It doesn’t feel real that I am the one writing this, the grand finale. This is my final story in my high school career in journalism. This feels almost impossible to type and write; my blinking cursor trying to figure out how to close out my final chapter. I don’t know if I should sign out as just Avery, Mooms, Moomspics, or my most favorite “crashoutaves.” I am trying to sum up four of the most challenging, beautiful, chaotic years of my life in 500 words (it’s 953). The truth is, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows for me. There were more bad days than good sometimes. Through the heartbreak, anxiety, awkward teenage phases (still happening btw), and the biggest curveballs thrown at me, I somehow am walking away with the greatest gifts God blessed me with. A forever family of people I probably wouldn’t have talked to, picking up a camera for the first time and finding my passion, meeting my little sophomore babies, and for that, I would do it all over again a million times.

     Let me start off by talking about my rock, my other half, Maggie. You were in 7th grade when I first met you, and I know it sounds dramatic, but I literally saw a light beam down on you like I won a car in a game show, and I just knew. I knew there was something about you, something I knew I would regret in my life if I didn’t talk to you. It wasn’t just your energy, or your smile, or your jokes and sarcasm. It was the magnetic pull I had towards you. I had to have you in my life. I thank God every day because being friends with you has been one of the best blessings in my life. You are my twin soul. My mirror. My built-in therapist, stylist, gossip buddy, and stand-up comedian all in one. You have seen me at my absolutely darkest, lowest times, and never judged me. You held me tight when I cried, laughed with me till I couldn’t breathe, and sat in silence when I wasn’t able to explain my feelings, but you understood. You understood it all. The idea of leaving for college genuinely makes me sick. If I could pack you in my suitcase and smuggle you into my dorm, I would (I am still thinking about it). But I want you to know something: when I was in your spot, I had a senior who felt like my anchor. Now it’s my turn to let go. I promise you, no distance, no time zone, no bad college wifi could ever break this bond. I love you more than words can say.

     Allie. My little baby. As I sit in my room writing this, I am listening to “Invisible Strings” by Taylor Swift, which is quite literally the definition of us. I have known you since I was 10 and you weren’t even double digits yet. Through every twist and turn, we always end up back together. You are the gentlest, sweetest human I know, and our cuddle sessions on the couch could fix any unwanted feeling. You have always had this quiet strength, and I will miss just being able to sit beside you and feel like everything is okay. You have been my comfort and my little safe place. I love you forever for that.

     Now let’s talk about the one and only Mrs. Mundorf. You will say you are just our teacher, but you have been so much more than that to me. I haven’t really had a mom around, but you filled the gap in all the ways that I needed. Whether it was early morning Pop-Tarts (which probably is the real reason I come to school on Wednesdays), giving me advice like I was your own, or spoiling all of us for our birthdays and half birthdays. You made me feel seen, safe, and cared for. We say we are a journo fam, but please never forget the weight of hospitality you gave me. You created a space I will remember for the rest of my life. Also, I swear to avoid the word “thing” in all future essays. I promise to ONLY say plethora if I want to see your eye twitch.

     To everyone in the class: Clemons, you are my legend. I will forever remember the day you let me absolutely obliterate and inhale 17 Red Lobster biscuits like it was normal for me. You are an icon. Adicyn, you brought me into this class. You took the new girl in at 11 years old, and you stayed. That loyalty means more to me than you will ever know. To all the girls in my grade here, we did it! Through the tears, drama, panic attacks, and “menti Bs,” we made it. I am so very proud of every single one of you. I know big things are ahead of us, and I am rooting for you with my whole heart. 

     Finally, to the entire Journo Fam, thank you. For the memories, the laughs, fighting over the last slice of cookie cake, freezing during outdoor sports photos, or the awkward hallway interviews we all pretended were normal, I love you all more than I can say. Please don’t ever be afraid to reach out. I will always be around. Well, actually on the beach in Hawaii with a coconut in hand, but for now I will be eating Mundorf’s Pop-Tarts in the corner, and crying about saying goodbye and how lucky I am to have all of you a part of my high school chapter.

      Love always, MoomsPics out.