My first article was about the 2023 Homecoming dance. I remember being terrified to talk to people, but excited to publish my first article. As my sophomore year continued, I learned that Lantern was much more than writing articles. 

Mr. Silvidi taught the class about ethics, journalistic law and how to take a proper graphic. All of this was very interesting to me. Journalists must know the laws and uphold the proper ethics to keep the publication running smoothly. I quickly realized that this class was not only more information to memorize, but also much more involved than I planned. 

I remember being terrified that I would mess up and cause the editors and our adviser, Mr. Silvidi, to be sued. I do not know why I was so afraid of this happening, but every time I wrote an article, it was on the front of my mind. I was terrified that I would turn in my article to the editors and have it returned to me filled with yellow markings, telling me how bad the writing was. I have to admit, my first couple of articles were filled with these markings. 

Over the year, the yellow markings became less frequent, and without realizing it, I became less afraid of writing. As my article quality improved, I found myself building relationships with the people around me. The editor that I was once terrified to talk to became a person that I sat next to and still talk to every day. The kid who used to annoy me because of their absurdly long articles became much less annoying and is one of my closest friends. 

My newfound friends and I convinced other people to join the publication, which only strengthened my friendship with those outside of the Lantern. The publication went from twelve people to twenty-seven over the summer. My junior year was vastly different from my sophomore year. There were over double the number of people in the class than I was used to. It was a change, but also an opportunity to produce a large amount of quality work. I began editing articles and was extremely impressed with the work that this class was producing. My friendships grew stronger, and there was much more conversation within the class. 

Senior year in Lantern started with me missing the graduates from the previous year and feeling nervous to teach a whole new, immensely smaller group of writers.  The process of publishing articles with only four veteran reporters was daunting to say the least. Once the new members were ready to write quality articles, the fear faded once again. 

While the number of people involved in the program has varied widely each year, the publication has continued to produce quality articles. I have gained some of the closest relationships that I know will last long after I graduate. I have become close with Mr. Silvidi, often discussing topics outside of the Lantern itinerary. His insight and opinion on the state of the world, the current musical climate, and awful jokes will always mean so much more to me than I could ever express. I want to thank Rin Lam, Lekha Mendpara, John Arfons, Megan Riley, and Natalie Morel for making my last two years in Lantern extra special. 

I will never forget the impact that this publication has had on me. My only regret is that I did not join Lantern in my freshman year.  We are much more than reporters; we are friends, some of whom I consider family. Thank you for everything.