Opening “new pathways for others”: Alexandra Carr, Managing Editor

As graduation day slowly approaches, I start to think back on my time at RV.  It seems like not that long ago I was a shy freshman that did not believe I could make even the slightest difference at RV. Through my four years at RV, my personality has flourished and I have had the opportunity to join the most amazing clubs.  I knew from the moment I stepped through the sliding glass doors that I wanted to make a difference, no matter how small, at RV. I know now that I would like to be remembered as a person who opened up new pathways for other students to find themselves in high school. 

One of the best choices I ever made at RV was joining the Holly Spirit.  Never in a million years would I have thought that I would be managing and writing for a newspaper.  However the Holly Spirit isn’t just any newspaper, it is a group of the most extraordinary people who I now can call my family. The Holly Spirit has made my last year, while it was extremely unconventional, one of the best years I have had at RV.  Everyone is welcoming and no one shies away from expressing their opinions.  The senior editing team especially has been my guiding light through my senior year and I thank the world for them being there. They have kept me on top of my game while also pleasantly entertained (thank you, Hamilton). While it was a challenge getting stories done because of the pandemic, it was all worth it.

A major takeaway from being on the Holly Spirit is that no matter what challenges you face you always have people to help you and advisers to guide you in your writing and in your life. My advice to new writers would be don’t stray away from opportunities just because they look challenging. Go for it and never give up because one day you’ll look back on those experiences and it may change your life forever.