Attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Stepping into my freshman year, I was aware of the fact that I would one day join the school newspaper. It must have been fate when my first class of the day was “English 9 Enriched” with Mrs. Semple. Within weeks I had submerged myself into the world of journalism, one of the best decisions that I have ever made.
I recall the eagerness and ambition that I contained for my first interview with Dr. Jeziorski and Mr. Suchopar, in the December of my freshman year. The recording, consisting mostly of my ‘uh’s and ‘um’s, has reminded me of the growth that I have made as a reporter. I know that I have improved as a writer, not just stylistically, but as someone who can display their message with information, meaning, and captivity.
This organization has taught me not only who to interview, record, and type, but how to think and wonder. Growing up, I had always been passionate about pop culture, political science, and current events, so joining The Courant was the easiest way to apply these interests.
As I reminisce upon my high school experience, I can not help but appreciate The Courant, for making me the person that I am today. Being a proud member of such an organization has provided me with opportunities to communicate with influential faculty members, students, and advisers. I have been forced to step outside of my comfort zone to connect with interesting sources for each new article. Through these stories, I have been able to spark new interests and passions within myself while simultaneously providing quality information to the community.
I am lucky to be a part of an organization filled with students who share the same thirst for knowledge as me. My four years as an active member of this publication has allowed me to better myself by becoming more imaginative, sociable, expressive, knowledgeable, motivated, and curious. I am eternally grateful for the skills and long-lasting memories that The Courant has gifted me with.
Aside from my involvement with the newspaper, many other organizations and individuals have shaped me into the person that I am today. I am so appreciative for the community and bonds that I have created doing the activities that I love. First and foremost, thank you to all of my friends who have supported me in all my endeavors. I am so excited to see where this world takes all of you.
To Mrs. Frankonis and the music department, thank you for providing me with a home within this building. While these courses may have had some difficulty reaching its way into my busy schedule, I have come to understand that music is a part of my life, engraved into my mind that I will always be a part of.
To Mrs. Polanish, Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Palazzo, Dr. Pope, and Mrs. Beatty, thank you for being some of the faculty members that I not only admire, but those that make the school day enjoyable and fun. High school can be a time for social and academic stress, so having teachers such as these can alleviate much of that burden.
To Dr. Jeziorski, Mr. Suchopar, and Mr. Patterson, thank you for two years of inside jokes, exciting opportunities, and life-long memories. The Office of Student Life is the place where I have truly found myself and I am honored to have been a part of it. A short apology to Dr. Jeziorski and Mr. Suchopar for never writing or publishing the freshman article that you were interviewed for. To my student life family, I am blessed to have worked alongside you. I am grateful for our friendships and know that they are ones that I can cherish forever. Please be sure to visit and do not forget about me.
Finally and most importantly, to The Courant, thank you for igniting my passion for journalism and creative mindset. Mrs. Semple, thank you for all your efforts in turning me into the reporter and editor that I am today. My freshman self made the right choice in joining this journalism community, and it would not have existed if it were not for you. I am jealous of the underclassmen who are fresh from training and ready for their first story, but I look forward to seeing this organization thrive in the future.◼️
