My first day as a seventh grader I remember walking into my journalism class, then instantly walking right out. I thought I was in the wrong class because I saw a bunch of high schoolers, and was so embarrassed when I realized it was in fact the right class. I made the walk of shame back in, not realizing the second I sat down I was starting a six year journey. 

As a senior, I often think “What loser takes the same class for six straight years?” But I have to remember the reason I stuck with it. Seventh grade me had a goal from the beginning to become an editor, and eventually editor-in-chief. If that shy 12 year old could see me now, leading an entire class, she would be so proud. But I didn’t stick with Journalism because I wanted to lead. I stuck with it because of all the moments that made me fall in love with the class. From the ploaf and “pasta la vista, baby!” in seventh grade, to the chubby filter and making Joey do push-ups this year, every class has brought forth a good memory. Thank you to the current columnists and all the past columnists for making Journalism so special for me.

Thank you to Britt who first inspired me to chase my editor dream. You made me fall in love with the class, and helped me to get out of my shell. I was too nervous to ask about being an editor my freshman year, not having enough faith in my writing skill. But you made me realize how wrong I was, making me go and change my courses right away when you found out I wasn’t in honors. I was so unbelievably distraught when I found out you were no longer teaching Journalism. I cried so hard, worried that the class would be ruined. But that was far from true, and you made me realize that sometimes change is okay.

To Mr. Wolf, thank you for trusting me these past three years. I can’t imagine how hard it was to just let a couple of kids run your class. When you took over the class I was so worried that you would change the class, but that didn’t happen. You honored the class for what it was, allowing Carsten and I to run the show. Thank you for your continuous trust in me, even when I didn’t really know what I was doing. I know you are a little nervous about next year, but don’t cut yourself short. You are an amazing teacher who can run this class just as good as anyone ever has.

And to all the editors who helped me along the way, thank you. Thank you to Max for showing me the ropes of being an editor freshman year, encouraging me to have faith in my editing skills. To Soph and Theo, thank you for always being there for the laughs. You made classes so fun, and I am so thankful I got to work alongside you, even if both of you ditched us. To the current editors, Kate, Jameson, Eli, and Brandon— thank you for being an amazing team this year. I know I was not the most locked-in editor-in-chief, but you guys trusted and supported me. Thanks for making my last year a great one. 

While everyone I have interacted with has impacted my Journalism journey, there are two people who have truly made Journalism special for me. First, my big brother Allister. When you took Journalism my eighth grade year, I was so mad. I did not want my annoying sibling taking my favorite class. It turns out, you taking Journalism was the thing that turned you from my annoying sibling to my best friend. Sitting next to you in Journalism allowed me to truly bond with you, something that continued as editors your senior year. I know Journalism wasn’t your first choice for your senior year elective, but I am so glad it worked out that way.  I loved getting to spend our last year at the same school together. I don’t know how I am going to be even farther away from you next year.

And above all, thank you to Carsten. I had no clue sitting next to you on my first day in Journalism would create a lifelong friend. I loved competing against you to get the most articles uploaded, and I can officially say I won, with over 40 articles published. You having to leave for a little bit last year was so incredibly hard, as I thought I was not ready to lead. You had always been my constant in Journalism, and I was so scared being all alone. But your words of encouragement gave me just enough confidence to survive your absence. While it was hard, those few months prepared me for my role this year. I love seeing you grow as a journalist at Barrett, and am so proud that I was a part of your journey. And thank you for being a part of my journey. While I am not going into anything journalism related next year, I am thankful for your support and guidance those five years. Thank you for entrusting The Sun into my hands. I hope I made you proud.

I have been honored to continue on the Journalism legacy. Being the final editor-in-chief to fill the notebook after over a decade was surreal, and it made me realize how important tradition is in this class. I do not doubt that those traditions will continue once I graduate, and I trust next year’s editors to keep everything running smoothly. I know it will be a huge transition for all of us, but I have full faith that The Horizon Sun will continue to be amazing, and that Journalism will always be a safe and fun class. I am ready to move on to my next chapter at Northern Arizona University, but just know, if I ever find out you stopped playing witch hunt, I will come back and kick some sense into y’all.

It has been so awesomesauce gang. Peace out y’all!!