Publications was never a part of my plan for high school. Writing has been a hobby of mine for years, but I never dreamed that I was cut out for a journalism class and I always lacked room in my schedule.

Three days into my senior year, I decided to drop trigonometry and was suddenly left with an open period. When I mentioned this to Matthew Shattuck (Webmaster), he immediately suggested I join journalism.

To this day I do not know what convinced me to do it, but I did. It was one of the better decisions I have made in high school and I will always be grateful that things happened the way they did.

I could have joined study hall or even taken a free period. As a senior ready to graduate, it was tempting. However, I did not want to settle.

If there could be a theme for my senior year, it is that I never wanted to settle. I always did my best, even when I would rather throw in the towel and be done with it.

Through my time in Greg Stobbe?s junior English class, I have learned the significance of human nature and know first hand the tendency within each of us to be self-conscious. My time in journalism has taught me that despite what I may think of myself, I still need to allow myself a chance.

The best advice I can give to anyone of any age is to never degrade yourself to the point that you let great opportunities pass by. Journalism was one of those opportunities for me and I almost let it go. I am beyond thankful that I took it while I could.

My favorite job in journalism was finding the “Quote of the Day” for the online edition. A favorite quote of mine comes from the Rascal Flatts song, “Stand”: ?Life?s like a novel with the end ripped out. The edge of a canyon with only one-way down. Take what you?re given before its gone. Start holding on, keep holding on.?

That line sums up the new perspective I gained from my year spent in journalism. Never settle; life is full of chances and you never know where it will lead you, but you must always press on. Always strive to achieve your dreams because that is what makes you who you are.

I want to thank Stobbe for giving me that opportunity and helping me to find truth in everyday life. I will always cherish the time I spent in his class, both junior English and journalism.