I could have never predicted how the past 1,390 days have gone. Going into 8th-grade, I had no clue Dominion had a newspaper, much less that I could write for it. But, here I am 4 years later writing my final piece for Dominion’s newspaper; it’s crazy how unexpected life is. I fully credit Google Meet for introducing me to Mr. Schwartz and the world of Dominion journalism… at least one good thing evolved from the pandemic. It’d be a lie if I said my time as a student reporter was all sunshine and rainbows. I encountered countless writer’s blocks, article ideas being shot down, and being ghosted by potential interviewees. But, all the times it was stormy, led me to develop resilience and the ability to weather the storm. I became a better writer, interviewer, and thinker because of my time as a student journalist.
I have no clue how my high school journey would have looked without DHSPress… maybe I would have taken AP Psychology or AP Econ? But nonetheless, I chose to take Newspaper Journalism, a decision I have not regretted at all. My time spent in L620, whether frantically writing an article or just chatting with classmates, is time that I look back on with a smile on my face.
Entering my sophomore year, my goal was to win a Best of SNO article. Though it took 3 years, I am proud to say I accomplished my sophomore year goal. After four years, I accomplished another goal of making my past self proud. I like to think that 5th-grade Callie would be pretty proud of herself now. Nothing would have been possible without my support system. I credit each and every accomplishment, big and small, to my support system: my family. They have been there for me through thick and thin. After failing a test or playing a bad field hockey team, my parents and sister have given me constant encouragement, reassurance, and a shoulder to cry on. Trust me there were a lot of tears… so just a massive thank you to them, because they definitely deserve it.
I won’t miss Dominion’s parking lots or closed bathrooms, but I will forever miss DHSPress, Mr. Schwartz, and L620. As cliche as it sounds, thank you Mr. Schwartz, L620, and DHS Press for shaping me into the student I am. I am eager to see the future, wherever it will take me.
Your Co-Editor-in-Chief signing out,
Caroline (Callie) Stravinski
