After some quick calculations, I have spent more than 1200 hours in Room 203. 1200. This means that for at least 20% of my high school life, these precious four years that one can never get back, I resided in a hard-to-find, basement-of-the-school room that’s not only constantly messy but also constantly freezing. And yet, I couldn’t be more content thinking about that 20%. If we’re being honest, you probably couldn’t drag me away from Room 203 now.

Coming in as a freshman as well as the first freshman ever on staff, I was painfully shy. In fact, I didn’t even speak to Brooke, my now co Editor-in-Chief, until my junior year. Over the years, from writing to designing to online to Editor-in-Chief, the majority of my memories have been encased in Lamplighter.

Saying goodbye to Lamplighter is difficult. It’s given me opportunities, experiences and people that are once in a lifetime. I’ve changed so much, from a shy little girl to the bossy confident person I am today, and it’s because of Lamplighter. Staying after school until 9pm to work on the broadcast, lunch meetings every other day, painting the walls and planning schedules in the summer, panera meet-ups– the memories are endless. Lamplighter gave me a purpose, a goal to pursue, and a project to take pride in.

I remember stories that have impacted my life, changing the way I see things around me and in the world. The first double truck page I designed freshman year on Black History Month and the African American Trail downtown– I remember walking all around downtown and then later trying to map out the streets. The feel good story covering the famous Dunbar Pep Rally Promposal– I remember people crying and cheering and sweet, sweet smiles. The first serious story I pursued with Brooke about rising Xanax abuse

in schools– I remember trying being so nervous interviewing professional adults and doctors. And just this week, the full length investigative journalism article I published with Julia about the school lunch program– I remember spending weeks, months stressing and sorting through hours of interviews and information. Every single one of these stories added on to who I am today, and every single one of these stories was only made possible with the help and support of Lamplighter.

Saying goodbye to my editors is difficult. Addie, Jack, Arya, Arunmani especially– thank you for always, always being there to support me and boost my confidence. Every step of the way, you all were there to catch me, aiding me in my personal life, leadership and daily Lamplighter struggles. Thank you to the entire editorial board, you all have been so independent, creative, and hardworking. I couldn’t ask for a better group.

Saying goodbye to Mrs. Turner is difficult. She’s been the most influential teacher and adult in my life– literally my school mom. She gave me the confidence to pursue my goals and the means and skills with which to do it. She taught me her secrets of being a good teacher, person, leader, and friend. Sometimes we may disagree or she holds me accountable for slacking, but there’s really no question that everything she does and says to me, everything, is with a good heart. Mrs. Turner, you’ve changed my life and made me a better person.

Saying goodbye to Brooke is difficult. These four years, we’ve grown inseparable, like sisters. Just like sisters, we fight but we love each other, and we are there for each other whether it’s Lamplighter-related or not. The challenges we’ve faced together are countless, and by overcoming them together we’ve grown that

much closer. We’ve gotten to the point where we can communicate just through our eyes. We like to act annoyed with each other, but the truth is, Brooke, you are an amazing, beautiful, kind young woman who only deserves the best of the best and to be treated like a queen. You give all of yourself to those close to

you, and it’s so admirable, but girl , you need to let yourself have a break sometimes. Treat yourself. Thank you for always being there for me. You will never fully know how much you really mean to me.

But perhaps saying goodbye to my staff with be the hardest task this farewell has forced on me. Knowing that tomorrow is the last day I will stand in front of you all as your EIC. Knowing that tomorrow is the last day I will be able to start class with a “hi guys!” and then listing off a plethora of “quick reminders.” Knowing tomorrow is the last day I will sit in that chair with my laptop and asking everyone to please sit down and be quiet. I’ve loved seeing you all grow, and accomplishing amazing stories, shooting amazing photos, creating amazing segments, all while being part of that warm, Lamplighter family. You all will forever stay in my heart, and I am so proud of each and every one of you. It’s been an absolute honor to be your EIC, and hopefully, your friend.

There are a lot of feelings that arise when I hear the word Lamplighter. Joy. Stress. Satisfaction. But most of all, Pride. To be able to pour your heart into a single entity for four years is a true gift, and I couldn’t be prouder of the positive and impactful things we have accomplished.

I’m a fairly sentimental person– the kind of person that will get nostalgic about something before it’s even over. The truth is, Lamplighter was my home. It made me feel welcome; it was my family. No, it IS my family. It was the place I would run toward to destress, by stressing about Lamplighter problems instead. I loved that feeling of stress, of laughter, of “organized chaos,” as our dear business leader puts it so endearingly. It was fun to soak in, and fun to complain about.

I’ll carry on Lamplighter and my memories and friendships with you all for the rest of my life. It won’t feel right to not walk into Room 203 every day ready to put out some fires, but I know my experiences with Lamplighter these four years

Sharon, Abby and the rest of the 2017-2018 editorial board, I leave Lamplighter in your hands. To my staff– I know you’ll do great things, and I’ll always be here for every single one of you.  It’s been good, y’all. And remember, it could be worse.