I’ve always considered myself an introvert. I’m someone who loves the silence of a library, the solitude of escaping into a book and the familiarity of having the same group of friends for years. But this program and these people are the exact opposite of those things, and I have loved the chaos more than any other part of my high school experience.
As a shy sophomore, I enrolled in Nonfiction because I love to read and write. I soon discovered, however, that there was something very special about the Bark. Over the past three years (!), not only did I learn how to speak and write professionally, conduct interviews with people as high-caliber as the governor of California and stand up for journalistic integrity, but I also learned how to become a confident and passionate leader. I remember how my hands shook on my first day as EIC, but now the highlight of my school days consistently remains Bark. I’m amazed that the same bookish sophomore can now lead a class of 30 students with ease.
One thing that has given Bark such a special place in my heart is its ability to provide newfound passions. The sheer drive and purpose that can be felt the moment you step into room 177 is almost tangible as over 100 students discover individual niches and interests. This program has given me confidence, but it’s also given me and so many others unbelievable opportunities for which I’ll always be thankful. Above all, Bark is shared purpose and giving yourself to something that gives so much back.
That being said, this year hasn’t all been perfect. There have been moments of high stress, uncertainty and even sadness, and I truly could not have gotten through it all without my two co-EICs. Cora and Morgan, our endless meetings and nightly FaceTime calls that often end in gossip and always laughter have become a routine that I will miss. I love that we can find humor in everything, and your leadership skills and friendship I always look to for inspiration and encouragement. I’ve come to adore our little unit, and I’m beyond grateful that we went through this year together.
This brings me to perhaps my proudest accomplishment. The friends and connections I’ve made during my time in the Bark are like no other. This is a group of students who nourish creativity, kindness and the will to work hard and achieve great heights. Their ability to cultivate a community like this while also being incredibly inclusive and fun is truly amazing and so, so unique. I’ve made some of my best friends in this program, many of whom I never would have crossed paths with if it weren’t for Bark. We’ve shared so many laughs: Giants games, paste-up dance parties, hotel karaoke in Nashville and so many other small moments; I know I’ll cherish them and continue to think of them long after I graduate.
One moment that sticks out to me was during our trip to Philadelphia. My junior year, I got cut from the soccer team. The email came through while we were in the airport waiting for our flight, and I can vividly remember how crushed and, even more so, embarrassed I was. At the time, I thought it couldn’t have been worse timing. But as I cried in the bathroom on the phone with my parents, I was interrupted by a group of Barkies who came and sat with me and held my hand, and later made sure I had a good time. I now look back on that trip as a highlight of my junior year.
I’ve always had older students that I’ve looked up to, but these years have shown me that it’s possible to look up to peers your age and younger. Barkies, I’m so proud of all of you and the extraordinary standard of ethical journalism, hard work and kindness you’ve upheld. This family that I’ve found is, like every Barkie who’s visited after graduating has said, one of a kind, and being your Editor-in-Chief has been nothing short of an honor. I’ll miss you guys and this program every day, and I’m so grateful for all the growth, leaps of faith and steps outside my comfort zone the Bark has pushed me toward.
