I had originally joined Bowie High School junior year, and was asked to pick out my class schedule a week before classes had started in August. I don’t know what exactly led me to choose journalism, or rather the intro class digital media, but for some reason I did, and I showed up on the first day of my junior year with the realization that I was stuck in a freshman introduction class. That year I spent a lot of my time breezing through assignments, though at the end I was given the opportunity to advance into Journalism 1, and to be according to Mr. Reeves, ‘one of the only juniors he would allow into Journalism 1 in about five years,’ and I am so glad I took that chance. 

Joining the newspaper my senior year gave me the type of community I really needed. I met some amazing people and friends through the class, and am absolutely blown away by all of the creative minds and skills I have seen within the Dispatch. I have learned so much from my peers about not only how to become a better journalist, but what it means to be a part of a team. I am so grateful for every chance I have gotten to advocate for myself and others through my short, yet passionate commentary pieces, as well as the creative freedom I was given through The Directive. 

To The Dispatch Staff: I have never seen such talent all in one room together. I have learned and been inspired so much by everyone’s work, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of such an amazing team. To the leadership team, you have all become some of my closest friends, and I appreciate all of the kindness and light each one of you brought into my mornings. 

To Mr. Reeves: Not many people can say that they have had real experience on a paper, but to me what was most rewarding was the standard you held us to. You were never a teacher to me, but a mentor, and I am so grateful to have worked under someone who is so passionate about what they do. I grew so much from just the dynamic you created in the newsroom, and deeply appreciate all of the pressure you put onto us, no matter how hard it was sometimes. 

To Mrs. Guiffre: You became so much more to me than a school counselor, but a friend. There are not many teachers I have had throughout my highschool career that I have felt comfortable enough to confide in and come to, but you were one of them. Having a safe space to come to in school was not always something I had, and you gave me that without even having to ask for it. Thank you for all that you do, whether that be as a counselor, SOAR sponsor, or just a person in general, I just want you to know that you are truly making a difference and changing lives. 

To Ms. Costello: Despite not having the pleasure to have you as my teacher this year, all that I have learned from you and your class has consisted to carry on into my day to day life. You taught me so much more than just English, but encouraged me to be curious and to not be afraid to be and share who I am. Your classroom was one of the first places I had at Bowie that I felt welcomed me, and I am endlessly grateful for that, and you will always continue to be a role model for me. 

Next year, I will be attending the University of Texas at Austin studying Interpersonal Communication, and plan to attend law school in the future as well. I am excited to begin this next chapter of my life, and thank you to everyone who has helped me along this chapter.