I joined Journalism 1, and The Pitch, as a quiet little freshman, who was largely taking the course because she knew the teacher. I had always been tangentially fond of journalism; I read the comics section religiously as a kid and checking CNN was part of my daily routine. I was part of a student-run publication in elementary school — the Center Chronicle, founded by The Pitch’s very own Seyun Park. By immersing myself in the course, my relative interest bloomed into a great love for the craft that is journalism.
In addition to cultivating my love for journalism, The Pitch has allowed me to hone my ability to lead. I came into high school riddled with anxiety. When I initially joined The Pitch, I stayed to myself. But in my first full year, I took on a position that required me to interact with others and lead. As a Copy Editor, I was able to harness my natural inclination to pick out mistakes in a positive way. I loved the work that I was doing, but I always felt like I was being too pushy or particular. Through trial and error, I managed to make the process a well-oiled machine by the end of the year.
In my junior year, I stepped into the position of senior A&E editor. Through my section editor position, I grew closer to others on The Pitch and got to work more directly with the Editorial Board, something I had always wanted to be part of. I’ve been lucky enough this year to be a part of the EB as a Print Editor-in-Chief. I’ve been able to help oversee our team of section editors and help complete all of our print issues this year. It’s been so incredible to see what we as a team have been able to accomplish, from countless awards to our best magazine yet. And while I’m endlessly grateful for the students I was able to collaborate with in my time on The Pitch, I’m most grateful to our adviser, Ms. Borrelli.
I have a personal connection to Ms. Borrelli. She and my mom have been lifelong friends, and she’s been present for my entire childhood. Ms. Borrelli is a light. She’s endlessly kind, friendly and helpful. I’ve learned so much from her in the span of just four years. Everything that one could possibly need out of a teacher, Ms. Borrelli is willing to provide. She has an endless amount of love and care for all of us on Pitch.
Everyone was hit hard when, in the summer before my junior year, Ms. Borrelli was diagnosed with lymphoma. Ms. Borrelli, of course, pushed through and managed to come back, cancer-free, within the very same school year. To me, it proved what I already knew was true: Ms. Borrelli is one of the strongest people I know. She went above and beyond at every opportunity, and showed all of us on Pitch what a true leader is. I’ve learned many things throughout high school and my time on The Pitch, but chief among them are the lessons Ms. Borrelli has taught me. Be kind. Listen. Collaborate. Do everything you can to help those around you. And always appreciate what you have.
Another one of my favorite teachers at WJ, my theater director, Ms. Mac, always has a spiel at the end of each year. I took this speech at surface value for most of my time in STAGE, but during my final show and now while writing this essay, it holds incredibly true. You will never be in this moment, with this group of people, ever again. Hold it close and cherish it, because you’ll miss it so much when it’s gone.
