My eyes couldn't believe the email I was reading. I was accepted to participate in the inaugural College Reporter Day on April 28 at the White House in Washington, D.C. When I say I couldn't believe it, I'm not kidding. I thought it probably was a joke, especially after how the application process went.

Two weeks prior to this email, I received another email inviting me to be part of this event. I filled out all the information and answered the questions they asked, and after clicking "submit" I saw the awful "the page you requested is not found" message.

I freaked out.

I knew all this wasn't true.

Well, I submitted the application again and again and again, actually like 20 times, hoping it would say otherwise.

It never did.

So I couldn't do much but go on with my life.

Then when I received the second email, I immediately forwarded it to Mike Haynes and Jill Gibson, my student media advisors and personal mentors. I remember Jill's response: "Wow!" Yep, that's how I felt, too.

A month later, I was heading to the nation's capital for the first time along with Lynaé Jacob, chairwoman of the Amarillo College Speech and Theatre Arts Department, to meet White House senior administration officials and - who knows - maybe President Barack Obama.

Finally the day came, and I was super nervous. I didn't know what to expect but finally was able to grasp the idea that I'm going to be in the White House. So many people, so many journalists, wish they could have this experience, and here I am at the age of 22 being invited to the White House.

Sitting in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room with 50 college reporters from all over the country, covering important issues, seemed surreal to me. It is undeniably an experience I will never forget.

I was sitting across from people who are making a difference in this country. That's empowering. We discussed important college issues such as sexual assault and college affordability. I was really glad to see how passionate my colleagues are about these issues. It reaffirmed my idea that we millennials do care about topics like these and want to make and see a difference. I'm happy that I was a part of that.

A Garden Tour was scheduled but canceled due to the weather. Hallie Ruvin, director of specialty media and the one in charge of organizing the event, told us we had a surprise guest. We immediately thought it would be Obama, but it turned out to be Sunny and Bo, the presidential pets. They were just adorable. I heard someone say, "I don't have to meet Obama now; I met the pets."

But unquestionably the highlight of my day - and trip - was meeting Obama. His appearance had been planned since the beginning, but it was kept a surprise for us. Although he's the leader of the free world, he seemed humble to me. The President talked about how important our job is as young college reporters. "You, as journalists, are going to have a role to play in reducing cynicism (in society)," he said.

Being part of this event has been one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life, not only because of the people I met, but because of the role I was in: The role of a journalist.

Alma Bustamante is a sophomore at Amarillo College majoring in mass media.