Five years ago, I came to Littleton High School as an 8th grader. I find it insanely difficult to believe that I was in high school pre-COVID because that feels like centuries ago. When COVID finally hit, I was literally closed off from the whole world. During the first half of my freshman year, I thought nothing was happening around school because I was so isolated.
When we went back full in-person after spring break, I realized there was actually a lot happening, and I had just been missing it. In other words, I suddenly developed major FOMO.
That, coupled with my boredom in science class, drove me to start reading the newspaper. I read almost every single article posted that year and decided that I was going to join. With encouragement of my language arts teacher and newspaper sponsor, Mrs. Chase, I signed up during class registration.
I’ve never been particularly interested in language arts, so joining this class was more reflective of my desire to get involved in the school than anything else. I’ve also never been super social, so I knew I needed to branch out. I can confidently say that I’ve never regretted my decision.
I’ve learned so much about my community as well as myself through newspaper. For my first two years on staff, I was quiet and preferred listening into class conversations over participating in them. This year, I feel like I’ve finally found my voice as a leader and my newspaper career has come to a fulfilling conclusion. Learning about my community, especially the more niche parts, has developed my perspective and strengthened my appreciation for LHS.
I’m really not sure where I would be without newspaper. I’m so grateful for Mrs. Chase, who always saw me as a leader despite how little I spoke. She’s supported me as not only a student, but as a person for the past four years, and I believe that’s indicative of an exceptional teacher. Thank you to the staff, including those who have graduated, for welcoming me into the group and always supporting me.
Even though I’m headed off to college to pursue chemical engineering, a career vastly different from journalism, I’ll still remember everything the Lions Roar Now has taught me for years to come. Newspaper has given me a voice.
