By YM/MSgt Celeste Hamper, Division 5 Public Affairs Correspondent Over President’s Day weekend, twelve Young Marines gath- ered in Washington D.C. for a very eventful weekend. Six males and six females were chosen from each division to at- tend the very first Director’s Choice Public Affairs Course. We learned a lot! Our classes included photography, how to write a news ar- ticle, how to interview people, how to manage social media accounts, and much more. We were able to use cameras to practice what we just learned, which was really fun! One thing I learned was not to be scared in front of the camera. It is just like having a conversation with someone. You should have fun with it. While we were in Washington, D.C. we went to the Pentagon. We were able to visit the Com- mandant of the Marine Corps’ office and the office of the Ser- geant Major of the Marine Corps. Both were really impressive The following day, we went to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where we brought everything we learned over the weekend together and practiced. We interviewed people there and practiced our on-camera skills. I interviewed a Commander in the Navy who works in Public Affairs.This was my favorite part of the trip, being able to apply what we learned. That night, we were invited to Mr. Davis’s house for dinner. The food was good and we all had a fun time. We were given goodie bags from Mrs. Davis, which were appreciated. The last day, we went to Fox News in D.C. and toured the opera- tions there. It was really interesting to see what goes on be- hind the camera. We all had a lot of fun while learning a lot. I met new friends while getting to see a few I already met once again. Friendships formed within the Young Marines are not like any other friendship. I look forward to working with some Young Marines from around the program. It is always a good thing to help improve the program and make it even better. I look forward to capturing the moments to share with others. Learning New Skills at The Director’s Public Affairs Course By YM/Sgt Emma Forcier Imagine School North Port (FL) Almost every week my unit has about two drills, a regular drill and a drill squad drill. Drill squad is a team of about five people that spin with replicas. PFC Austin Duffey and I are the leaders of this group and know the most about spinning, which is one of many moves that we practice. Spinning takes weeks to learn and must be perfect in order to go to a competition. My drill team has spun for parades, schools, other units, and other activities. Even though drill team has its highs, it also has its lows. One of the worst things that hap- pens is hitting yourself while spinning. I have cut myself several times from spinning but practice makes perfect. Drill team is really fun and is something you should talk to your Unit Commander about. Practice ( A Lot of Practice) Makes Perfect in Drill Team Competition Events 16 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT