Kasey Harvey

This is a weird feeling. Every year I’ve watched the seniors give their final goodbye. Trying to hold back tears, I read their farewells and prayed that the time would go by slower. I didn’t want to leave, I was unfinished. 

But now, it is my turn. This will be my last column, last post, last article. It’s a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, I am beyond ready to start the next chapter of my life. However, it’s hard to fathom that Wingspan won’t be a part of that next chapter. 

Because of this program, I have grown into the person I am today. While that sounds like a cliche, I walked out of C102 a very different person than who walked into that very room during 2B of my freshman year. 

I signed up for Journalism in eighth grade because I liked to write. I wanted to enhance my skills and then move on. But from that very first day, I knew that I had found my home. Whether it was the laughing, constant sarcasm, or freedom, I’m not sure. But I was hooked. 

It’s taught me how to talk to people. From the shy girl that couldn’t approach the coaching staff for interviews, to one that isn’t afraid to talk to anybody, I would say I’ve grown. 

But more importantly, I leave this program with relationships that will last a lifetime. I spent every spare minute in the Wingspan room. I loved it. There was always a friend to talk to, a new prank to pull, or a story to tell. 

The memories I’ve made will forever put a smile on my face. Whether it was visiting Alcatraz in San Francisco to Mr. Higgins chucking Oreos across the room while I attempted to catch them, I am forever grateful for the last four years.

And I want to thank my adviser, Mr. Higgins. He forced me out of my comfort zone so now I have confidence in myself and my abilities. He pushed me to ask for media passes to professional games and concerts and I will forever have those memories. He taught me to ask questions and to dig deeper, therefore I can start conversations from nothing. He taught us in ways that made us want to do better and to be self-sufficient.

But moreover, he wanted to know each of his students personally and to form real relationships. He became my safe place in high school and was always ready to listen to stories about my latest adventure or rants. By creating a very open and fun-filled environment, Mr. Higgins was one of the best parts of my high school career. Therefore I thank him for not only being a dedicated teacher but also a friend. 

So I say one of the most painful goodbyes.

Goodbye Wingspan. Goodbye C102. And goodbye Mr. Higgins. I will forever cherish the memories and the opportunity to be a part of this family.