“Everything will fall into place”: Janji Tahsin, Editor in Chief

To think that, at one point in time, I did everything I could to avoid going to school may seem shocking because if you talk to me, you very well know that I am begrudgingly counting down the days until graduation. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that everything will fall into place, even when I thought that I wouldn’t make it through high school. While I was constantly anxious, I took a leap of faith and got involved with clubs and activities that I will surely miss. In the wise words of Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” RV will always be that something for me and have a special place in my heart for making me realize that there’s more to life than good grades: a sense of community and belonging.

My dak nam, or the name my friends and family call me by, is “Nanjiba.” Nanjiba is a name of Arabic origin, which means “ability” or “the ability to.” My last name, “Tahsin,” means “improve, enrich or enhance.” Put together, my name is “the ability to improve, enrich or enhance.” 

As my name suggests, I did just that. From a girl who couldn’t bear to look at herself in the mirror because of the unrealistic expectations she held over her head for years, to a young woman who has accomplished so much here at RV, I hope my freshman year self will be proud to see how far we have come.

I was always told that I was kind and intelligent, and I hope I can continue changing lives outside of RV. While I want RV to remember me as a kind and intelligent person, I also want them to remember me as innovative and always willing to share my voice through my passion for writing, which has also inspired others to find their voice as well. However, I wouldn’t have been able to find my voice without the love and support of my friends, family, teachers and you, the reader, along the way. 

I’d like to thank everyone who has shared my articles and provided me with feedback over the last three years. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart, and it was because of that that I became a better writer through the process.

I especially want to thank Mrs. Sherman, who is one of the best people I have ever met. She has been a catalyst for change in my life, and if it weren’t for her constant encouragement, even at my worst, I would not be writing this send-off letter as I speak. It is because of the plethora of opportunities she offered me that I owe her everything. She trusted me with the Holly Spirit, and I like to think that I did well when it came to running it. I had big shoes to fill, but I believe I made the most of what I was handed.

I found my love for journalism through the Holly Spirit, and it’s seriously been one heck of a ride. As corny as it may sound, I can’t imagine my life without writing articles because I made a name for myself because of it. I gained an admiration for academic writing despite having hated writing essays and research papers all my life; but with the freedom I got to educate and express myself, I was a powerhouse.

Unfortunately, as much as I would like to stick around to see the new generation of staff writers and editors, I have to say goodbye. However, if you were once like me and wanted to avoid school as much as possible, don’t. There is bound to be someone or something for you out there, and for me, it was writing. While it’s different for everyone, high school is a place to discover not only who you are, but what you have to offer. We all have the potential to be successful in our own ways, and it’s also okay if you don’t know where your passion lies. There are always new opportunities waiting for you.

It’s the end of an era. Peace out, Class of 2023, as I hope the future is as good for all of you as it is for me. I’ll miss you, RV.