Laying “groundwork for the person I want to be”: Dana Taylor, Arts and Culture writer

Wow. I can’t believe it’s already over.

Freshman year seemed like a month ago, but looking back, I’ve changed a helluva lot. I’ve gotten so much more outgoing and confident from my freshman shell. I’d like to think that I’ve been pretty steady, but I’d probably be annoyed by my younger self. Not to mention the array of haircuts that I went through throughout these four years… that was the biggest change. During my time at RV, I think I can safely say that I laid some pretty solid groundwork for the person I want to and will be.

I hope my teachers and peers remember me by my excitement to learn and desire to make change. I’d like to thank Mme. Heiba and Mr. Freitag especially. Learning French really pushed me out of my comfort zone with speaking in front of the class and trying new things. Madame always made class a safe and inviting place that I could not wait to go. I’m dreading, dreeeeeaaaaading the last day of class because I know I’m going to cry like the biggest baby. If I’m blubbering writing this letter, who knows what the last day will be like…

And Mr. Freitag, your class was a right of passage. APUSH made me realize what it was like to love to learn again. I am a much better writer and a more well-rounded person because of it. Thank you for all of the amazing cold brew and the most memorable fifth block ever.

Sara, my waifu, thank you so much for getting me to join the newspaper. Even though I joined rather late, I had a great time writing articles, reviewing things and making playlists. I’m gonna miss the ever-so-chaotic all-staff meetings and the rather ongoing topic of cannibalism.

You! New writers and those who want to join! Don’t hesitate to join like I did! It’s really not that scary and you’ll have a lot of fun!

Peace out. *Wipes eyes and throws up peace sign*