Four years, so many decisions, and a million burning questions. Who will you be? What will you do when you grow up? And what classes are you taking to prepare yourself for your future right now? For the past four years, these are questions that have had the ability to determine what our days as students look like. Each of us just trying to do our best to balance core classes, the electives that are supposed to be the most exciting parts of our day, dual credit college classes, all while trying to be involved in extracurriculars and be a kid at the same time. But have we ever stopped in the midst of this chaos to remember why we have chosen the pathway we are on?
When reflecting on my choice to take journalism, I don’t quite remember my reasoning for this schedule choice. It may have been the appeal of free college credit, trying something new, my love for writing, or simply just for the fun of it. But the first week came, and I was hit with the overwhelming atmosphere of trying a new class my senior year that so many of my peers already had experience with. I juggled the choice of whether I would stay in the class or drop it in that first week, but I reminded myself the joy of trying new things and knew I needed to become comfortable outside of my comfort zone. And that is exactly what this year has been.
In room 402, everyday when the bell rings and we are packing our bags, we are greeted with the same words from Mrs. Basinger “keep getting the story.” No matter what the story was, this room has constantly taught me how to keep myself curious and learn the story no matter my viewpoint or interests. Everyone has a story to share and as a student journalist I have had the opportunity to hear so many people’s beautiful and individual stories, learning and growing with every word.
While not every story was about my favorite topic, or was the most exciting to write, I never let this step in the way of the growth this classroom has given me. From sitting down each day and working hard on writing to having conversations with people I had never met before and learning so much about them, each moment was a moment of gratitude and opportunity. As a school jouranlist I have gotten to experience life from a new perspective, soaking up each moment and finding an opportunity to learn and tell the story of everyone and everything that shapes not only the culture of ADM but the culture and joy of the community and world around us as well.
When thinking about my time in this classroom, I am constantly thankful that I said yes. Not just saying yes to taking a class, but saying yes to a life altering experience that has greatly shaped the writer, leader, learner, and overall person I am today. I can confidently say I am someone who understands the value in perspective and individuality thank you to this opportunity. This year was more than just a position on the school news site staff, it was a year of being the voice of our students, and a year of always continuing to get the story.
