A few weeks ago, I was faced with the tough decision: spend my spring break in Puerto Rico with the PLA or go to Hong Kong through the International Reporting Class.  I didn’t know what to do…I really wanted to spend my spring break in Puerto Rico with my friends in the PLA — plus I knew it would be an awesome trip.  But at the same time, how many young journalists have the opportunity to report in a foreign country — especially one like Hong Kong?

Puerto Rico would be incredible: I’d get to see a unique side of Puerto Rico while spending time with an awesome group of people.  Hong Kong would also be incredible: I’d have the opportunity to report on international stories that are affecting a country that I’ve never been to.  Both options were attractive, but in the end I chose Hong Kong.

The primary reason I chose Hong Jong was that I knew reporting there would challenge me in a way that I may not experience any other place or time.  Although I would love to work abroad, many journalists do no have that opportunity, so I felt that it was the time for me to take advantage of the chance to do something like that.  Furthermore, there are so many relevant things happening in Hong Kong that would be fantastic stories.

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel, but I have never been anywhere east of Greece, so going to Hong Kong would be a totally different experience for me.  Its a culture that I have no prior exposure to, nor any sort of connection to.  Thankfully, we spend part of the first half of the class learning about Hong Kong and what we can expect when we go over there.

Although its a little bit crazy to already be thinking about spring break, I’m excited to see what this class — and this trip — will entail and how that will benefit me later on as a journalist.