They all told me to enjoy every moment, because senior year would come in a blink of an eye.
Obviously I didn’t believe them because I was a clueless freshman thinking four years could surely not go by in a blink of an eye. Here I am, typing my senior goodbye, 18 years of age and an unlimited supply of memories to reflect on.
If I were to make a documentary about my high school life, it would have 20 seasons, 30 episodes in each and they’d all be an hour (POINT IS, IT’D BE LONG). I’m so grateful for all of the friends I’ve made throughout my time here and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To the 2024-2025 staff: Thank you for making my last year in newspaper something special. I came into this year a little underwhelmed, but you guys proved me wrong. Teaching y’all in the beginning of the year how to use and take pictures on the cameras is something I will always remember, and I pray y’all actually locked in and listened (I’m a horrible teacher). Each and every single one of you have so much potential and I can’t wait to see what you guys bring to the table next year. Yours truly, photo boy.
To Hale: I chose photojournalism because I had always wanted to take pictures, and also because all my friends told me to do it. So I did, and I don’t regret it a single bit. I came into the class not knowing a single person, but that didn’t stop me from learning. You single-handedly made learning how to use a camera sound so easy when in reality, it would be impossible for me to learn on my own. You gave me so many opportunities to use the camera when needed because you saw the potential in me, I’m so glad you did. You gave me dozens of tips, and in the end, the work paid off because it helped me earn a TAJE excellent rating for a sports action photo. Thank you for all your amazing tips, sharing your lunch and giving me a new life passion.
To Pinkham: Every time Hale opened the door to go talk to you, I got overwhelmed every time because I just saw kids on the laptops, not speaking a single word. I was scared because I knew that was going to be me the following year, but thank the lord that newspaper fit in the schedule and not yearbook (Blessing in disguise for real). I know journalism students are supposed to go to newspaper but I was a photojournalism kid going into newspaper and that scared me so much. I was already a horrible writer to start with, but you made that class feel so easy. You were always communicative and never stopped smiling. Even though my writing skills were lacking compared to most of the class, you helped me improve my writing and I’m so grateful. Thank you for still letting me use the cameras in newspaper, and if you ever need a Hollister discount, I got you.
To Taylor: We first met sophomore year. I remember you ranting to me all the time about how newspaper was hard, but at the end of the day, you found your rhythm and locked in. Junior year came when I joined newspaper and the only person I knew was you. My time with you in newspaper was definitely something to remember. You always answered my questions and never doubted my writing skills (Even though you clowned on my handwriting). Your hard work and dedication to FarHar never goes unnoticed and I can definitely say, it was a pleasure having you as EIC my final year in the class. Thank you for putting me on the caramel frappuccino from Starbucks and good luck at Texas Tech. You’re going to do amazing things.
To Carlos and Aidan: The only people I honestly talk to in band and my brothers for life. You guys are the reason my high school experience was something to remember. Carlos, we both were freshmen not too long ago. I remember both of us sitting on the arena floor waiting for instructions during our first day in high school band. Little did we know, the no talking experience would lead us to where we are now. We instantly connected with our sense of humor and our deep love and passion for soccer (I’ll never forget when Brazil got knocked out by Croatia in the World Cup sophomore year). I know I was your squad and section leader for marching band but to be honest, I also looked up to you as a leader. Your love for the band program and passion for always being the best you could drove me to always do the same. Aidan, Carlos was always talking about you towards the end of my freshmen year. Talking about how you were the next euphonium prospect and how you and him were basically the same person. I can confidently say, he was right (The euphonium prospect is a stretch, jk I love you). We honestly were never awkward around each other, mainly because of the fact that we had the same humor. We made dozens of inside jokes that only me and you will understand, and we know we should keep it that way. I also remember you having football and band at the same time. I know how hard that was but straight after football practice, you came to band practice. Your energy and drive for band always impressed me and I’m so greatly proud of you for pushing through that tough year. I know that our last day in high school will not be the last time we see each other. You guys are the best trio I could ask for, thank you for making high school something to remember. I love both of you.
To Nathaniel: My actual day one. We grew up together basically our whole life. We went to the same elementary school and same middle school; and soon we’ll be walking the stage together. I have so much to say for you, but frankly if I said everything, we’d be here for days. I remember us always sitting next to each other in elementary school and talking about who was the fastest. It was quite debatable, but regretfully, you always won. Elementary went by in a breeze but then middle school came. We were separated by our class periods but that didn’t stop us from hanging out and saying hi to each other in the halls. Luckily, we did have a few classes with each other and when we did, we always talked about our lives and what we did that day. Now we’re in high school, the closest we have ever been. From elementary to now, you have been so supportive and the best thing to ever come in my life. Even though we have had some lows and highs, we manage to talk it out and continue on with our fun lives. I will always remember the fun moments we have had together. From our first sleepover, to late night movie runs and our ongoing ongoing rivalry on FIFA (I’m better than you, remember all the times I beat you). Thank you, genuinely for everything you have done for me. Love you broski.
