As normal as Newspaper feels right now, I was so close to never even being in the class. For a class that has become such a huge part of my life in such a short amount of time, it’s hard to believe that there was a time without it. 

For me, joining The Blaze was filled with indecision, uncertainty, long contemplation, and a little bit of fear. Journalism was on and off my schedule since sophomore year, and long discussions with my counselor on how to perfectly curate my schedule and the anxiety of jumping into something completely alone made my decision to join Newspaper so difficult. 

Even after I joined Newspaper, my uncertainty didn’t disappear. I still vividly remember the first day of Newspaper. I remember sitting in my seat, not seeing even a single familiar face, and I immediately regretted my decision. I even emailed my counselor asking to switch electives, but it was too late. I thought I would spend the rest of my year in misery, but little did I know that this one class would completely change my life. 

I’ve always found joy in writing since I was young, gravitating towards my English classes, spending time writing detailed essays for fun, and piecing together words like an art form. The English classroom has always been my safe place, and writing has always given me comfort. I could hide behind my words and let the letters on the paper do the talking instead. I could craft sentences with detail and precision, until they flowed together exactly like how I wanted them to. I could be whoever I wanted to be on paper, and I could be as bold or expressive as I wanted to be. 

Yet, somehow, somewhere along the way, Newspaper ended up changing that. My words published on The Blaze didn’t end up concealing me. I could no longer hide behind the words I wrote. My work was noticed in the newsroom and celebrated by those around me. The words I wrote didn’t push me down or shove me to the side. They built me up, until I carried those words with me, until they became a part of me. 

I may have joined Newspaper to strengthen my writing, but I accomplished more than just that. I had found my words, and I had found my voice. For one of the first times, I felt seen. 

The words I wrote were no longer a disguise, but a strength. As I pushed myself to become Editor-in-chief and get out of my comfort, I gained a voice in the newsroom. And that voice carried with me, farther than just room 1400. 

My words carried me through the interviews I conducted. I went from being absolutely terrified to talk to strangers and initiate conversations to being able to interview anyone, anywhere, anytime without a problem. If I told my freshman self that I enjoyed talking to complete strangers, asking them deep questions, and engaging in conversation, she wouldn’t believe me. 

Newspaper has continually pushed me to do hard things, even if it was super uncomfortable and nerve-wracking at times. My passion for finding answers, seeking the truth, and gathering as much information as possible to piece together my story, overpowered my hesitancy.  By continuously getting out of my comfort zone and putting myself out there, Newspaper has truly shown me what I’m capable of, and that confidence will carry with me a long way. 

But most of all, I’m so thankful to The Blaze for being the reason I looked forward to going to school every single day this year. Even when my other classes were hard, even when I was having an exhausting day at school, The Blaze is the reason why I still willingly and enthusiastically showed up. 

For me, Newspaper has transcended the line between work and fun. Often times, I would find myself sitting at my desk, starting to study for a chemistry or history exam, and next thing you know, my mind wanders to the article I’m writing, and before you know it, I’m fully entranced, falling into a research rabbit hole and discovering new things to add to my article. 

For some, writing articles was homework. For me, it was a riveting journey. Newspaper never felt like work to me, or a task, or an assignment to complete. And that’s what I love about Newspaper so much. I truly enjoy every aspect of covering a story, from in-depth research, to meaningful interviews, to piecing together the different parts until everything fits together in the end. 

There are so many more things I could say about the impact Newspaper has had on me, but if I wrote every single thing I love about Newspaper, I don’t think my Swan Song would ever end. So I want to end this off by thanking the people in Newspaper who made these two years so special for me.

It’s crazy to me that the class where I once felt like I knew no one turned into the place where I feel most at home. Whether it’s laughing with someone over some journalism-related joke that only someone in Newspaper would understand or having a passionate discussion over an article, diving into the intricacies, and working together to piece every aspect of it together, I have found my people, and I’m so grateful for the warm community Newspaper has provided for me. 

To Melissa, thank you for being my journalism twin and helping me through my first year. I will never forget the experience of working with you on the HALO vape sensor article, and it will forever be a core memory of my high school. You matched my energy and work ethic perfectly, and you were the best writing partner I could have ever asked for. From working in cohesion, perfectly in sync, to finishing each other’s sentences on the document and bouncing off ideas, we really were a power duo, and I will be forever grateful to have you as a friend. 

To Lia and Mariia, thank you for being two little rays of sunshine in the newsroom. I never fail to smile when I’m with you both, and it really never is a dull moment with you guys. From funny FaceTime calls to random jokes or conversations, being friends with you guys is truly so much fun, and I am going to miss you both so incredibly much. You guys are the reason that saying goodbye is so hard for me.  

To Arnav, ever since the first powerline video we worked on at the start of the year, working on stories with you has been so much fun. Not only because of your work ethic and the fact that you carry your weight for each article, but also because of your out of pocket jokes you would make every time we tried to work. I am really going to miss working with you and having fun conversations, but I know you’re going to do amazing things next year. 

To Sam, thanks for always being so kind and supportive, and always asking how I am or telling me that everything is going to be okay every time I get stressed. You are truly the sweetest ever, and I’ll miss the positive energy you bring every day.  

To Sriram, thank you for matching my journalism passion. I never thought I would meet someone as obsessed with Newspaper as I was, until I met you. From sending me random Best of SNO articles to read and admire, to sending 100 emails to professors for the articles we’ve written together, it has been so chaotic but so fun. 

To the whole editorial board, I’m so glad we got closer together this year. I never fail to laugh when I have a conversation with you guys, and it’s truly been so much fun to be friends with all of you. I can’t wait for more pickleball runs. 

To everyone on the staff, thanks for always being so supportive, kind, and allowing me to be your Editor-in-chief. Each and every one of you has built Newspaper into such a supportive and fun class, and you have made Newspaper an unforgettable experience. I am truly going to miss all of you, but I know you guys are going to do amazing things for The Blaze in the coming years. 

And finally, to Mr. Anderson, my time in Newspaper would truly not be the same without you as our adviser. Thank you for your constant support, encouragement, and care. Your enthusiasm and energy you bring to The Blaze every day is the reason that Newspaper isn’t just like any other ordinary class. Thank you for noticing my work, and thank you for pushing me to do things even when it was uncomfortable, and being there for me every step of the way. 

I think part of me waited so long to write my Swan Song because I didn’t want my time on The Blaze to end just yet. I wasn’t ready for my articles to be a thing of the past, a distant memory, or to leave the newsroom that has cultivated the most growth in me.

But even if my time in Newspaper has ended, I think I’ll always carry some part of The Blaze with me. After all, I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. Every time I’m facing an uncomfortable situation,  afraid to speak up or ask a question, or feeling any doubt, I will always remember The Blaze and the power it has given my words. 

Thank you Newspaper for helping me find my words, on and off the website, and thank you for showing me that my full potential is not just in the words I write on paper, or on a website, but also the ones that I speak out loud and the ones that I share with others.