Personal Narrative

I toured Highlands High School as an 8th grader in 2022, coming from a small liberal arts school in Ohio where I had spent years kindergarten-8th grade. I had never been to a public school, knew no one, but was ready to bring my unique flair to my new school, despite nerves and unknown. As I walked through the english department, my tour guide told me about one of her favorite classes with the "best teacher you'll meet," Mrs. Brubaker, the publications adviser. I always loved creative writing, poetry, essays, personal accounts but I also loved politics and current events. I didn't know what journalism class was really like, but I did know that I liked the smiling, beaming, bubbly and wholeheartedly warm person who popped her head out of the door and ushered me over to her. She had a entrancing kind personality and overall acceptance of everyone and all, represented by the chalkboard that hung over her wall with the words "all are welcome," encircled by a heart. She immediately told me I needed to look into joining journalism, and how could I say no? I saw kids laughing, smiling, designing and writing, having an absolute marvelous time while doing so. 

My freshman year was a whirlwind, new friends, new classes, sometimes the occasional bad grade that made me want to scream, but journalism class was always a safe space for me, with people who respected, cherished and welcomed my feelings and opinions. I wrote a lot freshman year: sports briefs, features, news and opinion, I leaped into a few photography gigs (which I knew from the start wouldn't be my strong suit), but nonetheless wanted to try. I always came back to my writing niche. 

Sophomore year, I won best Best of SNO on my feature article of my teacher Mrs. Brubaker and her cancer story. This article was delicate, intricate and I was determined to make it perfect for the teacher I so loved and admired. 

My junior year was probably one of the most influential in my high school career. As managing editor, I was extremely busy posting articles, galleries and doing yearbook spreads. But, I also became more into writing political/breaking news type pieces. I wrote about policy change, government shutdown threats, the ever changing TikTok ban threats, etc. I also applied to the Al Neuharth Free Sprit and journalism Conference, which I was accepted as the Kentucky representative. 

I will never forget it. 

Each day of the conference, we were astounded by the opportunity to meet journalists from The Washington Post, USA TODAY and more—some of whom were also entrepreneurs and skilled authors. But I realized towards the end of the trip that the most precious treasure I had gained from this week was the community of young journalists I would always have contact with. Now, months later, we keep in touch weekly in our Instagram group chat and recollect memories, share opportunities in the journalistic field, and have strength in our numbers as we (within only the span of a week) created a band of First Amendment users, eager to leverage the lessons we learned to improve our schools, communities; like-minded with a shared goal as critical minds of the world.

After this trip, I was newly inspired to carry this same critical eye to the classroom and my school. 

I became Editor-in-Chief my senior year and have loved this job more than any prior. I have gotten to mentor fellow students, plan class activities and lead each day with a fun attitude, which ultimately fills me up! I additionally got to present a panel at this year's NSPA/JEA convention in Nashville, and it was a wonderful experience! Getting to share with the country what makes my newsroom different and why was a one of a kind experience! 

Today, despite graduating in a number of months I will always come back to this place, my home in the Highlands High School Publications room where I know I am appreciated, needed and my voice is heard and cherished.