If you told me I’d be an editor in Journalism class in 9th grade, I would’ve given you a funny look, laughed at you, and probably cussed you out somewhere in between.
I’m a features editor for Spartan Shield and do not regret my journey here no matter how much cruel a twist of fate it was when I was approached by at the time seniors during 9th-grade orientation, attempting to recruit me, and declining their offer, only to be still given the class in, leaving immediately and then coming back in 11th and 12th grade.
These last 2 years with journalism have been interesting, to say the least. But nevertheless, I enjoyed these 2 years, especially meeting all of you, getting to know you, and working with you all.
I’d like to thank Mr.Ta for mentoring and watching over us all but most of all tolerating our stupidity. I’d like to thank a lot of my seniors for helping me make fun and enjoyable memories throughout the year, especially this semester.
Despite my laziness, I was still willing to get my work done and actually get my head in the game when Ta told us to. I was involved in multiple different things across my 2 years in journalism such as media day for both years, a features editor this year, and even listening in and helping around the class in 11th grade when I was just a staff writer. My nearly full 4 years of high school have been strange for one.
We never finished 9th grade and I was barely adjusting just to being locked in my home for over a year and then trying to adjust to going back to school in 11th, thankfully going back was easier as I had my friends by my side to do this whole journey with me. Senior year has definitely been the best year of my high school career. I’ve made loads of friends, many mixed memories, and many valuable lessons. I would say my most fond memory would be just having fun and messing around with my friends during school and classes.
My future plans are to go to Cal State LA and start my process of becoming a firefighter and get my bachelor’s in fire protection and technology. Some advice I’d like to give to others is, to take as many opportunities as you can, but be smart about your choices and plan ahead. Be wise about your decisions and don’t be afraid to fall and fail, just make sure to get up and try again you’ll only be stronger and smarter.
In the end, I’d like to thank you all for everything you’ve all had an impact on my life in some way or another and I wish you all the best in your lives moving forward.
Written by: Justin Ramirez, 2022-2023 Features Editor