I found myself at the platform’s edge, breath caught in my chest, anxiously waiting as the ride I’ve waited years to board begins to slow down, ready to release me into a journey of soaring highs, sudden drops and unexpected turns.
Entering high school unleashed a whirlwind of emotions. With almost my last two years prior being virtual, it was hard to gauge what high school would entail. I had a vague idea of what to expect: classes, homework, exams and maybe some sports. What I didn’t realize then was that high school is not something you can fully prepare for. It’s not just an academic journey – it’s an emotional, mental and deeply personal one.
No one tells you how much high school challenges you outside of the classroom as well. I didn’t know I’d be learning how to rebuild myself after failure, how I would have to actually talk to the girl I like, or how to find courage in the quiet moments when I felt completely lost. I wasn’t prepared for the nights I stayed up questioning who I was or what my purpose was. Then came “The Pitch,” unexpectedly becoming the outlet I didn’t know I needed.
Writing for The Pitch has been a surprising gift. I never thought that my initial aversion to English-related studies would ironically transform into an ambition for journalism. Once I started covering my school’s sports, I realized how much I enjoy the intricate, detailed writing that comes with journalism.
I credit my excitement and enthusiasm for writing to not only my advisor, but someone I trust, Mrs. Borrelli. Her incredible personality, matched with unmatched knowledge of journalism, has aided me more than words can describe.
Now, as I sit here in the dwindling moments of my senior year, I’ve come to realize that every part of the experience, from the early morning alarms to the overwhelming homework and even the challenging teachers who once felt like endless obstacles, was a necessary piece in shaping this rewarding ride.
Preparing to get off this ride that’s shaped so much of who I am couldn’t be more difficult. My heart overflows with gratitude for the lessons engraved in silence, the growth born from struggle, and every unexpected turn that led me to unbuckle and come to a stop.
