Journalism has always been an important part of my life. As soon as I learned to read, my grandfather started mailing me envelopes full of newspaper clippings about subjects he found interesting—these topics ranged from college costs all the way to dancing chickens. I loved the minute stories within these envelopes, so much so that I have all of them still tucked away in my desk drawer.
This journalistic obsession carried on throughout my childhood. When I was in fifth grade, I remember excitedly deciding that I had to be the one to make a newspaper for my class. I still have the Google document listing April headline ideas like “Paw Party” and “PARCC testing just around the corner.” My love for journalism meant that when Ms. Zitnik invited me to join the Observer during my freshman year, it was an easy decision to make.
When I came to Journalism 1, I had no idea what to expect. I had always been interested in newspaper, but I had never thought about the logistics behind what actually makes a newspaper function. Although the endless article insights and Radical Writes felt draining at the time, they helped me build a solid foundation for my writing that would carry me through the rest of my English classes and my dreaded college applications.
However, the most impactful part of journalism was the people. I tend to feel insecure about my writing, and I often find myself seeking out the help of others, no matter what I am writing for. Writing and publishing articles was a reassuringly collaborative process that helped me find confidence in my writing. I am so grateful to everyone on the staff who helped me find this confidence.
As my senior year comes to a close, I am left with a strange, indescribable feeling. It is hard to process every “last” that I have experienced recently—from my last math test to my last monthly article. But as my time in high school ends, I do have a small piece of advice. I know that, particularly at WCHS, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the pressures of high school, especially with thoughts about college lingering over people’s heads. However, that does not mean your time in high school should be taken for granted. In the end, the time you spend with your friends will matter more than the time you spend studying for that AP exam.
Sitting at my desk, writing this article, I can not believe that the quiet freshman Ms. Zitnik invited to the Observer is going to college. But before I go, I just want to express how grateful I am to everyone on the staff. Dehab, for being such a hard worker, I could not have asked for a better assistant editor. Catherine, for always listening to my rants and celebrating (or mourning) college decisions with me. Leah, for supporting my endless talking in stat and always pushing me to catch up on book club (By the way, have you started reading Little Women yet?). And finally, Ms. Zitnik, for opening this opportunity to me. When I selected Journalism 1 on StudentVue, I never knew I would find such a strong community that would help me thrive throughout high school.
I will always cherish the memories I have made thanks to this class, just as I cherished the newspaper clippings my grandfather used to send me. Once the senior section comes out, I know it will join these yellowing newspaper clippings in the safety of my desk drawer. Except this time, instead of the reader, I get to be the author, all thanks to this class.
