When I first took a journalism class, I had no plan on staying committed to it, but I am very grateful for the opportunities and community it gave me. Two days into my sophomore year I dropped out of one of my elective classes, and the only other option that wouldn’t mess with my schedule too much was Intro to Journalism. Then I decided to stick with it my junior year only because I needed a sequential elective to graduate. Three years of journalism later, I am very glad I had to take it.
Freshman year felt endless at the time, but now graduation is here before any of us are really ready for it. Somewhere between early morning practices, late nights finishing assignments, football games, spirit weeks, and funny classroom experiences, high school became something I know I’ll miss more than I expected.
Journalism became such a huge part of my high school experience, and I have Mr. Schwartz to thank for a lot of that. Thank you for creating an environment that made coming into class something I genuinely looked forward to every day. Through journalism, I was given opportunities I never expected to have, met people I never would have not known otherwise, and created memories that I know I’ll carry with me long after graduation.
Looking back now, I realize how much these years changed me. The people I met, the teams I was part of, and the experiences I had all shaped who I am in ways I probably won’t fully understand until years from now. The extra-curricular activities I participated in, especially journalism, taught me the importance of building relationships and connecting with the people around me. These activities became some of the biggest parts of my high school experience and gave me friendships and memories that made these four years unforgettable.
As graduation gets closer, it’s strange realizing how fast these four years went by. High school brought challenges, memories, friendships, and experiences that helped shape who I am today and I truly could not have done it without the support of my family. In the fall, I will be heading to the University of New Hampshire to play Division One lacrosse and I am planning on majoring in Finance. While it’s hard to say goodbye, I’m excited for what comes next and thankful for everything Dominion has given me. I will be sure to forever think about the Dominion “happy T with wings” as I graduate and move forward in my life.
