My school newspaper, the Union Street Journal, has been my greatest passion and my greatest challenge in high school. Being the paper’s editor has taught me as much about leadership and life as it has about editing and writing. The late nights in the newsroom with Dave Mathews blaring from the same obsessed editor’s computer have provided me with some of my greatest frustrations, and my best memories. And that is precisely why I am sad to say good-bye.

At the Union Street Journal, we have a tradition of passing the editorial torch about this time of the year. This is done for two reasons. First, past experiences have proven to us that second semester seniors are about as useful as Dr. House’s bum leg (sorry for the House reference — I’m kind of a fan). And second, the first semester transition is made in enough time for the old editorial board to supervise the new board for two production cycles.

This past Monday, editor applications were distributed to interested students at our weekly meeting. Those applications are due this upcoming Monday at the next meeting. Final decisions will be made by the current editorial board and sponsors right after that meeting.

It’s hard to believe that not that long ago it was me walking up to room IC 742 early on a Tuesday morning to see whether I was chosen to lead the paper. I was so anxious that I got to school an hour before it opened, hoping they had posted the results on the door the night before. They had.

Being the editor of the newspaper was a roller-coaster ride of sorts. In between the ups and downs, the twists and turns, I did pick up a few things while on the ride. Learning how to manage different types of people in the newsroom was difficult, but doing so taught me invaluable lessons about working with people. Being the last line of defense forced me to develop solutions to advertising, content, and design problems when they came up. The solution-oriented mindset I developed as a result has helped me in many situations outside of the newspaper. And learning how to lead was a challenge. But in doing so, I discovered the power of mutual respect and creativity, the need to lead by example, and the need for firm yet flexible leadership.

Selecting new editors is a bittersweet process for me. On the one hand, it will be quite a welcome relief to move the burdens of the paper off my shoulders. But on the other hand, once you reach the end, you start to think about how you got there, and getting to where I am now with the paper has been quite a fun journey and one I will miss.

This process will surely repeat itself throughout senior year as the organizations, teams, and projects that have meant so much to me will be transferred to a new group of students. But the first in any series is always the most profound, and that is why this passing of the editorial torch forced me to take a second, to process and reflect. My thoughts have led me to this conclusion — time passes faster than we would like, faster than we may be comfortable with, but there is no changing that. So let the passing of time be a reminder to make the most of it, a reminder to reach out for the torches being passed down to you.

I never thought time could be capable of flying by so quickly. It is now my fourth week of school and I feel so overcome by progression that I need to stop for a breather every once in a while. So much has happened in such a small amount of time. This past week, I was appointed editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, The Howler, and sport/academics editor of the yearbook, El Coyote! I was elated and taken over with joy and pride. It’s such an honor for me to be part of the La Joya High School legacy.

The newspaper is really a way for me to reach out to fellow students. There are so many things going on simultaneously that sometimes it becomes difficult for students—me included—to process all the information. College deadlines, graduation plans, the effects of senioritis, homecoming. All these things affect so many different people and I really want to share with my peers an all-in-one information kit. It’s rather exciting to be on the other side of the fence. Now I set deadlines, and revise and submit work!

On top of my many editorial responsibilities, lies a stack of college homework. I am currently taking Art Appreciation 1301 and Psychology 2301, after school on Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Each class is three hours, and necessary for my college experience. Being that my days begin at 6:45am sharp (dance practice), I usually come home pooped out on the days I have my night classes. It’s hectic, and yet so rewarding, bittersweet. I have really learned to appreciate my weekends, even though the most of it is spent doing homework.

As a senior I have really faced so many opportunities that my district offers. Just yesterday 2010 graduating students made their way to the college day that our counselors set up for us. It was amazing! There were over 30 college representatives! I’m looking forward to hearing more from the University of Texas-Pan American, and the University of Texas. I spoke to their representatives and they’re sure that they have an excellent communications program for me, since I’m majoring in Journalism.

They were also pushing for me to do well in my ACT, which of course shall go unsaid. They told me that the higher my ACT scores, the higher my dedication for writing shines through; duly noted. I can’t wait to take my test! I want to show everybody that I want an excellent future for myself, even if it means working a little harder.

Being a senior is not what most people believe it to be—there is no room to be calm, cool, and collected. It’s quite the contrary. I find myself pushed, shoved and molded into what’s becoming the busiest year I’ve ever had. It’s such a rush; there are so many things that must be done. There are futures to be set in motion every single day. I’m so excited—and thankful—and I feel extremely blessed that I am surrounded by such hope. Hope for myself, and hope for every single person that walks down the LJHS hallways. We’re ready, we’re off and we proceed to ignite the flames of achievement and pride that has become our calling as we live our senior year. Aiming for greatness, full speed ahead.

Jamás pensé que el tiempo pudiera pasar tan rápidamente. Ya voy por la sexta semana del año escolar. ¡Tantas cosas han pasado en tan poquito tiempo! Hace tres semanas fui seleccionada para ser jefe de redacción del periódico de mi escuela, The Howler, y editora de la sección de deportes y asuntos académicos del anuario El Coyote. ¡Estaba exaltada! Es un honor para mí ser parte del legado, y de la historia de mi escuela.

Ser editora del periódico es algo que yo deseaba ser desde el verano. Hay tantas cosas que están pasando al mismo tiempo, que es difícil para gente como yo—que tiene mucho que hacer—mantener información de todo. Los planes de graduación, la fecha de vencimiento para solicitar admisión a la universidad o colegio, y los efectos del llamado senioritis, los eventos escolares, y la importancia de reciclar, son tantos asuntos de interés para diferentes personas, que yo quiero ser la persona que les ofrece lo más fácil: un papel con toda la información que necesiten. ¡Me fascina estar en esta posición, donde yo soy la que determina las fechas de entrega (o deadlines), reviso los artículos, y todo lo relacionado con ser editora de un periódico. ¡Me siento tan orgullosa!

Además de mis interminables responsabilidades como editora, tengo un bulto lleno de tareas de mis clases universitarias. Estoy tomando dos clases después que salgo de la escuela. Los martes tomo Psicología 2301, y los miércoles tomo Apreciación del Arte 1301. Cada clase equivale a de tres a seis horas de créditos universitarios. Mi día comienza a las  6:45 de la mañana  (práctica de baile), y casi siempre que tengo clases de noche llego con mucho sueño a casa. Es difícil, aunque también es algo que será recompensado en mi futuro.  No es difícil encontrar lo agridulce de la situación. He llegado a apreciar mis fines de semana—aunque casi todos se encuentran llenas de tarea.

Como estudiante de último año de secundaria, me he encontrado con tantas oportunidades que mi distrito nos ofrece. Precisamente ayer todos los estudiantes que se encuentran en camino de graduar el semestre que entra, asistieron al “Día de Colegio” que las consejeras  establecieron. ¡Era más que estupendo! Mis compañeros y yo estábamos encantados cuando vimos a más de 30 representantes de diferentes colegios y universidades. Yo espero recibir buenas noticias de la Universidad de Texas-Pan American y de la Universidad de Texas. Cuando platiqué con las personas de estos colegios y universidades noté que sus programas de comunicación—que es lo que voy a estudiar—son excelentes. 

Las distintas universidades y colegios me informaron que mis puntuaciones de ACT son muy importantes. Éstas y mis calificaciones académicas serán lo que ellos toman en cuenta para aceptarme. ¡Estoy deseosa de tomar mi examen ya! Les quiero demostrar a todos que es serio lo que quiero hacer con mi vida. La dedicación que demuestras en ese examen es la dedicación que te perseguirá el resto de tu vida. Aunque tenga que trabajar un poco más, yo sé que voy a pasar con excelentes calificaciones.

Ser estudiante de último año no es lo que muchos piensan—no hay tiempo para estar calmada, tener  paciencia, o estar relajada. Todo lo contrario. Me encuentro empujada y moldeada; ha sido el año más  frenético que jamás ha tenido.  Es todo un apuro; hay muchas cosas que necesito hacer, pero hay muy poco tiempo, y el futuro necesita comenzar cada día. Me siento tan alborotada, y tan agradecida de que haya mucha gente con tanta esperanza en mi y en mi futuro , y tanta esperanza en cada persona con la que camino por los pasillos de LJHS. Estamos listos,  arrancamos, y ahora encendemos la llama de éxitos y de orgullo que es nuestro llamado, ahora que vivimos este último año, apuntando hacia la grandeza, a todo vuelo.

I have decided to take advantage of early application options for a few of the schools on my college list. Although this decision has accelerated my application deadlines, ultimately I think the reward of hearing back early is worth the extra time I have to spend on applications now. Plus, I’ve got to finish these applications eventually, right? So I figure I might as well get them out of the way now instead of later.

In deciding where to begin this application process, I first looked at where the process ends. For me, November 1^st was the answer. It is the date by which my completed applications must be turned in for early consideration. With the final date on my application timeline set, I then determined what exactly needed to be submitted by the date now emblazoned in red on my calendar.

The answer, I found, was a lot — a lot needed to be turned in by the first of November. I needed teacher and counselor recommendations accompanied by their own set of forms. I needed to order and send a score report from ACT to my selected colleges. I needed to fill out the application itself, including the various supplemental questions and essays the colleges want. I needed to file a transcript request form with my school’s post-grad office and make sure they send that form — along with my recommendations and school report — to my selected colleges. And I needed to do all of this while keeping up with my schoolwork, continuing to participate in my clubs, and still finding time to enjoy my last year with my high school friends.

Needless to say, my original assessment of the situation was a bit overwhelming. But after a night’s rest to clear my head, a few reassuring conversations with those close to me like my parents, and a couple of pick-up games of basketball just to relax, I realized that I, just like every other student going through this, was going to get through it just fine. If last year’s seniors could do it, and the seniors before them, then so could I.

Once I adopted this attitude, I got down to work. I began to break down this task of applying to college into its smaller, more manageable parts. By doing this, I could tackle these parts one at a time, and separately they felt far more manageable. The timeline I began — with today on the left and November 1^st on the right — began to fill up. By knocking off these small projects one at a time, day-by-day, more and more of my “to do’s” are behind me and completed.

As of today, I have finished my common application and the supplements for the schools to which I am applying. I’ve met with a few of my teachers to polish my essays. And I have talked with the post-grad office to find out exactly what they need from me in order to send my transcripts, school report, and recommendations to my selected schools. However, I still need to send my score reports and check on my teacher and counselor recommendations, but at least what I have left is more management than actual work.

This upcoming week is “Spirit Week” for my high school and our Homecoming Dance is this Saturday night, so I’m planning on putting my timeline on hold as much as I can to enjoy my last “Creek Cup,” our High School’s version of a field day. The kids get all decked out in their class colors (seniors are blue) and participate in typical field day events like tug-of-war and the three-legged race. I’m also looking forward to my final “Movie on The Baseball Field,” event and my last Homecoming Dance.

Having started to put together the many pieces of this application puzzle, I feel confident that the application process is manageable, at least more manageable than it originally seemed. This is not to say I won’t be busy, and I know I’ve got my work cut out for me. But at least it is nice to feel enough on top of things to be able to enjoy my last “Spirit Week.”

Wow! The smell of new books and paper, the shuffle of thousands of feet in the halls, and the smiles and sighs as we all find our way back into a routine. I have just completed my first weeks back at La Joya High. Things went quite smoothly. The transition from long, lazy days into the hustle and bustle of immediate homework, dance practice, and catching up on my social life, was not as horrible as I thought it might be. All my classes have been major successes. I quickly began to anticipate the bell for my journalism course, and I have already dived into the library to catch up on some reading.

My English teacher assigned us homework the first day of school.  We were to look up the admission requirements for the college that we planned to attend.  She wanted everybody to jot down their school plans, and their major and minor. She also informed us about ACT’s deadlines and how crucial it is that we prepare for what was sure to come in no time. As I sat there in class, the weight of her words began to dawn on me. I don’t have as much time to prepare as I used to. It was the perfect wakeup call, and I knew this class wouldn’t allow me to put the snooze button on my responsibilities. I couldn’t wait to get started with everything: the reading, the essays, the analyzing. It was like a time bomb was ticking at my ear, letting me know that it’s time to be ready for what is coming.

I couldn’t wait any longer. I had some old math, reading, science, and writing work books from my previous grades. Every night I work on a different subject. Refreshing my noggin with a little of everything I’ve learned; guiding me through every inch of knowledge that I had stored.

Apart from that, I am working on the ACT prep materials that ACT.org offers. It’s excellent. I also recently registered to take my ACT test on the 24th of October. I’m nervous! However, I spend every moment that I’m not doing homework, jamming and cramming for anything the test might throw my way.

Between starting school on the right foot and beginning my breathtaking journey into a new year, I have also been preparing for extracurricular activities. Early in the morning you’ll find me on our school football field with 30 of my schoolmates, as we prepare for football on Friday. This past viernes (Friday) marked our first half-time show and I’m ecstatic to announce that it was amazing! What seemed like a lifetime of waiting immediately paid off when I set foot onto that field. Hundreds of eyes on us, nerves eating at our insides, and huge smiles on our faces. Friendships locked even tighter as the victory of our team took us home with bundles of pride. That’s a memory that will forever be instilled in my heart.

Senior year has come at me in full swing. There will be many more memorable moments that I shall share and eternally cherish as I dip myself into the groove of my everyday high school journey. Paths will be molded and I will begin to choose the one I want to walk down.

I feel it again, it’s excitement’s thirst. A thirst for what I am about to embark on. I step forward, and it’s begun.

El olor a libros y papel nuevos, el sonido de miles de estudiantes caminando y corriendo por los pasillos, suspiros y sonrisas, todo indica que ya estamos de nuevo en la rutina. Mis primeras semanas en La Joya High School han estado bastante tranquilas. La transición de los días largos y de ocio en verano, a este ajetreo de tareas escolares, la práctica de baile, y el volver a ver amistades que hace tiempo no veía, no fue tan horrible como pensé. ¡Todas mis clases me encantan! De inmediato comencé a esperar con ansias la campana que me indica que mi clase de periodismo está por comenzar; y hasta ya visité la biblioteca para comenzar a leer de nuevo.

Aunque fue la primera semana, mi maestra de inglés nos asignó tarea. Necesitábamos informarnos sobre los requisitos de admisión para la universidad o el colegio de comunidad al que pensamos asistir. Ella quería que todos notaran sus planes para el futuro. Nos informó que estábamos en la recta final para inscribirnos para el ACT, y qué tan importante es tomar ese examen, el cual está a la vuelta de la esquina. Era algo necesario e inevitable. Sentada en la clase sentí el peso de sus palabras. Me dí cuenta que ya no tengo tanto tiempo como antes para prepararme. Era exactamente lo que necesitaba: los comentarios de la maestra me hicieron consiente de mis responsabilidades. Lo menos que quería era estar sentada escuchando, y a la vez tener una bomba de tiempo que comenzó a timbrar en mi cabeza.

No pude esperar. Al llegar a mi casa, encontré unos libros de trabajo, entre ellos, matemáticas, literatura, ciencia, y prácticas de escritura. Cada una de mis noches se encuentra llena de estudio. Poco a poco refresco mi mente de todo lo que he aprendido desde mi primer año en la escuela secundaria. Aparte de eso, también trabajo en el examen de práctica que ofrece ACT en su sitio de Internet. Es excelente. Ya me inscribí para tomar el examen el 24 de octubre . Será mi última oportunidad para lograr un puntaje alto porque en diciembre necesito entregar mi solicitud de admisión al colegio de comunidad al que quiero asistir. Cada segundo libre que tengo lo dedicaré a practicar y a practicar para el examen.

Entre comenzar la escuela bien, y el comienzo de este viaje tan magnífico, también me he estado preparando en muchas actividades extracurriculares. Cada mañana, al salir el sol, me encuentro en el campo de fútbol, practicando con el grupo de porristas de las Jewelettes para los juegos de fútbol americano. El viernes pasado marcó el comienzo de la temporada y fue nuestra primera representación. Me da mucho orgullo decir que fue mejor de lo que pensé que iba ser. Lo que me había parecido una eterna espera, fue recompensado cuando dí mis primeros pasos en el campo de juego. La victoria de nuestro equipo nos llenó de orgullo aún más, mientras las risas y la diversión de esa noche eterna nos siguieron hasta en los sueños. Es un recuerdo que será irremplazable para mí.

Mi último año de secundaria ha comenzado. Habrá muchos más recuerdos que seguramente compartiré con ustedes, y que por siempre llevaré en mi corazón ahora que estoy de lleno en las aventuras de cada día. Habrá caminos que moldear y yo comienzo a escoger el que me pertenece.

Siento de nuevo esa sed de ansiedad. Ansiedad por lo que me espera.

Un paso hacia adelante, y he comenzado.

The first couple weeks back in school were bittersweet. On the one hand, ruling the school and being the top class was great — we have the best hang-out spots, parking spaces, teachers and classes. But on the other hand, the absence of a class ahead of us, a buffer between us and a life away from home, made things a bit lonely.

I guess I never really pictured myself living away from home without basketball study breaks with my brother, tuna melt sandwiches on Sundays from my Dad, and special notes from my Mom left on my desk after tough days. That was, until now, when I am the one wearing the blue “Seniors” shirt. And these thoughts were lonely ones at first.

But then I looked back to my time living in San Francisco and my time away from home in Germany on a study abroad trip. If those experiences taught me nothing else, they taught me that the close relationships I share with my family and my friends are not lost when distance comes between them. If anything, that distance strengthens those relationships when they are forced to adapt to new working conditions. For example, morning notes from Dad scribbled on loose paper will turn into text messages and e-mails. Long walks and talks with Mom will turn into those same walks, but using cell phones to bridge the miles. My brother peeking his face into my door late at night when we’re both studying will turn into late night video chats. Weekends with friends will turn into winter breaks. These changes will certainly be different, but different isn’t bad, it’s just different.

Just to make sure that my fears and conclusions about being away from home were true, I called a couple of my good friends who had already graduated to get their perspective. I always find it helpful to talk to those who have gone through whatever I’m anxious about for reassurance and peace of mind. My friends’ responses were surprisingly unanimous — they told me that during their first few weeks and months in college, the changes definitely took some getting used to, but once they got into a groove, they had too much fun in college to even think about being lonely. They also said that whenever they saw or spoke to their families or friends, it was like they hadn’t skipped a beat. My friends said that their relationships with their families and their friends were even better in some regards.

I felt much better about my minor concerns after talking to my older friends and looking back on my own experiences.

It seemed a bit odd to be having these concerns at the very beginning of senior year, but you never know what emotions a single event — like putting on a “Seniors” shirt for the first time — can evoke.

The sands of time may slip through the hourglass faster than many of us seniors like. But a poem a long-time friend of mine wrote helped me to think of this as a reminder to take advantage of all that this senior year has to offer, not as a paralyzing symbol of change.

And in the blink of an eye my summer is practically gone. Lazy days and long nights, lost under the start of school deals and panic! Okay, allow this ranting stranger to formally introduce herself. I’m Lisa Cantu, coming to you straight from La Joya, Texas, otherwise known as “The Valley.” A senior from La Joya High School, your average 17-year-old, minus the attitude, plus the poignant view of everyday situations.

My life revolves mainly around my family and school. Education has been, and forever will be, a priority in my household. Since I have a very large amount of aunts, uncles, and cousins who are sure to be in on any part of my well being, I have never really lacked support in anything that would better my future. Living where I do, my Latino roots have never been stronger than these last moments I have as a niña (girl) in high school.

My summer has been dominated my cousins’ quinceañera (15th birthday celebration). A Latino tradition involving an immense bash that serves to symbolize a girl becoming a woman. My entire family has been busy finding long-lost relatives, buying dresses, ordering cakes, and attempting to keep their heads together through it all. It will be the closest we get to seeing my family in its entirety, so needless to say, we are all so excited.

I also recently started my dance camp. I am a part of “La Joya High School Jewelettes,” a dance team that entertains our football players and our football fans during Friday’s half-time shows. It was one of the first things I ever remember being intent on when I was younger. My aunt was a Jewelette when she was in high school and my first time entertaining publicly was performing on the field with her when I was 7. That must be the thing that has me jumping the most about this year; and the 2 weeks of camp were far from promising.

As an ambitious teenage girl would claim, I am totally ready for my senior year! However, as the day approaches that I must walk those halls to begin my last, first day, I can’t help but feel my emotions push themselves in a thousand different directions. It’s difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that I only have one more year in high school! As anxious as I am to move ahead with my life, there is a twinge of yearning for my younger years. A yearning that I’m hoping won’t hinder any of my coming aventuras (adventures.)

I haven’t taken my ACT test yet, so I will begin the school year by jamming and refreshing my noggin as much as I can with reading, science and especially math. Math has always been somewhat of a sore subject for me. Even though I am following the school’s distinguished achievement plan, and it only requires 3 years of mathematics, I will take an extra course, so I can be prepared for the ACT test. I started taking college courses in sophomore year, so I’m working on enrolling in pre-calc DE; which means that I shall begin searching for a tutor the first week of school! Nerve wrecking and intense as it might be, I know that I must prepare myself. I spent quite some time reviewing the practice test offered on the ACT website. My strategy: familiarize myself with the test as much as possible.

I’m growing up, and I’m going to take you on the ride of my last moments as a high school kid. Juntos (together) we’ll face the rollercoaster I call “senior year”.

Y en un suspiro mi verano se desvanece. Días lentos y noches largas perdidas bajo el pánico del comienzo de la escuela. Por lo pronto, permítanme presentarme: soy Lisa Cantú. Vivo en La Joya, Texas, ciudad que se encuentra en el mágico valle del Río Grande. Este año será mi último en la preparatoria.

Mi vida gira en torno a mi familia y mi educación. ¡Ah sí, la educación es algo que en mi casa siempre ha sido—y siempre será—la prioridad! Debido a que tengo una gran cantidad de tíos, tías, y primos, que siempre están pendientes de mí, nunca me falta apoyo.

Mi verano estuvo, en gran parte, dominado por la celebración del quinceañero de mi prima. Ésta es una tradición latina que consiste de una inmensa fiesta que simboliza el gran paso de niña a mujer. Mi familia entera ha estado ocupada en busca de parientes perdidos, buscando vestidos, y ordenando una infinita cantidad de comida, y al mismo tiempo, tratando de no enloquecer. Esta ocasión será lo más cerca que estaré de ver a mi a familia en su totalidad, algo que nos llena de júbilo a todos.

Aparte de eso, recién comencé mi campamento de verano de baile. Soy parte de La Joya Jewelettes, un equipo de danza que entretiene a los jugadores de fútbol americano y a sus fanáticos, cada viernes en el receso entre los partidos. Bailar fue unos de mis primeros amores desde que tengo memoria. Mi tía fue Jewelette cuando ella estaba en la preparatoria, y con ella fue la primera vez que participé de un espectáculo en público. Este año será mi primera vez con este equipo y es lo que me hace más feliz.

Como toda una joven adolescente ambiciosa, estoy completamente lista para mi último año en preparatoria. Sin embargo, mientras se avecinan los días que caminaré por los pasillos para comenzar mi último primer día, no puedo contener mi emoción. Nervios, ansiedad, y orgullo, es poco para explicar cómo me siento. Es difícil hacerme la idea que será mi último año en esta escuela. Aunque estoy emocionada por avanzar en mi vida como adulto, hay algo en mí que añora mi niñez; algo que espero no sea una barrera en mis próximas aventuras.

No he tomado mi prueba del ACT, y comenzaré mi año escolar preparándome lo más posible en matemática, ciencia, y literatura. La matemática es algo que nunca ha sido mi fuerte, y aunque estoy siguiendo el programa de estudiante distinguido, que requiere tres años de matemáticas, tomaré un curso adicional para prepararme para el examen. Empecé tomando cursos de colegio en mi décimo grado, e intentaré tomar pre-cálculo este año. Eso quiere decir que comenzaré a buscar un tutor la primera semana de clases. Aunque sé que es algo que requerirá toda mi atención, sé que necesito prepararme, con el examen de práctica que hay en el sitio en la Web de ACT. Mi estrategia es familiarizarme con el examen lo más que pueda.

Cada día crezco más, en mi mente y en mi corazón. Compartiré con ustedes mis pensamientos, y mis emociones. Los llevaré conmigo en este viaje, que para mí estará lleno de emoción y aventura. Juntos, ustedes y yo, viviremos mi último año de preparatoria.

¡Nos vemos!

First things first — let me introduce myself. My name is Andy Samuels and I am a senior at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Greenwood Village is a suburb 15 minutes south of Denver proper. Most teens’ parents who live in Greenwood Village are professionals who work downtown or at the Denver Tech Center, also located in Greenwood Village. It’s been a wonderful place to grow up, and I have certainly made memories here to last a lifetime.

Cherry Creek, or just “Creek” as we call it, is a phenomenal high school with close to 4,000 students. Its size means students have the freedom to explore most anything they want to and the resources to stretch their interests as far as they feel comfortable taking them. There truly is something at Creek for everyone. Trouble is, that “something” has turned into just about everything for me at Creek. I’m involved in a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love all the organizations I’m in, and the best part about that is that whenever I love what I’m doing, it never really seems like work.

Throughout my high school journey, I have been involved with the tennis team, the swim team, the German Honor Society (GHS), the National Honor Society (NHS), the Creek Coalition (an organization which raises money through service clubs here at school to promote education abroad), Peer Ambassadors (a peer counseling program), and the school newspaper. I have had various degrees of involvement with all of these organizations, but senior year may turn out to be the busiest ever. I learn a lot from clubs and teams at my school. That’s certainly the case when it comes to life lessons at least, and that’s why I’ve gotten so heavily involved with activities outside of school.

I thrive when I’m busy and that is both a blessing and a curse. While it certainly is exciting to be back in the swing of things here in school, the summer was quite a welcome change of pace and scenery for me. I slowed things down to a summer’s pace, but I did not waste the gift of time.

For example, after I finished my tests last year, I devoted my time to studying for the ACT. I had taken it once before, but I needed to take the test again, this time with writing. I also wanted to try to bump my score up a couple points, so I bought the Real ACT Prep Guide and abided by the old adage that practice makes perfect. I tried to take practice tests under somewhat realistic conditions (especially the timing) to get some good practice. I then went over the answers and really made sure I understood why I missed the ones I did by talking about them with teachers or friends who understood them well. I took the test the first week of June. I made sure to get in a regular sleeping pattern, starting a couple days before the test. For me at least, my performance on tests is significantly different when I have had a consistent few nights of good sleep compared to when I have not.

The night before the ACT, I printed MapQuest directions to the high school testing site, and they seemed pretty easy, but … a few wrong turns and a couple of very nice locals later, I finally arrived at the testing site, ready to go. (Hopefully my mistake can serve as a lesson to you — added stress the day of the test is never a plus!) I brought a couple bottles of water and a few of my favorite food bars with me for the breaks. Getting up between tests, walking around, drinking some water and eating a bar helped me to stay energized and focused throughout the test. I thought the test went well, but boy was I relieved when it was over. I walked out of that high school, and the realization that it was summer finally hit me. I celebrated with friends by playing a couple pick-up games of basketball and then going to the pool.

The Monday after the ACT, I started my first day of work. I worked in downtown Denver for a company called Examiner.com. They offer a completely online approach to the local newspaper. It was very interesting to see this company’s approach to the world of “new” media. I worked there for a month as an intern. I did a lot of writing; in fact, I wrote more than 50 articles for their site. In addition to writing, I also shadowed various people in this company to get a better sense of what they do, which was really fun and exciting for me. To interact with adults and learn about their careers was great because they were often passionate about what they did and excited to share. From learning about HTML coding to learning about social media marketing, I walked away from the Examiner with a lot more knowledge than when I began. I am extremely grateful for such an experience.

After working at Examiner.com, I moved out to San Francisco for a month to live with my uncle and work for the San Francisco Examiner. I wanted to work for a print newspaper after working for a completely online newspaper to contrast the experience of working for “new” media and working for “old” media. It certainly was an interesting contrast. My time working for the SF Examiner was also a wonderful experience. They published my work; they even published one of my articles on the front page. It was really exciting to work as a reporter, investigating stories and going around the city to interview people. There is also something to be said for being able to walk down a street, pick up a newspaper and see your name printed in black ink.

Living in another city without my parents or brother, for however brief a time, was also a really rewarding experience. It was a great way for me to prepare for the non-scholastic aspects of college — things like learning to use public transit in a new city, learning to wash my own clothes, and being responsible for my own meals. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for my parents to give up a month of their second-to-last summer with me, but it was a really rewarding experience. Living away from home this summer helped me to feel more comfortable about the level of independence I will experience in college.

My internship ended with some time left for me to relax before school started, and here I find myself now – talking about the summer in the past tense for the first time.