I work harder in Room 400 than I do in any other room at SHS. Would I have even known where Room 400 was my sophomore year? No. But now as I’m approaching the finish line to senior year, I know that Room 400 is where I have laughed, cried, grown and found a family all in one.
Grace Elder, the Editor-in-Chief last year, invited me onto the staff as a photographer knowing I had never picked up a camera before. She taught me everything I know and gave me so many opportunities to take photos, whether it be of sports or portraits.
Reflecting on this year as it comes to an end, I look back on what Grace gave to me as an EIC and best friend in one. The Journal not only taught me valuable lessons but gave me lifelong friendships.
The Journal has opened my artistic eye and gave me a passion I never knew I had. Being a photographer on staff has had many ups and downs, and honestly, I started out scared of failure. I didn’t know how to hold a camera at the beginning of my junior year, but my fellow photographers and people around me made me feel like it was okay to make mistakes.
I have a place on this staff, and I am able to say that with my full chest because of the never ending support from those around me. Mr. K is the biggest person I have to thank for that. He has given me opportunities I would never have without The Journal.
After everything I have been through with this staff, I can come out of it saying I loved every minute of it. The memories I love the most have to do with The Journal. Whether it be when we were in Boston for a state convention or still in Mr. K’s room at 7 p.m. eating dinner together, I would go back and relive every moment with these wonderful people.