I remember a few years ago, my mom had told me about a time when I was learning how to read; apparently, I had thrown the children’s book (probably a Magic Treehouse book) on the floor in frustration, telling her I would learn to read someday and that she should leave me alone. Looking back on this today, it makes me laugh! I had not known reading would become such an important part of my life and even guide me to what I want to do after high school (I’d love to be an author but, being practical, I want to teach advanced placement English). After winning monthly spelling competitions in elementary school (small, time-killing, classroom-sized “competitions”), binge-reading Raina Telgemeier graphic novels with a flashlight while I was supposed to be asleep, and filling notebooks with rushed short stories, I knew I wanted to keep writing and reading forever; I’d found my passion! Since I didn’t know Central’s journalism program existed during my freshman year, I had been under the impression that I’d have to advocate for my own writing time and motivation. That was until I was picking my classes for my sophomore year and lo and behold: “Multimedia Journalism and Writing”! The excitement coursed through my veins and nerves in the tips of my fingers as I clicked the class with no hesitation. Since then, my writing has had a motivation and genuine meaning. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each article I’ve published and the involvement with the program since then, especially the opportunities given to me such as becoming the News Editor in my junior year and then being promoted to the Editing Manager my senior year– an opportunity I am extremely grateful to have for the experience of educating myself and others, and I could not imagine spending my last year of high school any differently. If I had to choose my favorite moments of high school so far, it would be the journalism program for its constructive criticism, opportunities, creative environment, and for shaping me to become a better writer every day!