In the last few days of high school I found myself paralyzed with fear at the thought of how, in just two months, everything about my life is going to change. 

It’s like a movie montage in my head: I’m going to walk out of C102 for the last time as a high school student, and then I’m going to walk across a stage to get my diploma, and then in two months I’m going to hop into a car and drive down to Austin. 

I’ll pack up my favorite clothes and shoes and I’ll decorate a cinder block dorm and then all I’ll have left of Wingspan is some pictures in frames on my desk. 

And that terrified me, the idea that one of the best things to happen to me, one of the most fulfilling parts of my life for the last four years, was coming to a screeching halt. No more early morning coffee runs with the editors, no more late night posting to the site, no more shenanigans in advisory. This is it: it’s the end of the line. 

But as I thought about this more and more, I realized something: when you love something as much as I love Wingspan, it can never truly leave you. 

I’m going to be studying journalism at the University of Texas at Austin next year and I know that whenever I sit down to write an article I’m going to hear Mr. Higgins’ voice in my head telling me to watch my transitions.

I know that whenever someone mentions Watergate I’m going to think about watching All The President’s Men on the first day of Journalism I. 

I know that whenever I’m out in the real world, doing the job that I’ve always loved, I’m going to think about how Wingspan helped me to realize my passion. 

Or forget about that- every time I eat Wingstop fries or make instant mac and cheese, I’m going to think about Wingspan! 

So while my time at Wingspan is coming to an end, my memories will always be with me; they will always be a part of me. Knowing this has brought me an immense amount of comfort, and it’s made me realize that this chapter closing just means a new, exciting chapter is starting. 

I’m looking forward to what life has in store for me, and I can’t wait to continue my education in journalism. I want to tell stories of people who have been left in the shadows, the ones who have been left behind. I want to tell the truth and I want to be steadfast in my resolve to make the world a more open and better place. 

I want to do these things, and I know that I can, because of everything I’ve learned here. It’s time for me to start a new journey, and I could not be more thrilled. 

But before the movie montage starts, there are a few people I’d like to thank. I want to thank my co-Editor-in-Chief from last year, Aaron Boehmer, who taught me how to be a good leader and stand up for my voice. I want to thank Shreya Jagan, Caroline Grace Caruso, Harley Classe, Jordan Battey, Erika Pernis, and Athena Tseng, my wonderful fellow editors who work so hard every day. Also a huge thank you to Cooper Ragle, Alyssa Murphy, and Kirthi Gummadi, our WTV executive producers who run our incredible broadcast program. You all are the best friends I could ever have asked for. 

And of course, the biggest thank you goes to Mr. Higgins. None of this would have been possible without you. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t had you as my teacher for the last four years. Thank you for everything you’ve taught me and for putting up with me and my Elizabeth Holmes impersonation- I know it’s not been easy.

Basically- thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s been a privilege to have been a part of this amazing family. 

Love always,

Ms. Marvel