Whoa, we’re here. After four years of hearing senior goodbyes, thinking I have time or it’s not my turn yet, here we are. Looking at this blank document ready to start a story for the last time, but it’s not just an Opinion or Student Life article, it’s my story. 

      Being 14 years old, coming into high school is supposed to be a welcoming, but nerve-racking, experience. But the class of ‘24 came in with masks, we only saw half the school, and they pushed back the start date because of the derecho and the damage it did. Not only that, we were still middle schoolers. We were kids who had no idea what was in store for them in the next four years. 

     In school, the talking and preaching about mental health is a normal discussion. Making students aware that it’s okay not to be okay, talking to someone, and taking care of yourself. But you don’t realize how important it is until you are struggling… you are suffocating. Letting everything around you go to mess, but you don’t have the energy to deal with it. Feeling like you are constantly at a breaking point. Feeling the pit in your stomach, but not knowing what it is or how to explain it. Getting all the help provided, but something is still wrong. It felt like I was a living zombie every day, not actually surviving. I started letting people around me down, but I didn’t know how to fix it. Feeling like you have absolutely no control of your life. In my freshman year, I attempted to try and end all the pain. Looking back, I always think about the “what if.” What if I never went to the hospital? What if I never got the help I needed? That one moment of life doubt has completely changed me as a person, but it has made me stronger in the aspect that I know that I will be okay, and I have a whole support system to look to when struggling.

       Who thought the girl who has the worst grammar in the world would be writing for the school’s newspaper? Yeah, definitely not me. I got put into journalism by accident when I tried adding another class to my schedule. I had no idea that I would survive the next four years of high school because of a group of people, a classroom full of IMacs, and a couch. The journalism room has always been my home away from home. Being able to walk into a space and know that you won’t be judged and that it’s safe is something that everyone needs. Yes, we make content for the school, but we also are a family. We will always have each other’s back no matter what, even when we are mad at each other. We have potlucks, celebrate everyone’s birthdays, and of course, have dance parties to Barbie songs while constantly making TikToks. The past four years of being in this class are the most beautiful and definitely memorable, but I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for my heroes at heart, Mila and Mundorf. Mila and I are the only students who have been in journalism for all of high school, and I don’t think I could have survived without her. Mila has the kindest soul and truly just wants the best for everyone. She is like a sunflower: bright, cheery, warm, and loyal. Yes, there are times when I want to scream in her face because she says “your mom,” or when she sings the national anthem for the whole hallway to hear. Mila is the girl who I will call in five years for lunch, and we talk like nothing has changed. She is a true sister at heart and I’m so grateful we survived together. And of course, Mundy. Mundy is mother, and I’m not joking. Yes, she is our adviser, but she does keep everyone in check in and out of school. Mundorf has such a kind heart and would do anything to make sure everyone is okay, even if she has to sacrifice her happiness. She has a work ethic of no other, sometimes giving up her lunch and personal time (don’t recommend it because she will be hangry). Mundorf will forever be the teacher who made my high school experience worth it. Also, shout out Hannah for being my sidekick with the yearbook and approving some of my weird ideas. To my junior writers, thank you for the last three years, and sorry for throwing up at our potluck two years ago. Stay ambitious and push through! Junioritis is a thing! To the sophomore writers, enjoy the time left! Be present in the moment! And to my freshie babies, you got this! The next three years will be so much fun; make it worth it. 

    Thank you to my parents for putting up with me and supporting me through thick and thin. Thank you to all the teachers and staff for breaking the reputation that teachers are boring. To the class of ‘24, we did it!! We survived. To the rest of the students, turn in your assignments and enjoy. And to Marion High School, thank you for the lifetime of memories. Now playing “You’re On Your Own, Kid” by Taylor Swift. 24emurqu out.