I still remember sitting in my GATE Power Hour freshman year when I got the letter inviting me to join ADM’s Black & (Red)gister publication. My young 15-year-old self knew next to nothing about news, so at first, I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to join. But, something deep inside me told me to try it out, even though it wasn’t something I’d done before. So, within the week, I met with my counselor to put News into my schedule for sophomore year … and thank goodness I did. 

Words can’t come close to describing how much I’ve enjoyed my time on Black & (Red)gister these past two years. Last year, when I was a sophomore, I learned so much about journalism and had so much fun that I just had to put it into my schedule again for junior year. 

During my time here, I got to write so many good, rich stories, some of my favorites being “What It Feels Like to be hit by a truck and navigate what follows,” “Club America: Coming to ADM” and “Uncharted.” I loved writing these stories because they prompted me to talk to people, many of whom I would never find myself talking to otherwise. I had the privilege of learning about people, their passions, involvements and what their story was.

I’ve also just really appreciated the atmosphere in the newsroom during my countless hours spent here. From getting to type on special, desktop computers to our weekly WIG reviews to wearing our press passes when walking the halls … I’ve valued every moment. I love our birthday celebrations, our affirmation envelopes and how we start off each class sharing our good news with one another. The positivity and overall vibes of the newsroom simply can’t compare to any other environment in the school, and I’m so thankful to have been a part of it these last two years. 

Considering all of this, I was devastated when I heard I wouldn’t be able to fit this class into my schedule next year for my senior year. This class has made me a better writer and, more importantly, a better person. It has taught me many skills and lessons that I will take with me into next school year and beyond. I will miss this class tremendously, and I know I’ll probably feel a twinge of sadness the first few times I walk past the newsroom in the fall, knowing there’s a class inside that I’m not included in. 

This whole sentiment actually relates to one of my all-time favorite quotes. “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” as stated by the famous Winnie the Pooh. I am so incredibly satisfied and content with the time that I had as part of this news staff, and it’s all because I took a risk by trying something new.