Throughout my high school career, I faced many disappointments.
Failed tests. Embarrassing moments. Friend drama. My very first disappointment happened before my first day of freshman year. After a whole summer of mentally preparing myself for high school, I was thrown off course by an email saying that the Introduction to Journalism class was full.
This class I had been excited to take since May was a lost cause, and I gave up on writing. I started pouring my time into my other hobbies until May finally came around again, and so did my second chance.
The first day of my sophomore year, I was so happy to meet Mr. Wysocki, my teacher for Intro to Journalism – or as I now call it, “J-Writing”. I quickly learned the routes to a unique style of writing that I never knew about, but it quickly became one of my favorite parts of high school. Seeing my paper in print for the first time showed me this is what I’m meant to do.
J-Writing turned into the Editorial Board (Edboard) in what felt like a blink, and suddenly I was an upperclassman. I was officially an editor. This brought on a whole new pile of responsibilities, but I cannot think of a better way to spend my time. Attending layout, working on pages for hours, and spending every Blue Block Four in the same room became a habit.
Now that I am a senior, every piece of work feels more special. Every letter I type, every pica box I create, and every moment with the amazing Edboard has truly defined my senior year. What I learned from The Oracle has made the best possible influence on me, and I can’t wait to take it all with me to college when I continue to pursue journalism.
Looking back, I would’ve done anything for that one more year in The Oracle because no experience quite compares. But I am so grateful for the incredible three years I got with an amazing publication, teacher, and group.
After 26 different stories, I cannot believe this is my last one. Although I have much more to write ahead, I will never find anything quite like The Oracle, and for that, I am forever thankful.