Before I start my very last column for the Niles West News, I just wanted to make a PSA that this is going to be pretty sappy and full of a lot of “thank yous” and “good-byes” unlike a lot of my other sarcastic and criticizing columns. And, it wouldn’t be like me if I didn’t write an essay of an article, so bear with me.

Four years ago, I was a shy and quiet freshman with a strong passion for writing. One day during homeroom, I was watching the NWN announcements (yes, I actually like watching them) and I heard that the newspaper was looking for a freshman to blog about their first year experiences. I immediately knew that this position was pretty much created for me. The next period I asked my English teacher, Mrs. Graham all about the position and if she could talk to Ms. Lauer for me. Mrs. Graham, I don’t know if I ever thanked you for encouraging me to apply, but honestly if it wasn’t for your help I probably would not have had the courage to apply. Thank you so much for helping start the beginning of my journey as a journalist.

So, as you all probably guessed, I got the freshman position and wrote possibly the worst first article you could ever imagine (here’s the link). It’s the most embarrassing article, but it reflects the type of person I was as a freshman: peppy, immature and really naive. The articles that were posted throughout that year didn’t get much better, but we’re just not going to get into that because back then, I was proud of my blog (not that I’m not proud anymore, but… let’s just say those blogs aren’t an accurate display of my writing anymore).

I’ve always had the talent of writing like how I talk, so looking back at all these old articles never fails to surprise me because of how much I’ve changed (thank God), and grown as a person. I had a small, but opinionated voice in need of an outlet, and the NWN was perfect for this. My first year and a half, I really confined myself in the type of articles I wrote. It wasn’t until the middle of my sophomore year that I realized I could make a difference with my writing, whether it be expressing concerns about assemblies, school temperature, or female objectification, I started to take advantage of being able to voice my opinions.

But, this took a lot of bravery and support. I can’t tell you how many internet trolls there are out in this world, who are always out to get the journalists for voicing their opinions. So, I have a lot of people to thank for always being there to support me and my writing.

To my friends and family,  and all the NWN staffers, if it wasn’t for your support I honestly don’t think I would have had the guts to develop my opinions publicly, like I have this year. Thank you for always being honest with me whenever I asked for advice on whether or not I really wanted to publish something about my life. Thanks for always sharing, retweeting, and posting my stories, or complementing me on an article you liked. You all helped me build up my confidence to back up my writing against the trolls, and to realize that I am a good writer. Specifically, I’d like to thank my parents, grandparents, Alyssa Guzman, Gabby Abesamis, and Gretchen Sterba. I’m sure you all can think of specific times I came to you for advice on an article because I was unsure of whether I was being too open in an article or if my word choice was bad, thanks for putting up with me and always being there.

To all my teachers, I don’t think I can even put my appreciation into words (which probably isn’t a good thing for a journalist to admit) but even if you all don’t realize this, you have helped me so much with my writing. Just take a look at the very first article I wrote for the NWN, and compare it to any of the articles I wrote this year. It doesn’t even sound like the same person, and I owe that all to my amazing teachers.

Mrs. Graham, I already thanked you earlier, but you are one of the main reasons I started writing for the newspaper. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your own schedule to help me out my freshman year.

Mr. Bellowar, I know I’ve never told you this, but Creative Writing was probably the best class I ever took in high school. In such a short time, you taught me more about my potential for writing than anyone else. You helped me realize how to develop my writing to it’s full extent, and how dedication and time can turn a good poem into a great one. My love for writing grew exponentially during and after your class, and I can’t thank you enough for that. You are such a great teacher, and thank you for pushing me out of my “writing” comfort zone.

Ms. Lauer, I don’t know what you saw in me my freshman year but whatever it was I can’t thank you enough for looking past all the exclamation points, caps, and peppiness, and seeing potential. Thank you for always being there to defend my columns against the millions (okay, maybe not millions) of people who would relentlessly argue in the comment section or criticize my writing. Mainly, thank you for putting up with the Makeup Mondays, love columns and netbooks blogs that seemed to be endless. Like I said, I don’t know what you saw in my freshman self, but you are one of the main reasons why I have been able to develop a sense of confidence to be able to publicly express my opinions, and I could never thank you enough for that.

Niles West has been good to me these past four years. Thank you so much to everyone who actually read my columns, and came up to me in the hallways or messaged me on Facebook with endless compliments. That always meant the world to me. I’ve met some amazing people and teachers, and have had incredible opportunities. I know it’s pretty sappy to say that this isn’t a good-bye, but it’s true. This definitely won’t be the last you’ll be seeing of me or my columns, the NWN was only the beginning. So get ready everyone, I’m just getting started! Good luck to all my fellow seniors in college, and I wish everyone at Niles West the best. I’m truly going to miss being a wolf.