Four years. 60 articles. Countless memories. Far too many back-room breakdowns. Friendships I am SO grateful for. Skills I will use for a lifetime.
I couldn’t tell you what drew me to join (or stay in) the infamous Intro to Journalism class as a freshman, but something did. And I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to become editor-in-chief my senior year. Every EIC before me inspired me to work harder and become the best writer and editor I could be. From the start, I was eager to get an article published, despite being terrified of the editors’ lair. Even though I may or may not have tried to drop the class after experiencing my first ever “Mac Attack,” Beginning Journalism sparked my love for journalism, a passion I know will continue through college and beyond.
La Vista has been my one constant throughout high school, and it has given me a safe space on campus where I knew I would always belong, as cliche as that may sound. Not only is the EIC office (closet) a fantastic place for breakdowns, but room 101 is always buzzing with people ready to give me a hug, make me laugh or commiserate about my 8/20 on an AP Chem test or the 45-minute argument I had with Mac.
When Mia and Katie released the 2021-22 ed board, and I was named Sports editor, I genuinely laughed out loud. I thought Mia and Katie were insane. For context, I was the girl in elementary school to argue with future varsity football players (who were a foot taller than me) about whether or not my three hours of weekly recreational ballet counted as a sport. Enough said.
Regardless, being sports editor was the best experience. My co-editor, Emma, was the best mentor and friend I could ask for. She taught me everything I know, and we had so much fun. And I learned so much about sports! Fun fact: soccer does not have quarters.
This year, and the past four years, really, has been full of ups and downs, and it really cannot be summed up or sufficiently described.
La Vista is chaotic in the best way, it’s insanely challenging, and it’s eternally frustrating, but it’s even more rewarding. It has made me a better leader and a better person, and it has given me the tenacity, strength and confidence I need to navigate the world. La Vista has shaped me into who I always hoped I would be.
Mia, Katie and Emma – thank you for being such fabulous mentors and leaving us with the skills to keep this paper running. And thank you for staying in touch, for being such kind and truly incredible people to have worked with, and for continuing to always support us with your words of wisdom and emotional support.
Bella and Sofia – I have loved getting to know and work with you both this year. A three-person managing board with as few staff members as we had (and the countless…frustrations…we
faced – I won’t get specific, but you know what I mean) was challenging, but WE DID IT, and I wouldn’t want to have done it with anyone else.
Sofia, Ava, Lily, Raci – you are going to do amazing things with this paper next year. I have so much confidence in your tenacity, passion, kindness and creativity. I can’t wait to see what you bring to this paper; I really feel like next year will be a turning point for La Vista under your leadership. Just remember, Bella and I are just a phone call away, and we are always, always here for you. Above all, we believe in you!
As I graduate Costa and La Vista, my home for the last four years, I leave with the ability to navigate impossible mind games, experience leading a team (of high schoolers nonetheless…a terrifying feat — honestly, I’m lucky to have survived), valuable friendships with those who have graduated and those who will continue running the paper, and, most importantly, an intense moral dilemma on whether I am for or against the oxford comma.
Leave a Reply