If you give a mouse a cookie, it will ask for some milk, and so on. Likewise, if you give a tiger a challenge, they will seek all means to succeed, which is what I learned here at BV.
Watching my peers reach all sorts of heights inspired me to reach for the stars. You can’t just get there by asking though; you have to be proactive, independent and confident (or pretend to be). Then you can proceed on your journey to success, but know this: it takes trial and error.
For example, if you give a tiger a spot in the musical, she’ll want to join the show choir. When she realizes it’s not her thing, she’ll try out for the debate team. When she makes it, she’ll work hard to compete and win medals.
After she wins, she’ll want a new test, so she’ll join Sources of Strength, Tiger Pride and other leadership groups. When this tiger fulfilled all those things, she still wanted more — but what?
One thing no one can deny is all the opportunities BV gives to try new things. So, if you start something and it’s not fulfilling, don’t force yourself to keep going. Instead, take these years to explore your interests, step out of your comfort zone and remember you never know until you try — so try!
The singular thing I stuck with all four years was journalism and newspaper. Room 518 became my safe place, my home and my support system. For this tiger, being in newspaper still wasn’t enough. Sophomore year I worked hard to become web editor, and when I was given that title my junior year, the next step was to become Editor-in-Chief as a senior.
This year, I knew I achieved what I wanted out of high school: an opportunity to lead and grow alongside supportive and enthusiastic people.
After much trial and error, I found my passion, and it brought me some of my closest friends, connected me to every corner of the school and taught me valuable life skills.
This year’s staff was small but mighty. Through deep questions of the day, compliment jars, happy birthday songs, treats and so many more newspaper traditions, I laughed, rejoiced and connected with the staff. I learned so much from them, too.
Elke, reading your stories opens us up to your world, and I think that’s a beautiful thing.
Abbey and Mike, you made me laugh more than anyone ever has and taught me to be less serious.
Beckett, having you on staff this year was great, and I am impressed with your strong reporting skills and drive to write such bold, meaningful stories.
Jaid, you are so talented, it makes me mad sometimes. I am so glad you joined this year. You truly completed our group.
Emme, the amount of effort you put into everything you do astounds me. Also, this girl knows her way around a camera, and I don’t know what I would have done without your help this year.
Paige, you taught me I can trust others to do things without my help.
Lucy and Ben, you taught me that quiet and loud leadership make a great pair. These two work together effortlessly despite their different personalities.
Cady and Emily, editors’ hour with you girls has been the reason I make it to school every day. This sacred time where we get 7Brew, yap with Huss and attempt to lock-in truly made my year.
Em, you blossomed this year as a leader, and I am so proud of you for everything you accomplished.
Cady, even when we had qualms, we found ways to work together and produce fire issues. Thank you for calming me down during tense times, validating my ideas — shutting down the awful ones — and just being my friend this year.
Finally Huss, thank you for being my backbone and humbling me. You taught me how to be humorous. Spending so much time with you has transformed me — literally I catch myself acting like you sometimes.
To room 518 and all my newsies past and present, thank you for making me feel like I belong.
In the end, when the tiger completes her journey through high school she’ll want another challenge. This time: college.
