June 24, 2021
I have learned so much these past three years at The Lighthouse that have shaped me as a writer and given me a passion for journalism. There are so many people I could thank and numerous journalism stories I could tell, but I will try to be brief.
High school has provided me with experiences that have shaped me into who I am and will be. I went into freshman year believing that my hobbies, interests and social groups would remain constant for the next four years. Of course, joining various extracurricular activities introduced me to new perspectives and people.
My greatest regret from the past four years would be not taking enough chances. Listen to my advice, and run for a club president position, take that internship or talk to the new kid. Nobody really knows what they are doing in high school, and this is the time to find out who you are.
Journalism is by far the LHS activity that has brought me the most joy. This year, I had to overcome unexpected obstacles by taking on additional responsibilities and acquiring new skills. Even though compiling story ideas, assigning students their articles and coaching the staff through the writing process is considered work, I strangely loved the entire process. It gives me a sense of pride to see articles being approved and posted on The Lighthouse website, especially as I remembered all the work that went into each individual piece.
Journalism plays such an important role in my life now. I understand the importance of speaking up for minorities, providing a voice to underrepresented people and setting the agenda by selecting which stories to publish.
When I took on the editor-in-chief position, I thought I would be laying out print newspapers, but that didn’t happen because of the coronavirus. Being a high school student during the pandemic was rough enough, and having to adapt what had been a print newspaper to a completely virtual publication was a difficult feat. Nevertheless, this organization persevered.
As both a student and journalist, I’m learning to appreciate the curve Covid-19 threw at me. However, I do miss our monthly editor meetings in adviser Ms. Pastor’s classroom and passing out newspapers during homeroom. I still have my red, white and blue Constitution Day bracelet that the journalism classes made every year, and I’m sorry we couldn’t have our traditional celebration in class on Sept. 17.
Enough reflecting on the past, though. There are so many experiences I can’t wait for. I will be attending The College of New Jersey where I will be majoring in journalism and professional writing, so people won’t see the last of my reporting! It’s exciting to enter the next stage of my life where I will be meeting new people, discovering new passions and exposing myself to new challenges like writing for a college newspaper.
Journalism plays such an important role in my life now. I understand the importance of speaking up for minorities, providing a voice to underrepresented people and setting the agenda by selecting which stories to publish.
I thank The Lighthouse for giving me this point of view. I especially thank adviser Ms. Pastor for educating students about the importance of the media and teaching the staff about their press rights. She puts so much effort into this program, and it truly motivates me to work harder. I definitely would not have been able to oversee The Lighthouse without her guidance and lessons.
I would also like to thank my friends for being so understanding of my busy schedule. Between my swim team practices, journalism and other classes, I can’t count how many times I could not hang out or answer their Facetime calls. I’m grateful to have such supportive friends.
My parents have been my biggest motivators to become a journalist, and I cannot thank them enough for giving me the morals and values I have today. I wouldn’t be where I am without their endless advice and love.
I wish good luck to the future editorial board and The Lighthouse staff. You will learn so much and have fun in the process. Enjoy the experience!
