Every assignment I’ve been given throughout high school, I’ve procrastinated. Of course here I am, writing this senior goodbye letter the day it’s due. I’ve waited for the day of graduation for years, and now that it’s actually here I’m shocked. Just the other day I was reading my senior letter which I wrote my freshman year English class. All I wrote about was how I was making mediocre grades and having the same friends I did in middle school. Now four years later my grades are still bad, but that’s okay because I already got into college which is epic.

First off to my all academic teachers, thank you so much for putting up with me in your class. I know 100% that I am not the best student but I’ve enjoyed (almost) every class I’ve taken. Ms. Wiedmeyer- my all time favorite English teacher. Thank you for teaching me the fundamentals of writing a good rhetoric essay, you truly care for your students and only want the best for them. Having you for two years made me actually enjoy English! Mr. Henson- I may have only met you this year, but UT Onramps Precal has been my favorite math class. Despite my tests grades being below average, and the failing quiz grades I received every class, I still enjoyed every moment in your class.

To all my friends I’ve had all throughout high school and to all the new ones I’ve made this year, thank you for sticking with me. Every single person I’ve formed a relationship with throughout my four years here has changed me in some way and I appreciate everyone single person and all they have done for me. From modeling for my commercial photography assignments, to driving me everywhere and from letting me pet your amazing dogs thank you. Also shoutout to all the people who let me take their senior photos, I never would have had the chance to build my own photography business if it weren’t for you all.

To the best parents, thank you for supporting me all my life. Ever since kindergarten you have pushed me to try my best and I may have not listened entirely, I still appreciate everything you have done for me. Mom- thank you for being one of my biggest supporters, if it weren’t for you I’m not sure what I would be doing with my life right now. Thank you for letting me use the family camera in middle, my passion for photography only grew from there. Dad- thank you for being one of the funniest people I know. The lessons you have taught me all throughout my life may not have stuck with me, but I still appreciate the effort you put into my success. I couldn’t have asked for better people to raise me.

To all my incredible journalism teachers, I cannot thank you enough for all the hard work you put into our publications. Mr. Reeves- I may have joined the Dispatch a year late, but it was one of the best decisions of my life. I have learned so many things about photography, design and journalism from you, and you are truly the best at your job. Thank you for pushing me to just keep taking photos. You helped me break the barrier of insecurity when it came to taking photos and you have supported me so much. Ms. Shirack- while we may have had our differences, I genuinely appreciate all the hard work you put into making our yearbook the best. From pushing to shoot events constantly, while also dealing with my rather sassy attitude, thank you again. I’m not sure where our yearbook would be without you as our advisor. Thank you both for letting me the Photo Editor of such amazing publications, you two have done so much and I appreciate you both immensely.

Lastly, to both The Dispatch and Lone Star staffs thank you so much. I have met so many amazing people and I do not regret joining these staffs at all. Before freshman year I knew nothing about taking photos or anything about journalism in general. Sarah Baber- even though you graduated last year and probably won’t read this, thank you so much for being the best photo editor and friend. Not only did you mentor me in photography but you also prepared me to take over as photo editor. From teaching your favorite lenses, the best shooting locations and the the basics of photography, I am forever grateful. I never thought I would be a photo editor for the yearbook, especially since it took me three years but it’s okay because haha. I’m so grateful to have been given this opportunity to work with such epic peers from both staffs. From starting off my freshman year not knowing how to work a DSLR camera, to now winning the Photo Editor of the Year award in the state of Texas is a weird transition. However, I pushed myself past all the obstacles in order to get where I am today. I’m so proud how far I’ve come and how hard I have worked to get here, but it would not have been possible if I didn’t have the support of such amazing peers. Thank you all again.