By Wednesday most of us could barely move. But we knew we had to. We arrived at breakfast earlier that day and consequently had a little time to spare.
When we got to Slam News, we had no time for catching up, a fact that overwhelmed me at first. The first hour was our round table meeting, which we have every day. The next two hours my team and Ronza discussed the upcoming press conference and the questions we needed to prepare. The reason it took about two hours is that we kept meandering away from the main subject to relevant but not really necessary topics for this press conference.
The last thirty minutes of the morning were dedicated to coming up with questions. It was difficult, and most of us got nervous when we were told we would have to stand where the press was and act exactly like them. The prospect seemed fun yet slightly daunting.
The minute class was over, we were all to report to our dorms and stand in front of them while we loaded the buses by track to go to the National center. We got there late and almost missed the whole press conference. Luckily, we made it just in time for fellow blogger and Baltimore native Denzel Ferges to give his speech. He sounded a bit nervous and regretful about the situation in the Baltimore City schools, but determined and hopeful that things would change soon. And, if we have anything to do with it, they will.
Our team did, however, manage to get an interview with Chris Danielson, the NFB’s director of public relations. That was a learning experience, and I hope that our being there influences the Baltimore City Public Schools in favor of educating properly trained blind students.
Because of our quick interview, we missed the mass passing out of sack lunches. By the time we finally got our lunches, it was time to go to our short course sessions. The Slam News track had the History of Technology, a thrilling story of technology through the ages. After that we toured the International Braille and Technology Center, (IBTC). That place amazes me every time I see it.
The next thing on our schedule was the exhibit hall, where we got to look around at all the different tables. I still have my Louis Braille commemorative coin pin that they were handing out. My favorite table, though, was the Astronomy one, where there was a tactile sun dial and two tents, representing the fall and summer skies with tactile constellations.
Dinner was a fancier affair than we have been used to. When we sat down, the tables were set with table cloths, real silverware, plates of food, fresh cookies, and glasses of water. Rolls and butter were at every table. It felt just like the banquet at Convention, only instead of a speech, we got an excellent talent show.
Two of Georgia’s best performed that night: Wilkens Eugene on the saxophone and Garrick Scott on laughter. It was very entertaining.
The only thing we did when we got back that night was sleep. I think we all needed it.