Taking a look back on my high school experience, there are boundless experiences I’ve had that have shaped me into the person I am. If I had told my freshman self that by senior year I would be the Multimedia Editor-in-Chief of Eagle Nation Online, working at a job that fulfills me and pushes me to grow, and taking on opportunities that I would have never thought I could do, I wouldn’t have believed myself. My time in high school has taught me a lot about myself that has ultimately led to the confidence I have in myself as I go into college and beyond.
Growth
One thing I have learned is that I had to do things that scared me in order to grow. As a freshman, I was not the type of person to just start a conversation with people I don’t know. Because of journalism and having to interview students, teachers, staff, and members of the community, it has made it easier for me to be more outgoing with others I may not know as well. Something I like to remind myself of is that fear is never a reason to not try something new. Fear is what holds you back. I did things that made me uncomfortable and made me nervous every single year, and it only allowed me to grow and bring out the best qualities of myself. Another thing I learned is the importance of the people I hang around with. I was able to be more confident in myself when I began surrounding myself with people who are genuinely happy for me and genuinely want the best for me, even if it means not having a huge friend group. Cherishing deep and meaningful friendships is what really matters the most to me, and those relationships have prompted me to be a better friend.
Eagle Nation Online
A large part of my growth has come from being in the newspaper room. This class and my adviser, Lisa Roskens, has pushed me way out of my comfort zone, but ultimately this led to my passion. I was so afraid my try something new coming into this class, and I wasn’t really sure what I was going to make of it. I wrote my first column, and Mrs. Roskens saw the potential in me right then and there. I built a passion for covering the stories of others, sharing sometimes hard but truthful news, and capturing the moments of others through photography. I am also so grateful for the leadership opportunity I was given this year, the rest of the team who supported me, and the friendships I have built in the program. I have never had a class that has allowed me to challenge myself and allowed me to accomplish more than I ever knew I could as this one. This class allowed me to feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself. Saying goodbye to this program is going to be one of the hardest goodbyes because of all the hard work, dedication, passion, and relationships I have put into it.
Farewells
I want to thank my parents because they have ultimately influenced me and have been my biggest supporters. They listen to my passionate rants, give me invaluable advice, and lead me closer to God. They are the reason I am hardworking, God-fearing, and will never take no for an answer when it comes to something I stand for. I also want to thank my brother for giving me hugs and putting up with me. I want to thank the friends who have stuck by my side through the highs and lows and made me feel special. I want to thank my third-grade teacher, Natalie Stevens, my fourth and fifth-grade counselor, Megan Howell, and my newspaper adviser, Lisa Roskens for leaving the most positive impact on me as a student.
I will admit, though I am excited to graduate, it will be a bittersweet experience. I am still trying to grasp the fact that I will be moving out soon to Texas A&M in just three short months. I know I will have a great time there, but I will miss friends, family, and teachers who made my experience at PHS worthwhile. I will miss stealing clothes from my mom’s closet, going on bike rides with my dad, and even getting annoyed by my brother.
As I get ready to walk the stage at graduation, I will think of the memories and the people who made the most of my high school experience. I have learned that every situation is determined by what you make of it, so I will end this chapter, and open the new one on a high note.
Signing off for the very last time, Erica Deutsch
