June 24, 2021
I had no idea what to expect when I moved to Lyndhurst my junior year. On the first day of school, I received my schedule, arrived late to class after getting lost in the halls and grieved about not having my friends with me. My original schedule did not include journalism, but when I overheard a classmate saying great things about it, I just knew I had to join.
So, like most students during the first week of school, I went down to Student Services to request a schedule change. Something just pulled me towards journalism, and I had no idea what it was. Luckily, period 6 journalism still had some seats available, and then-guidance counselor Mr. Rowland signed me up. So, thank you, Mr. Rowland.
Today, I’m still in period 6 journalism, but this year, it’s a whole new experience. I started off my junior year as a staff writer simply trying to navigate the basics of journalism. This was when I began my fashion column, Julia’s Closet. There, I explored trends and my favorite clothing items. Along the way, I also challenged myself with news pieces.
I couldn’t be happier to be in the position I am in today, even though the responsibility has sometimes become overwhelming.
I also recall priding myself on my monthly bloodsheeting, which means editing with a red pen. In time, The Lighthouse adviser Ms. Pastor would give me special responsibilities because she liked the fact that I’m so nit-picky when it comes to editing.
When May 2020 came around, it was time to start thinking about applying for a position on the editorial board.
At first, I was interested in becoming a managing editor, but I didn’t have much experience with social media, so Ms. Pastor recommended I go out for the webmaster position.
Ms. Pastor, to this day, I’m still thankful for that moment. That one private comment in Google Classroom where you asked me to consider the webmaster position changed the entire trajectory of my journalism experience.
Last June, Ms. Pastor informed me that I received the position. I was ecstatic.
Soon enough, training started, and I became so intrigued in learning all about WordPress and the tips and tricks to getting everything right. So, my friend and co-webmaster senior Angelina DeLuca and I are the ones behind the screen posting everything you see on The Lighthouse website.
I couldn’t be happier to be in the position I am in today, even though the responsibility has sometimes become overwhelming. It has challenged me and pushed me beyond my own expectations.
In the fall, I’ll be attending Seton Hall University in South Orange where I’ll be majoring in law and political science.
As excited as I am to begin this next chapter of my life, I acknowledge the fact that I would not be where I am today without journalism.
In addition, none of this would have been possible without Ms. Pastor.
Ms. Pastor, I’m thankful for all of your selflessness and patience with me. Thank you for always being there to push me further and for believing in me. You’re the reason LHS has become such an important part of my life, as has journalism. While I will be moving on from my position as webmaster, I’ll most certainly be a reader of The Lighthouse website for years to come.
