This was the last day in California, and it was the day we would go to Huntington Beach. It was also the day of our last presentation which would determine what place we would get in our category of website design. Adam, Michaela, and I did the same thing to prepare as we did the first presentation. We then presented in front of new judges, and we all felt like we did even better than the first time. After that, we all got onto the bus and headed for the beach. Once we were there, I walked to the very end of the pier to get pictures and to enjoy the view. I then walked the length of it back to get to the volleyball courts.

The group and I played beach volleyball for hours; only taking a break to eat lunch. It was pretty cloudy there so me, without thinking, didn’t bring any sunscreen which was not my best idea, for by the time I got back it was much too late. I had the worst sunburn I think I have ever gotten, my shoulders and cheeks burned like the surface of the sun. All in good timing too, because that night was the awards ceremony, where I would have to get up on stage in front of thousands of people all across the nation. Luckily my white button up blouse hid most of the ugly tan line that wrapped around my neck and shoulders. For the awards ceremony, my group and I waited and waited for our category to be called, and it was so long that half of the stadium had emptied. Finally when our category was called we made our way to the stage and waited to hear the results. Unfortunately we did not get into the top three, but being able to go up on stage was an award enough.

My Advisors were very supportive and congratulated us on making it so far. So even though we didn’t get first, I was really happy to have gotten the opportunity to go to California and compete against others who are passionate about BPA. I am so excited to do it again next year and hopefully make it to Boston which is the next location for Nationals.