This column is part the Senior Goodbye series: reflections from graduating editors and writers of Niles West News. 

“High school is the best four years of your life.”

I always knew that high school wasn’t going to be like the movies. Nobody would be singing in the hallways or bursting into a dance in the lunchroom. My motto in life, as bad as it may sound, has always been “don’t get your hopes up.” Expect the worst and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. So, I began my freshman year with that mentality. And honestly, it worked. I found some amazing people, and my classes were manageable. Niles West was looking to be a great time for me.

However, I don’t want to romanticize the memories of being at Niles West. Truthfully, I struggled a lot to find my place. I tried sports, new friends, clubs, and styles, but nothing stuck. I experienced some burnout and had to learn to put myself first. My mental health was pushed aside in pursuit of maintaining friendships and staying in sports. And of course, I fell down a slippery slope of anxiety. It’s hard to grow up in an environment where you don’t feel like you belong. 

But somewhere in the smoke of anxiety and academic pressures, a dim spark blazed. When my counselor introduced the idea of journalism to me, things began to fall into place. I unlocked talents that I never knew I had: news writing, photography, editing, reporting. I wasn’t perfect right off the bat; I still had some things to learn and improve on. But it was a start to something that felt right. 

Niles West News is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has guided me to grow as a person with empathy, compassion and wit. The skills I have picked up are life-changing. I learned how to communicate professionally, whether that be with a peer, school board member, or the superintendent. I wrote diversely: features, opinions, news, arts & entertainment, sports and academics. I also created multimedia pieces with photography, social media, podcasts and video packages. As I look over my first few articles, I can truly see how I have persevered and expanded my abilities. I am beyond grateful for the lessons I have learned in ethics, writing, reporting, multimedia pieces and FOIA. The trips to KEMPA and NISPA were so valuable and provided good opportunities to network. 

The friendships I have gained from NWN are unforgettable. I am beyond grateful for everyone’s kindness and support, as well as their ability to make any moment hilarious. Every day in class, I heard Morgan’s giggle, Sarina’s quips, Holly and Ava’s playful arguing, Brianna and Ayla’s secluded conversations in the back, Suha’s sarcasm, Hannah’s laughs with Lily, Alex and Shamika’s stories, and Isabela’s kindness. On my worst days, I still looked forward to walking into NWN because I knew that someone would put me in a good mood. Our trips to Philadelphia and Nashville will always be in the back of my mind. The memories of exploring downtown Philly and Opryland are my favorites. I will truly miss the most amazing staff. We made so much of an impact on Niles West. I know that Suha and I are leaving NWN in wonderful hands; Morgan and Hannah will be a perfect team. 

I will forever be in debt to our advisers, Mrs. Gross and Mrs. Barker (and Ms. Rossa). Their advice and guidance have helped me to push myself and overcome obstacles. I’ve done so many things I never would have done without their support. I went on my first plane ride, competed in copy editing and news writing competitions, led a session on social media with Ms. Gross at KEMPA, went to sectionals and state, and became a leader of NWN. I can’t express how important they have been to me throughout my high school career. They helped me to face things head-on rather than sit back and let someone else take charge. They inspired me to go to journalism summer camp at Eastern Illinois University, which was one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. My advisers were always honest and kind. Though they may not know it, they have been like family to me.

It’s going to be so hard to say goodbye to Niles West News. But I know that I will always visit the site and keep up with my old friends on staff. NWN gave me a purpose and passion that I never knew was possible. I am honored to have been a staff writer, managing editor and Editor-in-Chief.

Thank you for everything.