Niles West has brought me so many opportunities that I would not have gotten anywhere else. It was through electives such as journalism, broadcasting, and debate that I was formed into the person I am today. I remember the very first story I wrote in my journalism class freshman year with Ms. Lauer. It was a preview on the varsity girl’s softball team. Looking back on it now, it was a simple Q & A that didn’t really show a lot of skill as a writer, but it still opened the door to what would become my favorite class and activity.
It was sophomore year when I decided to take two news classes, news production where I would be doing more writing, and broadcasting where I would tell news stories through video. It only took one week in the broadcasting class for everything to click and to realize that this is what I’m passionate about. It was then that I started producing multiple news packages with other members of the NWN staff, combining both video and written stories into one. Three years and 20+ news packages later, I am happy to say that I will be pursuing broadcast journalism in college at Lindenwood University in the fall.
There’s something about being able to take events happening around the school or community, turn them into a story, and share them with the world through the NWN that leaves me with a feeling that just can’t be described. It’s always great to know that I made a contribution to the student body, even if it was just by updating them with a news story.
Aside from the NWN, Niles West has been such a pleasant environment to come to. Every day I wasn’t exactly jumping for joy to be in school, but in the long run, these past four years were a great experience. It still amazes me how much the faculty, staff, and administrators of our school genuinely care about the students well being. Although there are times where we may find ourselves criticizing the authorities in our school, we know that they’re just trying to look out for us and make sure we’re receiving the best education they can offer. So with that, I want to thank everyone who works in this school for their contributions to the student body.
It’s hard for me to say goodbye. Not because I’m not ready to leave high school and move onto bigger and better things, but because the word ‘goodbye’ sounds like I’m leaving something forever. J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, once wrote, “Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” I may be going off to college, but Niles West will always remain in my heart and my memories. So no, I won’t say goodbye. Instead I say, see you later, Niles West.
