As I look back on my time at WJ, I wouldn’t change it for the world! Walter Johnson opened so many doors for me to grow as a person and helped shape me to be the person I am today.
When I was living in Flordia I was homeschooled and didn’t see the need to go back to public school. I had my friends and access to participate in activites at the local high school. I was happy where I was and was finally settling in.
Unfortunately, the pattern of forced movement continued. Right after I was finally situated and comfortable, the military came in and told us to move. During our moves, I would grow so much hatred for the place and would find and use anything to try to stay mad.
I just didn’t have any interest in being here and would try to find any way to stay in Florida. I was still homeschooled when I moved here and wasn’t really doing anything for a couple of months because I didn’t know anyone.
A few months in I kinda just gave up on being mad at the state of Maryland and sucked it up, realizing that I couldn’t do anything about it. I couldn’t go up to the military and ask them to move me back to Florida.
On a happier note, when I arrived at WJ I was welcomed right away by teachers and peers and felt like a part of a community. I made a promise to myself that while here I would be more sociable, active in clubs and step outside my comfort zone. Then Covid came and put a pause on everything. One of the good things that came out of that whole crazy semester was being introduced to journalism.
I remember my counselor telling me about the class and going to speak to Mrs. Borrelli about Journalism. I was so nervous but I went to room 193 and she was so nice and gave me the best advice. I probably drove my mom crazy telling her about it non-stop.

The Pitch and Mrs. Borrelli made my experience at WJ the best 2 ½ years that I will cherish forever. If I didn’t sign up for Journalism 1, I don’t think I would be the person that I am today or would have accomplished what I wanted to do here. I am so grateful to this class and the WJ community for giving me lifelong friendships and opportunities and for being able to leave WJ with no regrets. So thank you, and peace out.