Journalism: what started out as a filler elective, quickly became my home and safe place within Legacy.
Throughout high school, I received the opportunity to be in Journalism I, a staff writer, features editor of The Rider Online and copy editor of The Arena yearbook. No matter the title or position I held, what stuck out to me most about high school and this program was the people.
In Journalism I, my freshmen year, I remember growing such a passion for this program because of Mr. Mallett. It was so evident that Mallett genuinely cared for refining all of our writing and design skills, growing the culture of journalism and each one of his students beyond the classroom. He wasn’t just a teacher that I learned commas and verbs from, but he engrained in each of us valuable life skills: don’t rally the troops, handle your biggest alligator and don’t ever take the mouse from someone. There were countless days where life was just sucky, but I knew not only walking into this room, E-O102, but walking into Mallett’s office, I would have a constant place of security and safety.
At the beginning of my sophomore year, I joined newspaper. My passion for writing and storytelling sparked and people like Mallett, Dearinger, Blake, Abi, Kati and Katie fueled me to become better and not just settle for average. Newspaper grew my love for people and building relationships with others. It taught me that everyone has a story worth sharing, and I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to tell so many stories of people and organizations at Legacy.
At the end of my junior year, Mallett talked to me about becoming the yearbook copy editor. It sounded like such an exciting new role, but all I could think about was my hatred for InDesign. However, my mindset quickly changed when I came into seventh period for the first time. Through class time and our September Elite Workshop, Elijah, Arely, Camden and Riley taught me how to design spreads, and I got eager to help make this book the best we could. I’m so proud of Keep It Classy, the work we put into it and the stories and memories we got to share through it.
Dr. Bonneau had a saying that I think is truly the best piece of advice I could give about high school, journalism or just life in general. She would always say get connected, stay connected, be successful. The best thing you can do for yourself is get involved in something and go all in. You need people to get through all the ups and downs in life, and you’re only going to benefit from something as much as you’re willing to put in. So, for all of my journalism friends, go to all the work nights, lock in, summer workshops, events and tell all the stories you can through whatever media you prefer. It’ll go by so much faster than you think, and you’ll never regret giving it your all.
Journalism didn’t just teach me countless skills, but it gave me some of my best friends. Whether we were grumpy with each other at 2 a.m. at lock in, grinding out on the final yearbook deadline day or having deep conversations with each other in a Seattle hotel lobby, these were my people. Whether life was super jolly and grand or it was really hard to smile that day, these were the people that checked on me, showed up when I couldn’t for myself and carried me through every moment. I’m so thankful for all that Journalism gave me, and I know you guys will continue to do incredible things in the coming years.
Love you all party people.
Signing off as a Bronco and signing in as a Patriot.
