June 17, 2023
Since my freshman year, almost every senior I have encountered said, “High school goes by so fast.”
They were right. Once I realized I should enjoy every last bit of high school, I began to appreciate each moment.
The growth I have observed in myself during these past four years leaves me in shock and awe. I began as an immature teenager who had no idea what she wanted in life to someone who is driven to create a successful career in journalism. That is why I regard my development as a writer as one of my key accomplishments in high school.
It all started the summer before my freshman year when my mom convinced me to request LHS’ journalism elective.
As soon as I sat down in adviser Ms. Pastor’s class, I felt a nervous shiver run through my body. However, my fears eased about a month later when the students formed a circle to discuss what we would be writing about and who we would interview. This was also a chance to get feedback and advice from our editors.
It was comforting to know I had people with experience by my side, and so I became more social. With the help of Ms. Pastor, my editor and my classmates, I was motivated to complete my interviews and write my first article, which was about the cross-country team.
I will never forget the feeling of seeing it in print and receiving positive feedback. From that day forward, I knew I had fallen in love with expressing my emotions, ideas and opinions through words.
The growth I have observed in myself during these past four years leaves me in shock and awe.
I cherish every lesson I have learned in my journalism and English classes, and I will put my knowledge to good use as a journalism major at Montclair State University. I am more determined than ever to reach my goals and build the career I envision for myself.
I want to thank my family for their encouragement and praise, my best friend senior Angie Velastegui for being by my side since freshman year, all of my teachers for their support and every member of The Lighthouse, as they all assisted me in my goal of becoming a writer.
From exhausting nights of studying and doing homework to waking up early and being active with after-school softball and volleyball practices as well as club meetings, I can say with confidence that high school has been a wild ride. However, it also gave me the knowledge I need to succeed, and I can certainly say I am prepared for all that is to come.
