To be honest, I was procrastinating writing this article for a while, and I think the reason was that I couldn’t accept the fact that I am graduating. Freshman year, I thought graduation was something so far into the future that I did not have to worry about it, but now I am finishing my last semester of senior year, and everything is finally here. I wouldn’t necessarily say that high school shaped me, but the friends and teachers I met along the way did.
I first want to thank Mrs. Wallace, my school mom. Taking Journalism in my sophomore year was the best thing I could have done in my high school career. Each year, I grew into a better person than the last, and I fully believe it was because of your class. You always pushed us to try our hardest, but made us still know when to take a break. I loved coming into your class every day, even when I was having a hard time. You showed immense care and concern for me, and that made me feel so seen. I will miss your witty comments and sarcasm. Thank you for all you have done for me.
Next, I want to thank Anna Johnson and Ellie Nelson, the two people who were my biggest supporters in Journalism.
In my first semester of Journalism, I didn’t talk to many people, except when we had to work on spreads together. I can’t even remember how Anna and I started talking to each other. Maybe we were working on a spread together, or we just sat close enough to each other, but after that first conversation, I knew we were going to be really close. She was with me through so many ups and downs, and I don’t think I could have gotten through the first and even the second year of Journalism without her. Her having to graduate was the first time I was absolutely devastated to have a senior leave. I miss her every day, but she made my sophomore and junior years so amazing.
Ellie Nelson, how do I even start talking about her? She is the most talented, silliest, sweetest person I have ever known. A lot of changes happened this year, and whenever I doubted myself or got too stressed out, Ellie was always there to reassure me. She is my line of stability; she is with me when I don’t feel like being an editor for the day, or when I am at my most productive self. Ellie is the positive light I needed every day, and I don’t know how I am going to go to college without her. I’m deeply grateful for all the support she has given to me for my senior year, and I am disappointed that I won’t be able to return the favor for her senior year. Just remember, I will only be three hours away. I will always be there for you, my dear.
Finally, I want to thank my family – my mom, dad, brother, and my two best friends, who are basically my sisters. Even though this year was different from previous years, with only having one parent for months at a time, you always did the best for me.
I’m thankful for the time I have spent here at LCHS. As I move to another state for college, I know I have people back here in Tennessee who will always be my biggest supporters and will encourage me to be the best I can be.
Even though I will be a bit farther away than usual, I will see you in a while, crocodile.
