High school students from around the country scatter across the vast Columbia University campus, excited for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) event, heading to their first workshop with a warm beverage in hand. Rhinebeck Reality and Yearbook members, too, return to the annual scholastic journalism event.

The CSPA, celebrating its 100th year, is a one day annual conference open to all students across the country as a way to explore different workshops focused on school publications like yearbook and newspaper, and attendees experience the day to day life of a college student. After arriving at Columbia, all students check into registration and pick up name-tags for the day.

Students pick certain workshops using the CVENT app which also acts as a GPS (very helpful when you’re trying to find where your workshops are located). Students often have some free time before classes start.

Since Columbia University is located in NYC, this gives students the freedom to explore the vast bustling campus, locally owned businesses, and vibrant city community. The campus hosts many bakeries and cafes which are a hit during the colder months.

During workshop sessions, students have the opportunity to work with professors who are specialized in their specific field. Fellow conference attendee, RHS senior Amaia Hayes claims certain workshops were life changing: “It was amazing to see all the different possibilities for what a yearbook can be. I came back inspired with ideas to share with my club and new tips in so many fields like photography, page editing, and font styles.”

These workshops can inspire and encourage students to think outside of the box ultimately resulting in more polished, professional published work. Many people come back ready to apply all they learned.