Being a journalism kid has been the most influential thing I have ever done. I originally joined the yearbook staff at Liberty North to make friends and work on something the whole school could enjoy.  I switched schools halfway through my sophomore year and continued my journey through the Cambia yearbook here at OP. I currently work on both Cambia and the Log newsmagazine; these staffs have taught me so much about myself, my work ethic, my passion, my future and my school.

Management. I’ve been on a yearbook staff for three years and let me tell you, it’s a struggle. You are constantly on deadline, or writing something or checking someone’s name. In that class, you always have something to do. It taught me how to have good time management and how to stay organized, something that I will always need in the real world.

Calm. It also taught me to stay calm when I’m stressed and not to overthink my stress because, in the end, it will all work out.

Family. The yearbook has taught me the ins and outs of the school. It has taught how much of a family we really are, as much as people joke we aren’t.

Pride. Being on a journalism staff has taught me I am capable of doing amazing things. I can genuinely say I’m proud of my designs, writing, and photos. I know when I look back and show my kids one day, that I won’t regret my high school experience.

Friends. I have met some of my best friends through journalism. When you have to work so closely with so many people to make a product everyone is proud of and enjoys, it’s kinda guaranteed to create one or two connections. I was fortunate enough to make tons of connections. I know that if I ever need some encouragement or help with anything I have a group of people to help me.

Passion. Journalism has shown me what I want to do after a graduate and as a senior, it is nice to know what I want to do. I’ve chosen to follow my passion of photography and writing and will major in photojournalism where I will further my photography. Photography gives me a chance to show the world what I see and to capture a moment forever for everyone to look back on. Being on a big time newspaper or magazine and getting to do that every day would be a dream come true.

My school. From covering student elections to taking photos of homecoming to learning about the new clubs offered, if it wasn’t for journalism, I wouldn’t know so much about the amazing school we attend. We are so diverse and for the family isn’t just a hashtag, it’s a daily way of life. We are quick to hype up everyone. So many people are involved with different extracurriculars and doing well in classes. I didn’t know so much was offered or that you could be involved in until I started reporting on a lot of it. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity to learn about so many different people in the school.

Myself. Before joining journalism, I was scared. I didn’t know where I was going to go in life, or what I was going to do. I struggled with finding a passion and finding my place in the world. I didn’t really know who I was and I didn’t always have the greatest friends who would help me find out. Now I am more aware of who I am, what I want to do and I know my worth.

Journalism has taught me so much and I will forever be indebted to the Oak Park Journalism department and everyone in it.