I started my journey with journalism in freshman year in Mr. Peardot’s Journalism 1 class. I always enjoyed English classes, and while this one was no different, the aspect of conducting interviews made the class intimidating at first. 

Fast forward to Journalism 2, and my eyes were opened to the possibilities of the journalistic world. Although Journalism 1 forced me to step out of my comfort zone, the transition into Journalism 2 was daunting nonetheless. It was only when I was encouraged to apply for the position of Head Copy Editor that I started to find my place, and uncover a passion for writing that I didn’t even know existed. 

Throughout the semester, I dabbled in things such as photography, but my main focus and time remained on writing and editing. That dedication paid off, and at the end of the semester I wrote my first Best of SNO  article. 

When the position for Editor-in-Chief for this semester opened up, I soon realized the opportunity that lay before me. It was not only a chance to grow my journalistic skills, but to transform my ideas and hopes for Etched in Stone into a reality.

Stepping into this role felt more like a jump. I didn’t come in with much guidance on how to manage all the complexities and responsibilities that come with being Editor-in-Chief. These first couple of weeks, however, have taught me that, as with any role, adjusting takes time. 

I started the semester as the only Editor-in-Chief of what I thought was going to be a very small class. After the first week in a larger class full of unfamiliar faces, I came to terms with the fact that I was not going to be able to achieve the goals that I had initially intended to carry out alone. When my now Co-Editor-in-Chief, Bailey McBride, stepped up, I realized that although we still had a long process before us, our leadership styles compliment each other. 

This learning curve has become my motivation for the remainder of the semester. 

This semester, I hope to expand my confidence and skillset beyond just writing and editing, and into unfamiliar realms such as photography and multimedia. As a staff, I hope that our website receives a Distinguished Site award, and that our site increases in popularity. Along with that, I hope to make the newsroom a place where my peers’ ideas are heard, and where they are all able to grow as journalists.

However, my biggest hope for the semester and those to come, is that, along with my Co-Editor-in-Chief, Bailey, I am able to transform Etched in Stone into more than just the neglected tab that pops up when students open their laptops.

Journalism was never a route that I thought I would take. Throughout middle school and the beginning of high school, I was on the traditional English track. That changed when I was introduced to Journalism sophomore year in Ms. Miscovich’s Journalism 1 class. 

While writing articles was not initially what drew me in, I found passion in the creative and production side of journalism. Working with different types of advertising and managing social media harnessed my creative side and allowed me to see Journalism beyond the page. 

I immediately enrolled in Journalism 2 my second semester of sophomore year and was introduced to a student led, fast paced environment. I spent the semester doing social media and liked every part of it. By the end of the semester, I knew I wanted to take the class again. 

I entered Journalism this year feeling very uncertain about where I fit. But with the help of Mr. DeGear and my Co-Editor-in-Chief, Lilly, they helped me find my place and step into a leadership role. I am excited (and slightly terrified) to take on the responsibility of Editor-in-Chief this semester.

Journalism has been such a creative outlet for me and I can’t wait to grow the newspaper into the strongest version of itself. I want to create an environment that allows everyone to share their perspectives and ideas. On a more personal level I hope to expand my skills in photography and photo editing.

This is a very new beginning, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.