When I entered high school, I wanted to find myself—find an interest that defined who I really was and discover a new passion that could shape my future—a task that seemed impossible. Walking through semi-empty halls with no plan, I had very little help getting started. But slowly, as I began to immerse myself in the opportunities at Redwood, I discovered the passion I was looking for—the interest that would lead me to more extraordinary adventures and shape my life post-high school. Stepping outside of my comfort zone and finding enjoyment in journalism was something I’d never expected. But, as I entered Room 177, all of that changed.
To an outsider, 177 is regularly thought of as the “nice” classroom with the “spinny” chairs and the couches in the corner. However, the work done and the stories told in this classroom have meaning that’s so much more than the furniture layout.
I remember my first day as a student in Bark, noticing the bond that each person shared. That’s when I realized that Bark isn’t just the newspapers scattered on the dark red stands throughout the halls. It’s a community of people who aren’t afraid to be themselves, where acceptance and self-expression thrive.
Often in Marin County, I am told I live in a “bubble,” but that bubble pops when I’m in the Bark room. Inside 177, everyone chooses who they want to be and is given the chance to pursue the best version of themselves.
In my three years as a part of the Redwood journalism program, I have felt fortunate to hear from ESPN reporters, struggling residents of The Mission District and Redwood sports record-setters. I have listened to podcasts about the importance of mental health, read articles about politics and watched feature videos about anything you could imagine. That’s the beauty of Bark. You really see it all. Not to mention, we traveled 1,735 miles to St. Louis and 2,698 miles to Boston with our staff of 65 students, creating some of my best-kept memories. Bark is bigger than Room 177; it changes people’s lives.
As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I want to thank my fellow Barkies. Each of you has found yourself and displayed it to the rest of the community; that’s what journalism is all about. The dedication and passion we have all shown are what makes this program so incredible.
To my fellow editors-in-chief, thank you for the positivity, commitment and Sunday night Facetime calls that have made this year amazing. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such a great group of people who have each made their mark on the Bark for years to come.
As my time with the Redwood Bark comes to a close, I realize that this program has impacted me more than I could have ever imagined. The Bark has shown me the value of friendship, teamwork and most importantly, belonging, something I’ll cherish forever.
It’s been real,
Jordan
