For the last three years, I’ve been blessed to have been a part of The Prowl staff as a staff writer, and recently as editor. Being part of this staff has been one of the best experiences of my high school career. 

Walking into my introduction to journalism class in the spring of my freshman year, I never thought I would fall in love with writing the way that I have. I quickly realized that being able to express myself and share my beliefs with the public was something that helped me put my thoughts into words and strengthen my personal opinions. 

Writing was a release for me: It allowed me to talk about topics that I otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to discuss. It was nice to be able to let out the thoughts that were just floating around in my head and really put them into words, and oftentimes it put my issues into perspective. 

But, in order for me to have the courage to put those thoughts into my writing, I had to have my fellow staff members by my side. 

When I came onto the staff my sophomore year, I was shy as could be and was scared to go out of my shell to conduct interviews and talk to people, but thanks to one particular senior staff member, I came out of that shell pretty quickly. As I grew in my writing skills, I grew in my love for journalism. 

As it turned to my junior year, I was asked to be editor, but there was a change: a new adviser whom I had met only once or twice before. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew the quality of content I was able to produce, and I knew I could prove myself to this new adviser. Little did I know, that adviser would soon become my favorite teacher and trusted mentor. 

Dr. Drew Timmons, although mildly frustrating when he gives me advice I don’t want to hear, is always the one to set me straight. From newspaper ordeals to my own personal problems to choosing a college, he is the one I knew I could come to, and he’d be honest with me, always. I’ll always be thankful for his guidance and the endless dad jokes, but I’m also pretty glad I won’t have to get scolded anymore. 

Over the course of my four semesters on staff, I’ve worked with four different sets of staff members, each with different skill sets and writing styles, but none has impacted me quite as much as The Prowl’s current staff. 

Going into our spring 2021 semester, I knew only one of the members who would be on staff, but little did I know that I would soon find some of my best friends. When we aren’t working hard to put out stories and videos, we’re constantly spending time discussing whatever comes to mind that day. From vegetarianism to gender inequality to politics, I never know what conversations my second block is going to hold. 

This staff has also been the most motivated group of students I’ve ever worked with. Even when my senioritis creeped in, they pushed themselves to write, to step out of their comfort zones and to work hard to put their voices out for the world to hear. 

I’m so blessed to have been able to work with this group of students this semester, and I can’t wait to see what content they’re able to put out in the future. 

As a member of the newspaper staff, and especially as editor, I’ve been granted opportunities that don’t get handed to just any student. I’ve gotten insider information about big events and results that have allowed me to see the reactions of others without being blinded by my own excitement, and it’s a beautiful thing to see genuine smiles on people’s faces. I’ve also had one-on-one time with Principal McMillan and time on the sidelines at football games that I wouldn’t exchange for the world. 

The Prowl has not only strengthened me as a writer and as a leader, but it’s grown me as a person and led me to find some of the best things in my life: writing, Dr. Timmons and my best friend. I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunities I’ve had while serving on the staff, and for the endless memories I’ve made in room 314.