This is the very last column I will ever write for The Journal. There are still so many life lessons I’ve learned that I was unable to have room for, but for this last one, I want to express my gratitude for everyone who has contributed to the person I am today.

First off, I would like to thank The Journal staff as a whole. Since sophomore year, this publication has been a crucial part of my life. I never really had a voice in SHS until I joined newspaper. The Journal gave me an outlet I never thought I would have, and I’m incredibly grateful. Room 400 became home when I didn’t know where I quite belonged, and I definitely belonged there.

Furthermore, I cannot begin to describe how much the staff means to me. Each person made the grueling work more bearable and filled the room with laughter. Mr. K will also be forever in my heart as one of my most valued educators I’ve ever had. He sparked my love for journalism and my drive for the truth. I’ve been waiting to graduate for 12 years but I didn’t know it would be so hard to leave behind such an amazing group of people.

Moving on, I want to thank the orchestra class and, of course, Mr. Wright. Playing cello gave me comfort and helped ease my stress every W1B2 period. A big thanks to Mr. Wright, for making high school easier and a little more enjoyable, which is no easy feat. It means everything to me.

Thank you to my parents for helping me throughout high school. Raising me was not easy, and if high school was hard for me, I can’t imagine how hard it was for them.

Most importantly, a big thank you to my best friend, Alyssa Clark, for growing up with me throughout high school. She was always there for me through thick and thin, and I’ll never forget all she’s done for me. From constantly reminding me of my schedule to helping me find the latest thing I misplaced, she’s helped me along the way. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate and love my other half.

Consequently, I want to thank all the friends I had in high school. I’ve gained some and lost some, as that’s how high school goes, but I’ll always appreciate what each and every one meant to me. Any laughs we shared or talks we had made the stressful high school experience easier to bear. Thank you to my newpaper friends, my German class friends, my lunch friends and everyone else.

Lastly, I have to thank everyone else who’s ever came into my life. They somehow somewhere shaped who I am today. I’m so excited for my future beyond SHS, so a big thank you for anyone who helped me get where I am today. Thank you.