If you asked me my freshman year of high school if I wanted to be on The Journal, writing amazing stories and working with even more amazing students, I would’ve called you crazy. Actually, with how shy I was, I probably wouldn’t have even said anything.

I was the definition of a wallflower my freshman year and all my life up to that point. I’ve never been popular or had a lot of really close friends. Heck, the first time I ever went to the movies with friends was when I was a sophomore, and the first time I was ever invited to a friend’s house was this year.

The point is, me and social situations don’t mix all too well. So how in the world did I end being a part of The Journal’s staff? Easy. It’s all thanks to Mr. K. He welcomed me and everyone else into his full-year journalism class with open arms and was always there for everyone who needed him.

Before I knew it, I was on the newspaper staff the very next year.

However, about halfway through my sophomore year, I contemplated leaving staff. I was under a lot of stress at the time with my other classes, and I just felt like I was no good at writing and reporting.

But Mr. K reassured me that I was doing great and helped me realize that my best is good enough (not that he was going to let me leave anyways). I can never thank him enough for all that he’s done for me. He has impacted me in a way few other teachers ever have, and I am eternally grateful for it.

It’s hard to leave everything behind when getting my footing not too long ago, but I know it’s for the best. All I can hope is that one day, I’m there for someone like Mr. K was for me.