Four staff  members of the Bronx River News attended a national journalism conference at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston Nov. 2 to 5. With support from the national Journalism Education Association, Press Pass NYC and the BRHS Student Council, the students took the Amtrak train to Boston, where they  stayed at the Sheraton Boston Hotel and participated in a national conference with more than 4,000 attendees from across the country.  Anastasia Vidot, Cesar Jimenez,  Jamel Quinones and Issaka Kabore share their views on the trip below.

Jamal Quinones

Photographer Jamal Quinones describes the Amtrak train ride to Boston as a long ride that took 4 1/2 hours. He said the ride was enjoyable if you had a window seat and could view the landscape but boring if you didn’t. Luckily, on the way back to New York, Jamal  was able to sit at a window seat and had a nice nap on the way going and coming to and from Boston.

Jamal says he enjoyed the information presented in the sessions, the free food and the upgrade to a presidential suite on the first night, thanks to an overbooking issue at the hotel. He also liked the “landscape and the vibes.”

He believes the experience improved his journalistic skills. “Going to Boston has definitely improved my photography and perspective of photo journalism.”

Anastasia Vidot

Staff Writer Anastasia Vidot found the trip itself challenging. To get to the convention in Boston, the students walked with their luggage to the local subway, took the subway to Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, took Amtrak to Boston and then, luggage in hand, walked about 1.5 miles to get to the hotel.

“It was a struggle because of luggage,” she said. “Going back wasn’t as much of a struggle but I was still tired and ready to be home.”

During the convention, she attended conferences and a trade show showcasing colleges and vendors.

“I enjoyed hearing other people’s tips and advice about becoming a better writer,” she said. “I learned about constructing an organized yearbook and overall planning the style of the yearbook.”

Cesar Jimenez

Cesar Jimenez,  who edits and writes for the paper, enjoyed the fall views on the train ride to Boston.  “While I was on the train, I enjoyed seeing other people boarding the train from other states and wondering what is going on in their lives,” he said. “I really enjoyed meeting new people and hearing everyone’s story of where they’re from and what their hobbies are and why they chose to do journalism.”

He also has advice for people headed to Boston in November:  “If you’re going to travel, be sure to bring gloves and a hat as well as some Tylenol or Nyquil as it can be very cold going to Boston.”

Issaka Kabore

Managing Editor Issaka Kabore, enjoyed having an opportunity to choose his own schedule and pick the conferences he wanted to attend. He also enjoyed learning about the history of the monuments during an informal walking tour of Boston.