The Republican National Convention was an experience that I will not forget. Two student reporters from the Times and I had the opportunity to represent Milwaukee Area Technical College and witness a history-making event.

Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum hosted a live, week-long RNC event. Former President Donald Trump, Republican politicians, delegates and others from all over the country attended the convention. Journalists gathered to broadcast live shows for their TV outlets. This ranged from CNN and FOX News, to CBS and MSNBC. Behind-the-scenes at the Baird Center, I was able to see pillars of history about the 46 presidents of the United States. The presidential office of Ronald Reagan was built into a real-life display for the convention members.

 I sat in rooms full of important people. While their formalized attire may have come off intimidating at first glance, they were some of the most down to earth people I have ever met. In the media area on the third floor of the Baird Center, I had the opportunity to speak with a reporter, who spoke off the record, and shared their experiences about the broadcasting industry and what it’s like to report live. Several people spoke off the record with me and shared their insights on a variety of topics. The convention also welcomed a variety of food vendor options and live entertainment for the participants.

At the convention, everyone had a voice. Many sensitive topics were addressed and made important. Political views aside, the community came together to support these topics and made Milwaukee downtown’s area the place to be at this moment. At the RNC, I learned that opportunities are just a conversation away, and that you never know who you are going to meet. At the convention, everyone had a voice. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to speak with representatives of the media, make connections and learn more about politics.