As I look back on my four years in high school, I can easily say it was not the best four years of my life, at least I really hope it won’t be. While I am filled with gratitude for how high school has shaped me, it was not what I expected. I wouldn’t classify it as worse than expected, nor better; rather, it was simply unusual. Most people don’t experience the rollercoaster that the graduating class of 2026 went through at this school; however, most people also don’t get the experience of room 242.
As registration for sophomore year courses was rolling around, I was unsure of what I wanted to do. Taking gym again seemed pointless. I am not musically inclined, so anything in that department was just a disaster waiting to happen. Theater? Nice try. So I sat there contemplating, what is something that will make me stand out and feel passionate about when I complete the work? I spoke with my sister, who had previously joined Common Sense; that was my epiphany. I was going to join the school newspaper.
I can easily rank that decision among the best I have made throughout my high school journey. Beginning with journalism (J1) and continuing until Friday when I step foot in room 242 for the last time ever, I have developed a powerful sense of integrity, dignity and honor: qualities that I will carry on my shoulders for the rest of my life. I also learned that you don’t use the Oxford comma in journalistic writing: that however, I learned the hard way.
Journalism is not something that everyone has the strength or willpower to do. It takes effort. It’s tedious, but above all, it’s a pillar of democracy and a component of society. I am lucky enough to have spent the past three years learning how my words can influence and impact the public. As some say, all publicity is good publicity.
However, everything I have learned and gained from being a part of Common Sense is attributed to the wise woman behind it all: Mrs. Starr. It’s not every day that you come across a teacher like her. Her physical grounding has such an impact on the newspaper community. Not only does she foster the world of journalism in her teaching, but she highlights the importance of humanity, what it means to be an integral part of something. Mrs. Starr is the type of teacher that once you step into her classroom, room 242, you leave as a better version of yourself. I know I will. Her intelligence and wisdom has helped me grow so much as a writer and better yet, an individual.
So while I wrap up my final days as a high schooler and teenage years, I hold my head up high as I know I am leaving behind something great. I am leaving behind my mark as a Common Sense writer and editor, a small part of a 56-year history, a legacy that goes beyond writing. As psychologist Benjamin Schneider once said, “The people make the place,” and that’s the exact definition of room 242.
Au revoir,
Sami
