Attending Syracuse University

Stepping into the high school my freshman year, I didn’t think I would ever join a journalism-based club. Not knowing my interests let me experiment, and eventually led me to find my home in the Publishing Suite. It must have been fate having Mrs. Semple for English second period saying, “Come to Yearbook on Friday!”

Joining Crossroads Yearbook was my first introduction to journalism, and it made the biggest impression on me. After deciding to join the yearbook, I also decided to join The Courant to improve my writing and communication skills. Joining The Courant opened so many doors for me, academically and socially. When I was young, I was always interested in pop culture and current events, and The Courant allowed me to dive deeper into my interests. The Courant helped me learn how to talk to people, and how to be professional through interviews. These are skills I will take with me throughout my life. 

When I was young, I loved reading and making random stories in my journal. If someone told younger me I was going to school for communications and political philosophy at a school upstate, I would have laughed right in their face. However, here I am about to study two things I truly love. 

I would like to thank Dr. Braun for helping me explore my love for law. I would like to thank you for your impact throughout my high school experience, with Mock Trial and mentoring me with my extended essay. 

To Mrs. Bellisari, Mrs. Barbagallo, Mrs. Moschos and Mr. Kosciuk, thank you for making my time at the high school so memorable and enjoyable. High school is a stressful time for students, and having such amazing teachers helped ease the burden. 

To Mrs. Black, thank you for guiding me through high school, and answering my many questions. Thank you for setting up impromptu meetings, so I could be the most successful version of myself. 

While my time on the cross country and winter track teams were short, I would like to thank my two coaches who have been with me since eighth grade. To Coach Raeihle and Coach Boll, I will always deeply appreciate the way track has taught me dedication, determination, and most of all, teamwork. 

I would like to give a very special thank you to Mrs. Semple who I cannot thank enough. You got me started in journalism, with the yearbook club, and later The Courant. I am so grateful for your support, I would be completely lost without you. Thank you for giving me a home in the Publishing Suite, and giving me a space in Crossroads Yearbook and The Courant. You have made my high school experience the best, and have been through so much with me, whether it was losing a loved one or doing poorly on another test. I am so proud to have you as a mentor, and supporter in my life. 

Lastly, I would like to thank all the people reading this, who have let me continue to grow as a writer. Thank you for everything!