May 6th, 2017- a day I have been working towards since my senior year in high school. Flashing back to 2014, I can still remember discussing with my parents the pros and cons of each college I had been accepted to. Although there were many reasons of why I wanted to attend the University of Oregon, the possibility of attending the New York Experience trip with the advertising program seemed to trump them all. As an 18 year-old go-getter from a small town in the mountains of Oregon, the chance to spend a week in New York City meeting with some of the world’s top advertising agencies was a dream I could not pass up. Thus, I decided to attend the University of Oregon and began focusing all of my efforts towards preparing myself to apply.

Therefore, today I feel more than a sense of accomplishment. I feel grateful. Looking back on all the hours spent in Allen Hall contemplating my portfolio, asking questions. picking the brains of older students, learning about the industry, discovering my unique talents, applying for opportunities to practice my talents and making friends along the way, I realize how far I have come. From the eager, young girl who didn’t even know what a status report was to the confident, young woman who has now managed multiple accounts, I can’t help but smile at all that I have learned these past couple of years. The New York Experience was a goal I had set for myself coming into college and at times, sitting in class next to some of the most amazing minds I have ever encountered, I didn’t think this goal would feasibly be accomplished. As a result, I couldn’t be prouder, happier, more nervous, excited and so many more emotions to be sitting in this airport today. This journey I began in the Fall of 2014 has taken me farther than I ever imagined and I am confident it is only the beginning. New York City, I’m coming for you.

-Meg Meagher

#uonyc2017