Farewell

Farewell

Nikita Kheni, Editor-in-Chief

This is my goodbye to newspaper. I have poured my heart and soul into the program for the past four years. I have loved capturing the experiences of our student body, reporting on news I’m passionate about, and learning how to be a leader. This program has given me some amazing opportunities that I never expected when I was a freshman. As much as I’m ready to go to college and finally pursue my career, I’m going to miss being around everyone who has supported me throughout these past four years.

 

Goodbye to Journalism. Growing up, I would always read the newspaper before school, fascinated by every headline and article. My fascination turned into a daily routine, reading every newspaper I could get my hands on.

 

I distinctly remember the day the photo emerged of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi’s washed up body on a Turkish beach, revealing the extent of the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe in 70 years, the very antecedent to my compassion for those without a voice. I was horrified and decided that I want to help prevent such tragedies.

 

I am not a writer, but a storyteller; an advocate for pure truth.Journalism gave me a purpose I could have only dreamed of. Journalism is not just about the writing for me. Rather, it is about standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves and creating a difference. It has shaped me to be more ardent and benevolent in my future endeavors. I’ve learned that every person is individualized by their experiences and that those experiences need to be addressed.

 

Thank you to Mrs. Shay. I have no idea how you saw potential in me so early into freshman year despite barely knowing me. You set high standards for me, and everything I’ve accomplished is because of your confidence in me. I appreciate your unwavering support so much.

 

To Gavin and Heather, For also believing in me alongside Mrs. Shay. You’re my biggest inspiration. Your dedication to everything you immersed yourself in always left me awestruck. I’m so lucky that I met you at such a young age. Thank you for showing me that I don’t always have to be a sinking rock. I admire you so much, and I can only dream to be half as amazing as you are.

 

To Rachel, Madison, and Paige, you were all such amazing co-editors-in-chief. I’m so glad we had this opportunity to work together. I’m thankful for every early morning we’ve dragged ourselves out of bed to see each other during zero period. There’s no one else I would want to spend that hour with. Thank you for always being you.

 

Goodbye to all of our firsts and our lasts, to our experiences and memories. There is endless potential in the new chapter. Anything can happen. There’s questions, possibilities, hope, and fear. This year has gone by far too quickly, but I am grateful that I’ve enjoyed it. Senior year has not been as easy as everyone claims, but reflecting back upon it, I realize that I’ve genuinely enjoyed high school even if it was miserable at times. Being involved this program has defined the past four years of my life, shaping me to be more ardent and benevolent in my future endeavors. 

 

To our future editors: I’m so proud of all of you and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish in this program and in your futures. 

 

Sincerely,

Nikita Kheni

Editor-in-Chief, 2016-2018