From the CampusProgress email list:

My name is Michael Tracey and last year was my first time attending the Campus Progress National Conference. I wasn’t really sure what to expect beyond some speeches, panels, and (most importantly) free lunch. I figured I would have fun and meet new people, but I never anticipated that attending the conference would inspire me to enter the field of progressive journalism.

Until Bill Clinton – the conference keynote speaker — told me he supported same-sex marriage.

I recalled that he had recently said his position on same-sex marriage was "evolving," so as he was making his way down the rope line shaking hands and posing for pictures, I asked, "President Clinton, do you support equal marriage rights for all?"

And he said yes.

The next day at the conference, editors from The Nation gave me the opportunity to write an article about the revelation. The story spread like wildfire and was even brought to the attention of Robert Gibbs, the Obama administration’s press secretary, during the daily White House press briefing.

Inspired by what happened, I started my own newsmagazine — The Perspective — at The College of New Jersey last August. You might have seen me referenced on the "Rachel Maddow Show" or the Huffington Post for a controversial interview I conducted with Mike Huckabee in April — Google "Huckabee" and "puppies" for an amusing recap.

Here’s the point: You won’t regret attending the Campus Progress National Conference. You can apply here if you haven’t done so already. You’ll leave inspired, refreshed, motivated, and — with a little luck — ready to make some headlines of your own.

See you in July! Michael We’re proud of our role in publishing this young journalist and we’re looking forward to our journalism panel at this summer’s Campus Progress National Conference.