On Sunday evening, a group of us staff writers arrived home from a media convention held in Philadelphia, PA.
It was an opportunity I was originally reluctant to accept but I’m glad I did. Usually, I would find the excuses to tell myself. “It’s not worth it.” “I have to work.” “I probably won’t learn much.”
I could’ve never been more wrong.
I have learned as I’ve gotten older, you must take the opportunities that fall into your lap. You never know when you’ll get the chance to do something so unique again, especially if you pay your own rent, work full time and have a family to support.
I learned a lot on the trip, as I believe we all did. Aside from the techniques shared by presenters or the great networking opportunity, I learned that Philadelphia is a great place. I was surprised by what I ended up enjoying from the trip.
The Philly cheesesteaks aren’t all what they are cracked up to be.
I tried several. At the end of the day, it’s just a cheesesteak. There are ample opportunities to try so many variations of food on every corner. You’re a fool if you make that your priority meal choice, which I learned first hand. Luckily, I had some pretty cool people with me that offered chances to try different foods.
The Liberty Bell is a must see.
Remember when your parents would try to drag you to some boring museum or a historical artifact and you fought them on it? Well, sometimes you should listen to your parents. Although you’re just going to look the bell for a couple minutes and snap a couple pictures, there’s much to do in the nearby area. Independence Hall is right there, along with the the gift shop across the street. Surprisingly, it has some pretty cool stuff too. I raided it.
Love Park is awesome.
It was my favorite site in the city, despite being a tourist trap due to less fortunate locals bothering everyone trying to take a picture of, with, or next to the iconic “LOVE” statue. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful scenery locations in a city where the buildings are so high it’ll hurt your neck to try and view the top of them.
I kept hearing from locals that our group needed to “just need to walk around, you will find something.”And they were right.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Sometimes in life you have to take chances or have a change of pace. It furthers your life experiences and yet makes you appreciate home at the same time. There’s a whole world out there. Go and see it.
