A Different Kind of Goodbye
In just a few short weeks, my time at this school will come to an end. But while my peers are practicing their walk for graduation, I’ll be preparing for a different kind of journey. I won’t be walking across the stage here; instead, I’ll be boarding a plane to Italy where I’ll begin my studies toward a medical degree.
It is a daunting leap, and honestly terrifying, but if my four years here have taught me anything, it is that the most rewarding paths are often the ones you don’t see coming.
The Accidental Journalist
Looking back, my high school career was defined by a choice I made as a freshman just trying to fill a gap in my schedule. I signed up for a digital media course on a whim, looking for a credit and nothing more. That “filler” class introduced me to Mrs. Roskens, who opened the door to the world of journalism. She turned the space into a class I wanted to be in.
When I moved schools, I didn’t want to leave that behind, so I jumped straight back into the program. Then came the transition to a new adviser and with it a new way of doing things. Navigating that change was probably the most vital real-world lesson I got out of this whole experience.
Deadlines and Rehearsals
Journalism wasn’t my only commitment. Between the newsroom and band, my schedule was usually a mess of rehearsals, interviews, and deadlines. There were days when I felt I was constantly running from one world to the other, trying ot keep the beat in both.
More Than a Detour
I’m not going into music or journalism as a career- in a few months, my life will revolve around labs and anatomy. But that doesn’t make the last few years feel like a detour. The actual value of those years wasn’t the grade on the article or the performance, it was the people I met in the band hall and newsroom. The friends who stuck by me through the long practices and late-night edits.
Leaving, But Not Empty-Handed
It feels a bit abrupt to leave before the final walk across the stage, leaving the program feels a bit like leaving a project unfinished- turning in a draft before the final edit. but I know the next staff is more than ready to take over. If I have any advice for the people staying behind, it’s simply this: try new things.
It’s been a weird, fast four years. I’m leaving with a lot of good memories and the knowledge that even though I’m skipping the stage to head toward my future, I can handle what comes next. I’m glad this is where I started.
Sincerely,
Ximena
