The time that I always dreamed of has finally come to a close. Each year with ups and downs, doors opened and doors closed, moments that turned into memories. These past seven years at Fresno Christian have come with an enormous amount of change but only now can I see that it only shaped who I am today.
The Feather has been one of the most important parts of my high school journey. Beginning my freshman year, I was full of fear but also excitement to join such an amazing team. At that point, I never knew that this team would become a family. One that I would forever remember. Every year we faced many challenges; not editing pictures correctly, not getting the right shots at an event, failed articles. Each mistake only made the wins feel deeper, more meaningful—like every setback carved out space for something greater to rise.
It was the failed moments that brought me to now. I went to teach a class at the Columbia CSPA conference in New York where we got a Silver Crown and I got to explore Eastern Europe with the Feather where I made memories to last a lifetime. I have had the opportunity to shoot numerous weddings in my four years in high school. As a junior, I became a Photo Editor and later transitioned into a Senior Editor.
Thank you, Kori James, for guiding me through all the mistakes I’ve made. Thank you for lifting me up when I had success, for not only being a great teacher, but for also being a great mentor. Your hard work and dedication is inspiring and I hope to follow in that as I go on the rest of my journey.
I remember a moment that happened earlier in the year. We got brand new cameras that were pretty pricey. As someone who has been a photographer for four years, I know the extent of how careful you MUST be. I had gone four years on a great streak of being extremely careful up until this day in class when I dropped a brand new lens on the floor. Panic struck my eyes as I looked down at the lens. I felt like I had just failed all of my training but thanks to support from friends on the team, I was able to move forward and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
It’s incredible to me, looking back at the past four years how far I’ve come. I am now a Senior Editor and I get to pour into these students on the daily.
As mentioned before, there were many ups and downs and I would like to thank Danielle Arndt, ‘26, for countless hours of car talks and special movie nights where we talked about everything going on in our lives; stresses, work things, friend and family troubles. I’m thankful to have such a God-fearing friend to encourage me and lift me up in those times. Thank you munchkin, I love you.
I am so blessed to have gotten this opportunity, and I am looking forward to seeing where this special team goes from here.
I would also like to thank Giada Gilmore Young, ‘27 for always being there for me and giving me a good laugh from time to time. Giada, you are such a light. You have such an amazing heart and I love how selfless you are. I love how you can make tough times feel like a breeze because you always have the right words. You are my little sister and I will always be here whenever you need. I love you.
Before I close, I would like to give off a few words of encouragement for upcoming editors. I have gotten to watch each of you flourish over these past few years. I want to encourage you that even in the hardest times, when it feels like work is piling up, don’t be discouraged. You guys are so strong and I promise it only gets better from here. Lean on your editor team; they are going to be your right hand. And last, just remember to have fun in whatever you do.
I would also like to encourage you, that if you are thinking about joining The Feather, DO IT. While it may seem scary and feel like it’s going to be very difficult, you learn a handful of life lessons and you get to join a family.
Goodbye, and be sure to drink a Dr.Pepper for me.
After graduating from Fresno Christian High School, Castiglione will attend Clovis Community in the Fall of 2025 where she will later transfer to a undecided school. Castiglione is planning to study nursing and hopes to work in either Pediatrics or Labor and Delivery. Castiglione hopes to continue photography as she grows her business.
For more from the Feather, visit Fresno Christian choirs perform at Heritage Festival in Anaheim or National Day of Prayer.
For more from Julia Castiglione, visit Honor Flight: Veteran Bob Kleinknight or Review: Students savor authentic flavors throughout Eastern Europe.
