When I first walked into Room 242 four years ago, there’s no way I would have believed the level of resilience I would develop and growth I would experience inside (and outside) of Common Sense.

After all, the first glance around the newsroom felt overwhelming as a freshman; everyone seemed to speak a contorted iteration of English. But soon enough I became fluent – discussion of the justification of the dropcap, the six-point differential between the top and bottom headlines and size eight italic photo captions flowed with ease.

Newspaper has molded my perception of my community and the world around me through conducting interviews and research. My identity as a student journalist has established a high-regard for ethics and a sense of personal responsibility in upholding democracy in me, ideals that I will carry closely in my future pursuits. Common Sense gave me direction in the ambiguity of what I wanted to achieve while in high school, a new avenue to explore, and becoming editor-in-chief, a goal to achieve. From working with sophomore and Commons Editor Nicole Kaffee on “The Mirrorball Minute” to writing about the shooting at this school, being editor-in-chief taught me the importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

But more than this, with every story meeting, every press day and every sixth period debrief, Room 242 became more of a community that I didn’t realize I needed and I don’t quite know how I’m going to live without it next year. As a timid underclassmen, becoming friends with 2025 graduate and managing editor emeritus Lea Weinstein filled me with a sense of place within Common Sense.

Common Sense played an integral role in my friendships with Editors-in-Chief Sofia Sklias and Catherine Bucsa. What started as joining in on their article documenting their 14-day SoulCycle challenge, has shaped my final semester of high school and I couldn’t be more grateful. They are two of the most intelligent, compassionate and supportive girls I know. I feel lucky to be their friend. Common Sense is beyond fortunate to have them as leaders and I’m already planning their trip to visit me in Boston next year.

I can safely say that I wouldn’t be the journalist, student leader or person I am today without Mrs. Starr’s daily anecdotes, constructive feedback and constant reassurance. As my weekly journal entries to her grew to fill the page, so did her support. Her wisdom, expertise, humor and grace continue to inspire me.

As much as I’m beyond ready to see what the future holds and change has always seemed to simultaneously soothe and excite me, I’m not sure I am ready not to be without Common Sense anymore.

Mrs. Starr always says that it is important to realize that it didn’t start with you, and if you are lucky, it won’t end with you. And as I compile the records of the 56 years of staff lists to preserve Common Sense history when the school moves the Crown site, it becomes increasingly evident that I am a small piece of this, that I coincide with the last four of those 56 years of Common Sense history.

In a few short weeks, I’ll walk across the stage (an unfathomable feat to my freshman year self) but I already feel proud to have been a part of Common Sense’s legacy.