Like many freshmen, high school started out rough for me.

If not for my permanent state of social awkwardness, it was just the complexity of thinking about my future, the responsibilities that come with edging adulthood, the losses I would inevitably experience.  My poor fifteen-year-old mindset had difficulty contemplating any of it. I still do at times, in fact.

While this confusion never completely goes away, I would not have been able to control it, to have an outlet for it, if I had never joined newspaper.

It was an impulse decision. I was in junior high, fresh out of Mrs. Wells’ introductory journalism class, when she recommended I join The Colt newspaper. I was hesitant. The course seemed daunting. I pictured a newsroom from a 1950s movie, with typewriters and quick talkers and thinkers. I worried I was not up to the challenge. I agreed anyway, figuring that if pursuing journalism was too intimidating for me I could just quit.

Four years later and here I am.

Emily Miller is a wonderful teacher and person. Leaving her class, which has become a staple in my life, will be one of the worst parts about graduating from high school. I admit, my eyes sting a little just thinking about it. The best I can do, however, to ease the pain, is to encourage others into this life-changing experience and hope that our little publication will be left in good hands.   

For my entire high school career, publications has taught me more than just how to write a news story. It has taught me how to be determined, how to keep said determination, and how to get over myself and interview people despite my initial nerves. It has taught me how to be a better version of myself, and I know it has had that same impact on others.

Here is a piece of advice that I will give to anyone even considering joining the publications team: do it. There is something for everyone. Trust me, it is all worth it.