A different experience

By Mike Martinez

I haven’t traveled much, to say the least. A childhood Disney World vacation, a one-day New York pit stop and a weekend in snowy Milwaukee, mark the extent of my journeys. I’m not exactly Marco Polo. Although I’m still getting used to Florida, I’ve experienced more in one day here than I have in quite some time. I knew coming in that the SJI program would be a great opportunity for me. I didn’t realize its benefits extended beyond journalism. Traveling to a new part of the country is awesome. While I’m sure most of my classmates—including me--are thrilled to talk and network with the many professionals we’ll meet, I’m amazed just by seeing a palm tree and feeling the hot, humid Florida air. It’s cliché, but little things are making a big impression on me. I’m definitely not in Michigan anymore. I’ve been told this week will consist of long days in the classroom. Preparing to be stuck at computer all day, a few classmates and I decided to check out St. Petersburg our first night in Florida. I wasn’t sure if there would be much to see but we certainly got an eyeful in just one short walk. We walked through a live concert in the street, complete with couches lining the sidewalk and people dancing and laughing. I saw a guy with a Tigers hat, which made me feel a touch of pride for the Motor City. We took a stroll out to the Tampa Bay pier and felt the cool night breeze coming off the water. Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes, but standing by Tampa Bay just felt different for me. I’m sure the 90 degree weather might have something to do with that. I can’t wait to see what other little—and big—things this week has in store.