I’ll admit it. I was terrified to go back to school. And more specifically, I was terrified of being a reporter again. But I love Washington, and I love reporting in Washington. It’s like my interest in journalism has been rediscovered since coming here. And it’s not really a surprise, considering the amazing opportunities that are just waiting for me here.

Last week I got to cover a press conference at the National Press Club. Not that the content of the event was that great (the release of a poll that surveyed voters on the likeability and electability of the presidential candidates), but being in the swanky NPC gave me goose bumps. For the first time, I felt like “real reporter,” and I have to say, it felt good. But it doesn’t stop there.

Today we were sent downtown to cover a conference at which Helen Thomas, of “Bush is the worst president in all of American history” fame, spoke about the downfall of the press in the lead-up to the declaration of war in Iraq. While her speech was moving, albeit predictable (she has given the same speech time and again), what stood out most for me were the moments just before she took the stage. All of us good reporting students showed up early, and when Ms. Thomas entered the room, we swarmed.

This picture of our group of young female aspiring journalists (and Caine), literally sitting at the feet of a living legend like Helen Thomas . . . so telling of my experience in Washington so far. This town is like a cup o’ plenty for young journalists.

I’ve hit the jackpot.