I’m not someone who plans things out carefully. 

I didn’t have some grand idea of joining a journalism program or becoming an editor one day. I just signed up for The Accolade because I liked writing and thought it could be interesting. I didn’t expect much from joining the school newspaper and definitely did not know that it’d become one of the most meaningful parts of high school.

During my first few months on staff, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I remember one of my first interviews — my hands were clammy as I held up my phone to record, nodding along while internally doubting whether I was asking the right questions. The interview ended with me thanking the person three times out of pure awkwardness.

I second-guessed pretty much everything I wrote. I’d reread each sentence until the words felt like nonsense, wondering if I was too bland or not clear enough. Eventually, I figured things out and got tighter with my writing and more confident in how I approached my stories. 

As the co-Entertainment Editor this year, I had to step into more of a leadership role, but I didn’t feel like the type of person who fit the mold of a leader because I liked to work by myself quietly in the background. Now I had to guide writers, edit their work and make sure the section stayed strong.

There were weeks where the section felt empty or rushed, giving me a mountain of stress that continued piling up on top of all the other responsibilities that came with being a senior. I’d worry about whether we had the correct art or if the edits I gave were actually helpful. But I learned how to support staff writers along the way without hovering over every sentence. 

Looking back, I’ll miss the simple things, especially staying late after school to finish a layout. It wasn’t always a fun thing to do, but it was real work, and it taught me more than most of my classes ever did: how to collaborate and communicate effectively under pressure.

To be honest, I didn’t expect to stay in this program as long as I did, but I’m glad I committed to a program during my high school years. It gave me skills I actually care about, showed me that writing can be applied in many different ways and helped me be conscious of the world around me — something I’m excited to carry into my college years.