I’ve always been someone who has struggled with change. I don’t like the unknown and find comfort in routine. When it comes to my high school experience over the past four years, Wingspan has played a major role every step of the way. It has been a constant in the midst of chaos. I will certainly miss walking into C102 and saying good morning to Mr. Higgins every other day. I don’t quite know what I’ll do with myself when I don’t have another update to edit or story to create. 

Wingspan is ever evolving just like any other news organization, yet there’s a sense of routine beneath the crazy that has taught me oh so many lessons. Between producing countless updates and stories, I have grown so much as a person.

The team that is at the heart of Wingspan has shown me what it means to be a true leader and team player. I have had the privilege of learning from so many incredible Wingspan alumni as well as growing alongside my senior peers. I have learned how to be an effective communicator outside of journalistic storytelling. Coordinating a daily update episode is not easy and it has forced me to communicate efficiently and effectively. I have also had the opportunity to mentor younger Wingspan students and I hope I have shown them my passion for what makes this organization special. 

I have made so many amazing memories that have truly been some of the highlights from my time at Liberty. I have gotten to sit on the floor at the San Antonio Alamodome as girls basketball won back-to-back state titles. I got to interview a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader – an experience straight from the dreams of younger Lauren. I got to be a part of the team to cover the media opening of Peppa Pig Theme Park. I helped create the coverage of our first football win since my freshman year and I got to shoot cross country meets while my brother ran. All of these moments hold a special place in my heart. All of the hard work and hustle has been so, so worth it. 

Goodbyes are hard to put into words. It’s difficult to summarize all of the emotions I’ve felt as I’ve navigated my last two weeks as a Redhawk. I’m excited for the next steps, but sentimental about what I must leave behind. I’m so grateful that sixth grade me decided she wanted to try broadcast. I never could have imagined where it would take me. 

While Wingspan will be in my past, the memories created and lessons learned I will always carry with me. These past four years have made me a better person and I would choose it all over again if given the chance. Yes, it’s been a lot of hard work but what worthwhile things don’t require dedication? 

I guess I’ll leave you with one saying that has helped me process some of the hardest final goodbyes. I’m lucky to have something that makes saying goodbye this difficult. Thank you Wingspan, thank you Mr. Higgins, and thank you Liberty for giving me a place to learn and grow. 

Reporting for WTV, this has been Lauren Pratt.