Entering high school, I was just but a lost little freshman. Throughout the years, I’ve met so many influential people who have contributed to my success and growth. It’s crazy to me that now I’m a senior getting ready to walk the stage; time really does fly.
My freshman year was really just an experiment. I took electives like digital art and animation and game design. Digital art really stuck with me. I got to experience what it was like to be a graphic designer, which is a real life professional job. It truly felt like I was accomplishing something by making a portfolio to show all my work. By the end of the year, I even tested and got a photoshop certification.
Sophomore year is when I really dove further into the field of graphic design and met one of the most tremendous teachers, Mrs. Roskens. She helped me learn a new application, InDesign, which is very helpful for print media. I did tons of practice and got another certification. I also got to compete in the Kids Teaching Kids recipe book competition. It was the first time I designed in a competitive setting. It sure did take a while, but the dedication was so worth it because I was able to land an honorable mention, winning funds for the graphic design class.
Junior year was truly a growth year for me. I took Graphic Design II but it was a combined class with Newspaper. At first, I was truly lost and everything around me seemed so hectic. The seniors in that class helped so much and guided me throughout the year. The previous Eagle Nation Times Editor-in-Chief, Anisha Mandem. She really introduced me to our school’s magazine, which I didn’t even know existed beforehand. Me and two other graphic designers, Emily Logan and Zane Rarey, collaborated and successfully published three magazines. I also got to travel and compete in the TAJE 2024 Fall Fiesta. It was super cool, I got to create under a time constraint and landed a Superior in Newspaper Design. This would be the first of many design awards I would gain throughout the next year or so.
Senior year, I really can’t believe I’m here. So many memories and accomplishments which I’ll forever be grateful for. From newspaper newbie to ENT Editor-in-Chief is a journey I never thought I would’ve taken. I really got into more physical forms of art this year by taking Ceramics. I made many sculptures and even learned how to throw pottery. I submitted a piece for VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) and even medaled at State. It was a riveting experience, I got to meet tons of like minded artists. Such a fulfilling way to end my high school adventure.
If there’s anything I’ve learned over these past four years, it’s to follow your passion. Follow what makes you happy and keeps you striving to do better. Never back down from an opportunity no matter how daunting it is because you’ll really grow from it after, even if it didn’t go as planned.
Signing off for the last time,
Yousuf Ali, ENT Editor-in-Chief
This article was edited by Aarushi Rana, Sahasra Kandiboyina and Emily Logan.
