As I prepare to leave high school and begin studying Journalism in college, I have been reflecting on my years here on The OCSA Ledger. Starting as a reporter and ending as Copy Editor has been one of the greatest blessings, as it inspired me to pursue journalism beyond high school.

The weight of our world this year was my purpose behind creating my column, The Talk. The column was born from the need in me to decipher history into something understandable and in turn led me to my career choice in political journalism.

With this year being politically heavy, it has altered my point of view in what I “should” be writing about and shifted me to walk down a narrower pathway. I have always wanted to connect with people through my writing. Without realizing it, my desire to give voices to those silenced has spoken to me louder than anything else in my life. The need within me to tell the stories of those living in shoes we could never imagine putting ourselves into has moved my footsteps onto the road I now tread.

Being part of The OCSA Ledger has helped me realize the importance of not only prioritizing human connection through journalism but the power behind delivering truth in our current world. My most valuable lesson learned is a simple one: tell the truth and have a determination in delivering it regardless of who sees it or who doesn’t.

I want to give a special thanks to my Editor in Chief, Evelyn Tippett, who has encouraged me to grow as an editor myself while providing endless support when I needed it. My sponsor, Ms. Kastner, has been the light above everything I have done to grow as a journalist. Every time I’ve doubted myself as a writer, Ms. K has been there to catch me and lift me back up. My staff has pushed me a great deal as well: reading the passion and dedication in their articles has made me not only a better writer and editor, but a better person overall. I could not be here without every single part of The OCSA Ledger.

Leaving my mark, I hope to have been a steppingstone in the Ledger’s future towards greatness. I have helped make the words we put down on paper hold weight, and to know that writing for this ledger does not only allow us to practice our craft, but to create art that will forever be important.