This has been an interesting journey. I’m not going to lie, high school has been one of my best adventures I’ve ever been on. I can testify that even though it wasn’t exactly a musical (even though I did break out in song a lot), it felt like a teen comedy series. Through all of the ups and downs these last four years, there have been so many exciting moments with some of the best people I’ve ever met.
These four years would have been nothing if it weren’t for the amazing people I’ve met and the classes I’ve taken – especially orchestra. Through all the trips, competitions and performances, being in the classroom or on stage has been my second home. Whenever I had a bad day or needed a boost of energy, motivation, or confidence, this class along with the people always had my back.
Every moment spent in orchestra was like reading a picture book and like a giddy child, I was excited to see the beautiful picture and find out what happens next. Don’t get me wrong, nothing’s a “perfect picture,” but when something comes from a source of love and good morals, you just know that the struggle is good for you. After all, with the arduous climb, the view will be great. I saw that view as I played in my last concert with all my friends playing next to me, my family being able to see me on stage earning my wooden violin plaque. As the year is coming to an end, I realized that I had felt love, maturity, respect and companionship with orchestra, all things meant to build me up.
To Mr. Zauner: You have always been there for me since the beginning of my time in orchestra. I remember that one time you made me find a note in the Willow Bend mall parking garage when I told you I was going to be gone for an eye doctor appointment and how I was going to the mall afterwards. That was the nicest, funniest, yet coolest thing any teacher has ever done for me. It was on that day I realized you were going to be the coolest teacher I will ever have. Thank you for always staying true to yourself and your values. Never change or stop being you. Keep telling your stories in class because to me, they weren’t just stories – they were life lessons.
To all my orchestra peeps: You guys are the wackiest, craziest, yet most fun people I’ve ever met. Through all rehearsals, you all always managed to make me smile and make my day brighter. You guys are the literal sunshine in this world and I hope all of you know how lucky you are to be in orchestra. DON’T ever quit, it’s not worth the regret. Just know wherever the music is, I’ll be there in spirit. Good luck next year and the years to come. I love y’all.
To Mrs. Pinkham: Your class was like a sanctuary to me. It was a safe space for me to be my weird self along with other people on staff. Through all of the shenanigans and jokes we’ve made, you’ve always been there as a support system for me. Thank you for helping me not only in journalism, but to not be afraid to be myself.
To Mr. Hale: You were always there to help me out with anything news related. Whether it was UIL journalism or teaching me how to use a camera, you were there for me. I can’t thank you enough for helping me be a master photographer and pushing me past my own limitations. Thanks for helping me submit my photos to contests and teaching me skills I know will last a lifetime. 
To Mrs. Elliott, Mr. Langston, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Hawke, Mr. Hollowell, Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Jatico, Dr. Lancaster, Mrs. Cheg, Mr. Deleon, Ms. Ash, Mrs. Willett, Mr. Carrion, Miss. B, Mrs. Litherland and Mrs. Seagraves: You all have impacted my learning and confidence levels in so many positive ways. It’s so rare to see educators actually impact their students in the ways you all did. Some of your classes were hard, but you guys were always there to help me when I needed it and it taught me growth. Although some of you have moved on to other places around the world, just know that no matter how far away you are, you’ll always be near in my heart.
To the 23-24 newspaper staff: AJ, Jade, Ruben, James, Jaeda, Sam, Charlie and Finn, you guys were the reason why newspaper was fun last year. Every day felt like I was sipping on literal sunshine. I miss James’ funny jokes, Ruben’s presence, AJ/Jade’s super team effort and Sam’s faithful wisdom. I wish you all were still here so I can enjoy your presence more, but you guys taught me a lot. James: to be myself no matter how weird I may be. Sam: to always stay strong and have faith. AJ: to be a bright soul and persevere. Jade: to never give up even when it’s hard. I miss you guys and even though I’ll never live up to be like you, I rejoice, as you’ve taught me how to do well while staying true to myself.
To all of the people on this year’s staff: You guys are the light in this world. I hope you know that your hard work never went unnoticed. I know some of you came into this class with little journalism experience and so did I. But you guys never gave up. Isaiah: I’m more than impressed with your skills this year. Keep in touch and if I see you at UNT, I won’t hesitate to say hi or ask you again how to get curls as awesome as yours. Landon: You’re an interesting and funny guy. Even though we might’ve not talked as much, I know you have a good heart and never let it stop beating with your positive energy. Gabriel: I know we also didn’t talk much, but you seem like a chill dude and I hope life keeps treating you well and I know you’ll go far. Noah: I hope your photography skills pay off in your years to come and know that you can make serious money with your work. Keep being nonchalant all throughout your life and career. Taylor: You were a successful EIC and know that you have a bright future ahead of you in journalism. Congrats on all of your accomplishments and keep persevering.
To this year’s staff part two: Luna: you have so many bright ideas and I hope you’re able to do all that you want to do next year for newspaper. Jenny and Alyssa: you both make the best duo dynamic and each of you possess such a gentle, caring personality. I hope you never stop being yourselves. Yasin: You are the literal definition of girl power. I’ve never seen someone with so much motivation and drive. I hope you can continue to keep that up, as I know that will take you places. Hopefully, I see you on Forbes top women list. Kami: I know you can be YOU sometimes and even though we fight, I know you have a good soul. You remind me of a Sour Patch Kid – first they’re sour, then they’re sweet. You just have to stop hiding it and embrace your sweet side, because I know you have one. Kaylie: Thank you for being a kindred soul, your persona is what makes you unique and I’m glad to have met you. Farasha: I’ve never seen someone with a young beautiful soul as you. Everytime we speak, you carry yourself with confidence and a level of maturity I’ve never seen in someone as young as yourself. I hope Newspaper will treat you well next year, because you have improved so much in your writing and if you desire to pursue journalism, I know you will make it big. So, I better see you on the “Today Show” one day.
To my mom, dad, brother and sister: You guys have been here for me through all of my crash-outs and breakdowns. You’ve seen me at my highest and lowest points of my life. You guys are my rock and foundation. I know I can be a little bit psycho sometimes, but you guys offer me unconditional love especially when I least deserve it. I wish I can pay you back all the kindness you guys offer me, but I know that no amount of money can amount to love. Thank you for always being here for me. Te queiro mucho.
Lastly, I know I couldn’t have done most of the things and unbearable situations if it weren’t for God. I know that with every prayer, He’s always there listening to me. No matter how big or small the situation is. I wish I would’ve discovered Him earlier on in life when I was growing up. But to Him, it’s never too late. Faith is an important part of my life and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. No matter how big the cross is to carry, I know the Lord will be there next to me, helping me.
This year has been hard, but so were the other years prior. I will never forget, or regret the decisions I made as growing up means taking accountability for the choices you make. To some of you underclassmen reading, life will be hard – but that’s normal. However, don’t waste time praying to be somewhere else when you are put in this moment of time for a reason. Never pray the time away because it will go by fast. Enjoy every moment as if it were your last. One day you’ll look back, smile and laugh at all the memories you’ve made – good and bad.
Thank you to those who were my night lights throughout some of my darkest journeys. I pray life will treat you all well.
Until next time. But for now,
Goodbye.
