Welp, I guess it’s finally time to say goodbye, and I couldn’t be more excited. Before I leave high school, the person I’d like to thank most is my former Spanish teacher, Ms. Henkel. She’s the reason I’m here today, and she has helped me so much throughout my high school years. I’d also like to thank Mrs. Mundorf. She has been not only the best Journalism adviser I could’ve asked for but just all around an amazing person who will always bring out the better side of me. Thank you to the journo fam for all of the laughs and dance parties throughout the years. I’m beyond glad that I decided to take this class throughout high school because it has given me friendships that I would’ve never gained if I wasn’t in this class.
At the beginning of the year, I was fed up with school. I hated coming here and was ready to drop out. Honestly, I should’ve gone that path so I could’ve been done with this nine months ago, but here I am. I’m so thankful that I am graduating a year early because if I was still here next year, that would be a bummer. I’m sad that I’ll miss out on a few things like being able to be a yearbook editor and having my senior year of sports, but for the most part, I don’t give a care in the world. Whatever can get me out of this hell hole the fastest is the route I’ll take.
In all seriousness, I have formed some very good friendships and now have a few close friends that I know will always be there for me, and I will do the same for them. The reason I took this class in the first place is because my sister did, and she said they got pizza once a quarter. Obviously, I’m not going to pass up Casey’s pizza, but the want for free pizza has helped me gain friends and some I even consider family.
Even if some classes were mostly filled with laughter, listening to questionable music, and having dance parties, I’ve learned so much from this class. Not just learning about writing and journalism, but learning more about myself, and last but not least, learning to pick your friends wisely, and don’t let them take advantage of your willingness to help.
My advice for anyone wanting to take journalism is do it, unless you’re a selfish stinker that ruins the good vibes. Don’t take it to free load off on Mundorf because she gives us way more than we deserve, and don’t take it if you’re gonna snitch on everything we talk about to your other friends. But if you’re a decent person who wants lifelong friendships, take it!
A final thank you to the friendships I’ve gained through this wonderful experience. I’ll never forget the famous words of Mrs. Mundorf “HALEY JEAN!” whenever I say something questionable. I’m glad that I’ve made a few friendships with people I probably never would have talked to if it wasn’t for this class, but I’m also excited that I won’t have to see some of your faces ever again after graduation.
