Four years, 36 articles and roughly 32 press days since I first took Intro to Journalism as a freshman, I am writing my final article for Common Sense.

As the school year comes to an end and I reflect on my high school experience, I’ve come to the conclusion that I have no desire to stay, yet I’m extremely uncomfortable with how quickly the time went by. To any underclassmen who may be reading this article, I can tell you first hand that while the days may feel slow the time really does go by quickly.

My experience as a student journalist actually began long before I began working with Common Sense. As a fifth grader, my fellow Common Sense editor-in-chief Maria Sofronas and I decided to start a school newspaper, The Fallsmead Post. With a rotating staff of writers for each monthly edition, we covered hard-hitting news including upcoming school events, a teacher of the month, comic strips, and a debate in which we found students to write from opposing viewpoints. It genuinely feels like yesterday we began our fifth grade newspaper. And yet somehow, today, Maria and I are helping each other write our final articles for our high school publication.

Fast forward a few years and as a freshman, my extremely limited experience with student journalism and my love for writing pushed me to sign up for journalism class. Logging onto my first class with Mrs. Starr via Zoom, I truly had no idea how much my decision to try out the newspaper class would impact my life. I quickly realized I loved journalism and continued to take newspaper all throughout high school, growing my involvement with the publication. As I navigated the highs and lows that come with high school, my growth has been most evident in room 242: Newspaper.

In room 242 I grew as a writer and found my voice through words. My first few articles were rough, filled with grammatical mistakes, a lack of understanding of journalistic style, and weak quotes due to poor interviewing. But with each new article cycle, new feedback, and new round of edits, I improved. I can now confidently say I feel most like myself when I’m writing an article.

In room 242 I grew my confidence and leadership skills. Entering newspaper as a freshman, I was quiet and reserved, mostly keeping to myself in a classroom filled with upperclassmen. But as I grew up in room 242, I broke out of my shell and forged friendships that will last a lifetime. I learned to be a helper, a leader and a public speaker. The confidence I gained from newspaper allowed me to pursue other opportunities, including becoming a Patriot Ambassador, on the National Honors Society senior board and editor-in-chief of MCPS’s student magazine. Exiting Wootton, working with Common Sense is without a doubt the place I felt most confident.

In room 242 I learned sometimes it’s OK to break the rules. Before I was a student journalist, I was an adamant rule follower who had anxiety at just the thought of getting into trouble. Now as a senior in high school I’ve had to write an apology letter to the principal, been officially banned from Richard Montgomery, and had countless uncomfortable interviews questioning people in positions of authority, all in the pursuit of a story.

My final year in Common Sense has been my most rewarding. With a small group of editors-in-chief and no managing editors, this year was difficult but I’m immensely proud of everything we produced. From breaking into other high schools in order to highlight the lack of security, to attending a press conference on a potential school shooting alongside professional journalists, I’ve had experiences I will remember for a lifetime.

When I reflect on my four years of high school journalism, one emotion overwhelms me: gratitude. Thank you to every teacher, administrator, and student I pestered with interview questions. Thank you to every writer and editor in Common Sense who has helped make this publication what it is. Thank you to Maria for being by side all the way from starting the Fallsmead Post to serving as editor-in-chiefs of Common Sense together. Thank you to Mrs. Starr, for showing me the power of journalism and instilling in us the belief that the work we do is important. My experience with Common Sense is what fueled my passion and inspires me to pursue a career in journalism. So for one last time, thank you Common Sense!