June 20, 2023
Walking through the halls as a freshman on the first day of school, I regarded the seniors as so much older and more mature than me. As I observed them, I wondered what the next four years would have in store for me.
It is surreal to be that senior. Soon, I will be leaving what has become a familiar place and venturing into the unknown of college. Reflecting on my high school experiences, I have learned so much that has shaped me into the person I am today.
When journalism appeared on my schedule sophomore year, I wanted nothing more than to drop the class. I was shy as a little sophomore, and observing the knowledge and experience of the returning staff, I felt overwhelmed. The thought of conducting interviews with people I didn’t know well intimidated me.
However, once my first article was published on The Lighthouse website, my fear immediately became my passion. Getting to communicate with so many people through interviews and having the opportunity to tell their stories has been extremely rewarding. My in-depth reporting introduced me to new perspectives and people.
At the end of my sophomore year, I decided to apply for the position of editor-in-chief. My schedule was extremely hectic at times, as I juggled a part-time job and advanced classes, but I always looked forward to working on the newspaper after school.
Getting to communicate with so many people through interviews and having the opportunity to tell their stories has been extremely rewarding.
One of my proudest moments as editor-in-chief occurred this year at a boys basketball game on the day the February issue of The Lighthouse was released. Each person in the Bear Cave student section was handed a copy of the newspaper, and every time LHS scored, students waved their newspapers in the air and cheered. It was heartwarming to see the work of co-editor-in-chief Adriana Rodriguez and me being used as a symbol of pride at a sporting event.
It reminded me how lucky I am to be a part of the journalism program, and for that, I thank adviser Ms. Pastor. She is the most dedicated person I know for teaching me all of the valuable skills I have gained. Without her commitment to The Lighthouse, I would not be the confident leader I am today.
It is sad to be ending this chapter of my life, but I am excited to start a new one at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, where I will be pursuing an interdisciplinary business major on the pre-law track. I am excited to see where The Lighthouse goes in the years to come, and I am 100% confident it will continue to thrive.
