission to share that with you and here it is:

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"Hola Julio, que gusto saber de ti!! Pues si que mira como son las cosas, me puse a pensar que hacia tiempo de no saber nada de ti y decidi enviarte el mail, que sorpresa saber que estas nuevamente por "mi territorio" creo que le has caido muy bien a los 'Tejanos' - siempre es bueno explorar y conocer otro ambiente verdad? si le va a uno bien , pues que bueno, y si no, pues es una experiencia mas. Y aunque no soy familiar tuyo ni nada por el estilo... Bueno, diras que soy anticuada, pero despues de todo, esto es lo que determina hacia que direccion vamos, espero no te molesten mis consejos, pero son los mismos que le doy a mi hijo y a mis sobrinos... En fin, te deseo lo mejor, si esperas y lo tomas con calma, se que por algun lugar esta esa chica por la que las madres oramos a Dios para nuestros hijos. Fijate que con la ayuda de Dios si pienso ir para SA - asi que te mantendre informado en cuanto sepa la fecha, sale? Bueno, cuidate, que Dios te bendiga, y hasta la proxima....hola de minerva"
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(sorry if you cannot read Spanish -- just goes to show that Spanish is becoming a big language in the world and you ought to catch up!)

So, anyways. I got two very cool emails and I am happy for that. It's funny not a lot of people will agree with me that I am a self-involved arrogant person. Some people tell me that I am just "proud" and "confident". However, I guess it doesn't matter. If I am proud, confident and/or arrogant... I don't care. Why? Because it's my hard effort and dedication that gets me cool opportunities like internships and because people like Minerva get to see the real side of me and support me in EVERYTHING that I do. Not just when it's convenient for them. Thank you to all of you who have sent in your "congratulations" for this news. Glady's, Tina, Jill, Juicy... All of you, and to all those who will be sending in their "real" support. I appreciate it and I love you guys/gals for it.

before I leave, here's a late addition. I figure it's time to settle into the town. Why not with the following "photo illustration":

DANG, THIS TOWN IS SMALL! It's up to me to make it big time!

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