Adios ciao!

     So this is it…one last piece of writing to be published in this school newspaper. Like my last article, this will not be my usual style of writing. It’s going to be one part sappy and reminiscent and one part “call to action.” So, get ready.

     First of all, I want to thank Mrs. Mundorf, AKA Mundy, for adopting and running this family. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for her and the space that she has created for me (and others) to express their strongest thoughts and feelings. Journalism allowed me to share my opinions and educate my fellow students. I like to think that by writing these articles, I was able to reach more people. The first step in making a change is education. Educate yourself and then move on to others. Sharing my passion makes me feel incredibly gratified, and this journalism family allowed me to do just that. It’s unlike any other class that is offered at the high school. Apart from a few people having to adapt their schedules for other classes, the group remains constant throughout the entire year. This creates stronger bonds and friendships, or even creates new ones.

     This year, as an editor, I had little to no restrictions on what topics I could write about. Being a staff writer can sometimes be a little frustrating. The subjects that are chosen can be restricting, and sometimes the article you get assigned isn’t your first pick. You may have to do an interview that you’d rather not do. Either way, you still get the opportunity to write and put your own spin on it. If you get the chance to be an editor, a) don’t panic; it’s not hard, and b) don’t take it for granted. I loved being able to write about topics that I am very passionate about. I had fun pushing people’s buttons and stirring the pot. Woodrow Wilson once said, “If you want to make enemies, try to change something.” I think I’m well on my way to doing just that. If I make enemies while trying to advocate for myself and others, so be it.

     My favorite article that I wrote as a senior is “America: the used and abused.” It’s no secret, now, that I am a raging environmentalist. I cry when I watch animal documentaries, and I become livid at the mention of human ignorance when it comes to climate change. I’m going to encourage those who come after me to be the same way. Get angry about things. If you’re not passionate about something, then what are you going to do with your life? Your passions may one day become what you do for a living, so my advice to you is to find something you truly love and chase it. Journalism is a fantastic way to hone in on those feelings and translate them into pieces of writing that can be shared with a plethora of people.

     This high school journalism class will always be near and dear to my heart. I have so much gratitude for Mrs. Mundorf and everyone I have met along the way. I’m so excited for the steps that I’m going to take in the very near future and cannot wait to check in every once in a while to see how this dysfunctional family of mine is doing.