I have the time I’ve spent on the Dispatch staff to thank for my personal and academic milestones I’ve reached during my high school career. I’m Ava Weaver, and I’ve spent the last two years contributing my work to the Dispatch paper. And I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities and experiences it brought me.

I became a Bowie Bulldog in my sophomore year of high school. I kept to myself, being quite introverted because of the pressure of a new environment. But I found my safe space in room F214, the newspaper room. The dim lighting, couches, blankets, and my teacher, Mr.Reeves, provided me with an environment that felt calm, contrasting the hectic hallways. I often spent my lunches alone in that room and looked forward to retreating there when things got overwhelming. 

Then, I got into the newspaper staff. I was extremely motivated to produce as much content as I could. I wrote countless stories, finding my voice through each one. I found enjoyment in interviewing kids at my school, learning more about the people I call my classmates. And my favorite thing that the newspaper brought me was photography.

I fell in love with capturing live moments of joy, anger, and surprise. My favorite moment I’ve photographed during my time on staff was the LBJ Fire Academy skill day. With fire consuming dumpsters and cars. And students are geared up and ready to learn. I was able to capture an exhilarating moment that showcased these future firefighter skills. It felt important. And it allowed me to feel proud of the photos I was taking for the paper.

Beyond the classroom, being in the newspaper has brought me memories and experiences I will remember for a lifetime. I was able to travel to Philadelphia and Nashville for journalism conventions and competitions alongside classmates. My family doesn’t travel out of state, so just being able to fly on a plane was a highlight for me. I was able to see sights I’ve never gotten to before. And more than that, I was able to learn from professional journalists. Being able to experience these moments made me feel even more motivated to go back to class and produce my own journalistic work. 

I am also extremely grateful for my teacher, Mr.Reeves. Not only is he my favorite teacher throughout my high school career, but he also believed in me. Where other teachers disregarded me and had no faith in me when I was struggling, he cared enough to check in on me because he knew what I was capable of. Having someone believe in me and what I can do was all I needed to keep showing up and doing my best, even if it was hard. A little understanding and kindness go a long way, and it is because he was always able to be that type of teacher for me, and all of his students, that I was able to be a successful member of the Dispatch staff.