When I first expressed interest in joining this publication, my mother was skeptical, and honestly, I don’t blame her for thinking that.
During middle school, I was a shy kid who always tried to find a way to get out of group work, and she rightfully had concerns about whether this class would be a good fit for me. However, I pressed on, requesting to take Digital Journalism 1, and she relented.
Now, I’m writing and editing my last articles as a Features Editor and am forever thankful for the time I got to spend here.
If you ever told me when I started I’d be a Features Editor who would go on to win a handful of awards and even qualified for an IHSA Journalism State competition, I wouldn’t have believed you.
This class has helped me so much in building my confidence, and not just in my writing skills, but in my social skills, knowing the countless number of people I’ve talked to for interviews.
I’ve also met and worked with some incredible people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and I was able to collaborate with them to write some pretty great articles.
All of what I experienced was because I joined 42Fifty. It was a risk for me, because it was something out of my comfort zone, and I will always be grateful for doing that. Even my mom, who once questioned my interest, is now one of the biggest supporters of my journalistic endeavors.
Readers: if you want to take anything from my article, it’s the lesson to not be afraid to take risks and to try things outside of your comfort zone. You might just find a new thing you wouldn’t have tried otherwise.
As I move on from high school and into college, I’ll be thankful for everything this publication has taught my friends and me, and for what I published, too.
But now, I can go on to start a new journey beyond the walls of OH. And for what I take with me from this place, I am grateful.
You can just call me Max. I write about things that interest me. This is my second year on the team and I'm in 12th grade. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication
