It’s a bit overly dramatic, but today feels like the first day of the rest of our lives. There’s a kind of energy here that I haven’t seen very much, if ever before. The students were timid at first- voices never peaked and hands raised tentatively into the air-but after a few introductions and a few admonishments we were a bit more at ease. Don Hecker, the Institute’s director, made it clear to us that we had to take advantage of the opportunity. “You are among the best and brightest student journalists in the country … as the best we want to give you what you deserve… you’ll never have access like this again.” His words were deliberate and challenging. The faces of students around the room looked serious and the reality of the Institute set in for me.  Mr. Hecker said there are some students who see the level of expectation and decide this isn’t for them.  ”I consider that a success.” Better to learn the lesson sooner rather than later. Journalism requires focus and dedication that is consuming-everyone isn’t cut out for it. It was like the first day of college. I looked left and right and wondered if we would meet the challenge.