To be completely honest, I never thought I would be in journalism. I didn’t have anything against it but it just seemed like a lot of work to pour into something that would not be worth it if I didn’t have a passion for it. I was asked to join The Feather staff freshman year but it was not until the second quarter of my junior year that I gave it a shot.

The team was looking for another photographer and that position always seemed the most fun and fulfilling to me, so I decided to join. I was shy and timid about taking pictures at first; I didn’t want to appear to be in anyone’s way and when writing captions I always was unsure if what I was saying was adequate enough.

But then I started having fun with it. I realized how much of a perk it is to always have to be in the front of events in order to take pictures. I became much more connected in school activities. I already was very involved in the school but the camera gave me even more events I had to be at.

I learned a lot about what it means to have good communication. With the staff not all having the same journalism period throughout the day it made it very important to learn to work well as a team.

After I was able to pick up the rhythm of being a photographer for The Feather, I no longer saw journalism as a burden. It was something I looked forward to doing. I love taking pictures and being able to share all the memories online for people to see.

This year, my senior year, I was promoted to the position of Photo Editor. I knew I would need to step up and be even more responsible because I was given this title and position of leadership. I have learned a lot about what it means to cover an event well and how to inform readers. I have also learned the importance of social media usage. But I also have learned how to enjoy myself with the jobs I have to do daily.

With the semester coming to a close I am realizing all the things that I will never get to do again after my last semester. I’m learning to take advantage of the opportunities placed in my life and to appreciate the little things.

It’s a crazy thought that I only have five more months of being a student at Fresno Christian, a place that has been my home since kindergarten, but I also know how many exciting things there are to come in my future. I hope to give my fullest efforts during my last semester as a staff member and also remember to be thankful for all that I have learned and for the people that have pushed me to be better.

I have been blessed by my experience and have made some of my fondest high school memories because of my decision to join. I couldn’t be more pleased to be proved wrong.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @raynajenelle. Follow The Feather via Twitter @thefeather, Instagram @thefeatheronline and Facebook @thefeatheronline.

For more opinions, read the Dec. 13 article, EDITORIAL: Breaking the box.