Post-DRA Convention 2014!

Wow! What an experience!
I just got back from a weekend in Palm Springs for the 18th Annual DRA Convention. In a nutshell, I'd say that the convention could not have gone smoother. I made tons of connections, realized the value of Facebook, and learned a wallop of information! I'd been preparing for this event both mentally and physically (in a way) for a few months, so it was great to finally have it happen.
There were a few things I did to prepare for it:
(1) cut/color hair!
(2) get a business suit!
(3) make business cards!

I wound up snagging a great deal on a beautiful navy blue 3-piece from Banana Republic thanks to the President's Day weekend sales. I almost went for a Theory suit at first..for nearly 3x the price! Yeesh! Maybe for my second suit...

Thank you, vistaprint.com for the affordable and good-looking business cards!

People seemed pleasantly amused by my card!

Of all the panels I attended, I loved anything presented by NCRA President Nancy Varallo (she's such a good speaker,) though I was also tickled by the panel on cyber-safety! Ooh, talk about reinforcing  my paranoia.
However, every panel was so interesting and informative that my head is still reeling, trying to keep everything straight. Here was another fun thing obtained at the con...

Collect them all!

Ironically, the first week back to school was actually more nerve-wracking than before. I really psyched myself out about having to get as many certifications as I can before I'm "ready" to work abroad. Some talking to other working reporters, however, has since calmed me down. Phew!

I've still got that 160 4-V to pass, but I know that I'll pass it in the coming weeks. I just need to stay cool and get through it! Once I do, I can finally start on my apprenticeship hours. I really can't wait to attend more depositions and get a much better sense of what it's like in the "real world."

I'll set my next goal as setting the 160 4-V by the end of March! Let's see how it goes!