had as a part of their high school’s yearbook staff, so naturally, I knew I wanted to take 21st Century Journalism just so I could be in the yearbook class the next year.

At the end of freshman year, I was sitting nervously in French class waiting for the letter that would say “Congratulations, welcome to the 2021-2022 Yearbook Staff!” I would finally find where I belonged in high school.

After the letter was delivered, I sat in silence staring at the words on the page. “Congratulations, welcome to the 2021-2022 Newspaper Staff!” I was in disbelief. I had applied for yearbook — why had I been put in newspaper?

I marched up to Mrs. Huss and asked why I was on the newspaper staff. She didn’t give me an exact answer but instead asked me to trust her — but I did not want to.

I spent the summer dreading the first day of class, convinced I was going to quit immediately. I walked into Room 518 with frustration and anxiety. I would have left class that day and gone straight to the counseling office if it wasn’t for what I saw in the staff.

From that very first day, I could tell the staff members of The Tiger Print were extraordinarily smart, sophisticated human beings. I was inspired to stay because of the charisma in the room and the mutual respect and admiration between the leaders and staffers.

I had no idea what I was doing on staff at first, but I knew I wanted to stay. It took some twists and turns and some ups and downs, but I eventually developed a love for writing and designing.

Telling the stories of my school community gave me connections I wouldn’t have expected. Diving deep into meaningful matters opened my eyes to other perspectives.

I was mortified at the idea of writing an opinion, but once I realized I could use my writing to tell the student body a message I wanted them to hear, I fell in love with opinions, too.

I finished my first year of newspaper with 24 new friends and a lot to look forward to. I was named a publication editor for the 2022-2023 school year, and I felt on top of the world. Being able to help lead my favorite class felt like the biggest achievement — it was the first time I considered myself to be a real journalist.

Throughout my second year on staff, I grew my relationships with others on staff and felt like I was starting to truly belong. I was sure the confidence I felt during this year would prepare me for the editor-in-chief position.

I was adamant to uphold the legacy and practices of the former editors to a T — if I did exactly what they had done, everything would be perfect.

After the first issue this year, I realized this couldn’t be the case. I was trying to act as a leader I wasn’t, and I realized not every issue or staff would flow the same way others had, and that’s OK. It was the perfect opportunity to create something uniquely our own.

The experience I’ve had in newspaper has given me a passion for journalism that I am so excited to continue into my future.

But I think above all, newspaper gave me some of the best friends I could have ever asked for. Many have graduated, many have only just joined staff, but the memories these staffers have given me throughout the years have been the most enjoyable.

The newspaper gods knew what they were doing when they sent me Emma and Harris. Thank you for being my besties and putting up with my over-the-top dramatics. I am beyond blessed to have my co-EICs Rhylan and Isaac — you are my rocks and have helped me grow so much. Mrs. Huss, you’re an angel. Thank you for putting up with us.

You all have been some of the strongest pillars in my life, and I love you dearly.

When I look back at my freshman self who was scared and upset about newspaper, I smile, because she had no idea about the adventure to come.

So, Huss, I think it is fair for you to say “I told you so.”