It’s hard to believe I’m actually writing one of these right now.

I remember back in my first year of newspaper, reading the seniors’ swan songs and selfishly, and a little stupidly, not realizing that my time will soon come. 

Room 1400 has been with me through my most trying times. I’ve probably stood and wasted time in every corner of the room (even the office, press room, and storage room). I’ve had a panic attack in the press room. I’ve sung a poor rendition of Fergie’s “National Anthem” in the center of the room. I’ve taken candy from Mr. Anderson’s desk in the office more times than I can count. 

This place has shaped me, from my English 9 Honors class to Newspaper Journalism III H. This room has seen me on my good days, bad days, and days when I’m just trying to make it to 4:18 p.m. It’s seen me struggle to remember the abbreviations for the states and watch me totally captivated by Ananya archiving stories in Flow. 

It was only a year ago I was saying goodbye to Tanishka, Shaila, and Maddie in this very room, and now I’m here, surrounded by five of my very best friends and a whole lot of love for the classroom that has never let me down.

I’ve always said it as a joke to other people, but I really do mean it when I say “I like the teachers here more than the students.” It’s because of teachers like Ms. Greiner, whose infectious enthusiasm can turn my day around, Ms. Zapp, whose life advice has put me on the right path more than once, and Mrs. Adair, my QOAT whose classroom is my safe haven. There’s so much I want to say. So many people I want to thank. Countless memories that feel hard to put into words.

Since May 1, the clock has been ticking closer to the end of my high school career, and it’s bittersweet, to put it simply. I’m saying goodbye to the school that I’ve loved dearly for four years, the friends who have lifted me up, and the teachers that have given me support when I desperately needed it. For the past couple of days, I’ve been late to every class because I’ve been spending so much time talking with the people I’ll miss the most before I don’t have the opportunity to. 

When I think about the “thing” that defined high school for me, it always comes back to newspaper. It’s not because of the subject, but the relationships and connections I’ve forged because of it. I have found my best friends in this classroom. There are experiences I’ve had here that are incomparable to anywhere else. In fact, I just had my first school birthday party since second grade in this class. 

I spend most of my mornings in room 1400, and if I’m not here, I’m in 1609, L406, or the English teacher’s workroom, but it’s this room that holds special pieces and mementos of me. Every time I make a hideous clay sculpture, I make sure to leave it in here as a nice gift for Mr. Anderson, and there’s currently a snake sitting in the back of the room, made by me. Last year, many of my memorable quotes adorned the quote wall that Ms. Greiner had. Two years ago, the four walls echoed with me and Ananya’s singing. And the very first year, everyone could hear my click clacking on my Chromebook while I wrote my PWPs. Even if the people who come in and out of this classroom don’t know me, these four walls always will. 

So with all of this, it’s with a heavy heart that I now say goodbye.

I’m saying goodbye to the school where I feel like I’ve done it all. I’m saying goodbye to the classes I look forward to every other day. I’m saying goodbye to my incredible teachers who I think of as friends (even though it’s certainly one-sided). But most importantly, I’m saying goodbye to the friendships that I’ve cultivated here. Although I’m leaving with most of them, there are some of you that I’m leaving behind.

To my people that I’m leaving with, Shivu and Ananya, you two know how important you are to me. Since that day we became friends (Shivu, the day we became friends again), my life has been so much better. I’m truly thankful for your friendship, and I’m going to miss our trio so much out of these Rock Ridge walls. If room 1400 has seen me at my worst, you guys have seen me in the trenches. When we go through things, we go through it together, and that’s all I could ask for. Best student v staff forever. I love you guys. Thank you. 

To Sophie, who only joined newspaper this year but has been one of my best friends since freshman year, I’m glad that you were able to be a part of the dynamic that is The Blaze. I know it was loud and chaotic, but you fit in perfectly. 

And to the people that I’m leaving behind: Sophia and Lucinda, I’m so glad we all started talking on the bus ride back from CSPA. You two are hilarious, adorable, and I know that you will be running the entire newspaper program by the time you’re seniors. Mariia, you’re a great friend and I’m going to miss you and our Crazy 8 nights so much. You are going to do such great things in your future and I hope you fill me in when you do.

To Lia Davis, my Shayla, my best friend, I feel like I’ve been missing you and dreading this day since we met (in room 1400, by the way). No one knows when they’ve found their twin flame until they do, and I’m so certain that you are mine. People like you don’t come around often, and I am so glad that we met. Call me all the time, text me even more, and most importantly, don’t forget about me. 

To The Blaze, you have changed my life. I’m eternally grateful for the opportunities you’ve given me, the stories I’ve published, but most importantly, the friendships I have made along the way. Thank you, newspaper, for everything.