They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I’ve taken hundreds. Over the years that phrase has become quite cliche, but to me, a picture is more than words, it conveys emotions, connections, community, activism and a wonderful hobby that I never would have started if it hadn’t been for our Newspaper class. If you had asked me in my freshman year “Would you ever join the Newspaper?” my answer would have immediately been “No”. Now, four years later, I find myself writing this while sitting in that very class, reflecting upon these past few years, trying to find a way to convey what I want to say in a way that isn’t too cheesy. Knowing me, good luck with that one.
The fact that four years have already flown by baffles me to no end. Freshman year was, for lack of a better word, awful and sophomore year was mind bogglingly chaotic. I won’t deny that junior year was beyond complicated, but it was the first year where it truly felt like I had the courage to reinvent myself. Now that senior year is coming to a close, I have begun to emerge from that foggy “who am I” stage of teen-hood and am glad to say that I am proud of who I have become.
I find myself thinking about a lot of things as graduation inches closer to reality, especially the days I’ve spent with my closest friends. Knowing that most of us will be going to different colleges is saddening, but it’s also exciting to experience new adventures and get the chance to share them with all of you. I still remember the days that I met each of you, and I hold those memories very close to my heart. Ethan, Eve, Alejandro and Ellie, thank you for being the best friends that anyone could ever ask for. No matter where we end up, I hope to have you in my life forever. I love you guys!
Taking inspiration from last year’s sendoff by print editor-in-chief Lincoln Wheeler, I would like to thank Ms. Nealon, Mr. Irikawa, Ms. Onnis, Ms. Avila, Ms. Shull, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Bennon, Mr. Vanderwall, both Ms. Rodriguezes, Mr. Ortiz, Ms. Koenig, Ms. Georgetta, Ms. Tiet, Mr. Kniser, Coach Franks, Coach Dyer, Ms. Estrada, Mr. Ghan, Mr. James, Mrs. Leslie and Mrs. Gisela for all the support and guidance I have received from you throughout the years. And a special thank you to Ms. Gill, Mr. Mellgren, Mr. Miller, Mr. Coombs, Mr. Grosscup, and especially Ms. Sb. There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to express how grateful I am to all of you. 50 years from now I can say for certain that you six will be at the heart of my favorite high school memories.
To everyone in the newspaper and editorial leadership, I need you to know that you have given me strength, you have given me hope, you have given me many of my favorite memories, and most importantly, you have given me my life, for I would not be the person I am today without every single one of you. It’s funny to imagine who I might have been had I chosen a different path because I can’t imagine being happier than I am right now, working with all of you. I’m excited to see where the newspaper is headed in its many years to come.