Every good story has five elements of a plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution (Thanks, Mrs. Dempsey). The funny part about my story is, the readers will never know where my exposition ends or my resolution begins until my book is complete. That is the beauty of it though because stories are meant to be read page by page like life is meant to be lived day by day. 

I would say that I am a unique case in that I have known that I wanted to be a writer since middle school. I had this grandiose plan that I would get my art and gym credits out of the way freshman year so I could take Journalism for the rest of my high school career. Thinking back, I wish I had taken J1 freshman year and been able to join the community I cherish so dearly earlier. 

There is an element of journalism that is unlike any other profession, which is why I am so inclined to pursue it past high school. The collaboration between the editors, writers, managers and staff make the whole process of production so special. I have realized that my writing is only part of the puzzle and would not make it to the public without the help of my peers and collaborators. Ms. Zitnik also does an excellent job of keeping students engaged and providing fresh ideas to improve The Observer and its community (shameless plug).

There has been a lot more to my high school experience than the Observer. Early freshman year, I was introduced to a group of 12 guys in need of a center for recreational basketball. Four years and many games won later, I can confidently say that they are some of my best friends. They and Churchill Baseball have gotten me through many tough times in my life and provided me with some of my strongest memories. The emotional ties that we made will surely create lifetime bonds. 

In my incomplete story, June 1, 2023, is only the end of a chapter. Many have ghostwritten my high school experience and will soon leave my readers on a cliffhanger as I head to college. Here is what the readers know so far: A global pandemic wiped out the end of my freshman year and made my sophomore year virtual. I trudged through junior year dealing with school, sports, friends and family. Senior year was filled with college applications and social dilemmas, not to mention senioritis. Yet with all these things known to my readers, they have no clue what will come next for me.

I told myself I would not give advice because what do I know, but I am because why not. High school is the time for growth and development, elements you would never leave out of a story. So embrace the high school chapter, do not rip out pages because you think they are not important. Create new clubs, go on adventures with friends and do not be afraid to make memories that will last a lifetime. 

There are a lot of chapters that will end for me soon, but also many that will begin. One thing that is certain though, is the story of Michael Demske will continue with no end in sight.