Boston

Boston was the best one out of all three, and it was also my first convention.

The convention area was nice; the hotel was connected to the convention center by a mall filled with every store that isn’t in Kansas City. At the actual convention I learned how to edit a story and how to find sessions that were actually worthwhile.

The best part of Boston was just roaming the mall. Looking back, me being a 15-year-old who didn’t even have a permit, I should not have had that much free reign. Luckily, I didn’t abuse it.

Some things I learned through experience in Boston; don’t look at people on the subway, and don’t draw too much attention to yourself. Also, the pigeons are very fat over there. Try foods you think you hate randomly because one day you might understand the hype.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia was pretty similar to Boston with them both holding a lot of American history. However, Philadelphia smelled of pee everywhere; it was ruining the experience of the city. In Philadelphia I got my first national honorable mention award for review writing, which was surprising considering how difficult my subject was to work around.

The best part of Philly was the sisterhood I developed with my roommates; we all became best friends overnight, and once the plane landed back in KC it was like it never happened. Truthfully nothing else will compare to the bond we all developed; even though we’re not as close as we were for those 3 nights, it meant a lot for me to experience that.

If you ever go to Philadelphia just know these things: do not underestimate how badly it reeks of pee. The art museum stairs that are in “Rocky” are not hard to climb; it’s harder to climb up to the third floor of main than it is to climb the Rocky steps. Finally, scammers, that was my first time dealing with street scammers, it’s not as hard as it looks.

Nashville

At the convention itself I learned nothing new other than how to be a better editor, which I’m working on. I also got another honorable mention award for review writing.

Since Nashville is a little over eight hours away, we took a bus and honestly it wasn’t that bad. The bathroom was the only thing that was concerning. Having to walk past the Oak Park and Winnetonka boys was a humiliation ritual.

The actual convention in Nashville was amazing, outside of the plantation themed architecture that was littered around town and the convention center and resort. The resort was not that bad, but it did make me discover my agoraphobia. A fear you learn you have the hard way.

Nashville, what not to do: get Nashville hot chicken if you have ever eaten at wing stop. Nashville hot chicken is some of the worst, overhyped city staple food. It just tastes like chicken and a quarter cup of paprika. Another thing about Nashville: do not go to chain restaurants.

Try something new. Finally, do not get agoraphobia, everything is big and open but also closed simultaneously.