Ever since I was little, I knew I loved writing. So, I decided to continue this passion through journalism. My freshman year, I wrote in all the styles of journalism Mr. Higgins taught us, and just when I thought nothing would stick, I found editorial writing. 

I wrote my very first opinion piece on my hatred for e-hall passes, and it earned me my first GTP (good to post). I was ecstatic. Suddenly, things moved quickly in that class. While everyone was working on different kinds of stories, I was encouraged to focus solely on opinion writing. With only a week’s warning, Mr. Higgins sent me off to journalism UIL to compete in Editorial Writing. I met so many upperclassmen there who, at the time, I was absolutely petrified of. Then, I saw them all again when I was pulled out of class and announced as the first-place winner in that same competition. 

I signed up for year two, which I spent mostly alone, writing. But by year three, things started changing again. I was pulled out of class alongside my current co-editor-in-chief, Sankeertana, to discuss becoming managing editors. Once again, everything started moving fast. I quickly learned the ins and outs of SNO and how to ensure deadlines were met. 

This year, my fourth year, my responsibilities grew significantly. Sankeertana and I were named editors-in-chief, and we not only had to manage our own sections, but also oversee the others. Over time, though, things became easier, and I found myself managing multiple stories a week, helping run a podcast, and balancing everything across social media and my own section. 

I still remember writing all of these things down when applying for college and thinking: “Wow. I did all of that for four years?” In writing, it sounds like a lot, but it leads me to the biggest thing Wingspan has taught me: things get hectic, sure, but somehow, everything always finds its place. 

That one story you’ve had to move at least three times already turns out way better than expected, the deadline you thought would never happen somehow gets met, and the hectic class periods eventually become some of the memories you look back on the most. All of this, little by little, helps you realize you’re capable of far more than you originally thought. 

Wingspan taught me how to trust myself under pressure, how to lead, and how to balance what I once thought would be impossible. 

To Sankeertana, thank you for being the best co-editor-in-chief I could’ve ever asked for. Your sense of responsibility, dedication, and ability to keep everything running smoothly amazed me every single day, and they will serve you so well at UT and as (manifesting this) the future U.S. president (you have my vote). Thank you for always being someone I could rely on. I truly could not have done this without you. 

To Ana, my podcaster in crime. I loved filming every episode of Lost In Translation with you. You truly have helped me grow so in touch with my culture, and I’ll forever appreciate all of the insightful conversations we’ve had in that little closet. 

To Christina and Amrita, thank you for being such amazing managing editors. Without you guys, I don’t know where Wingspan would be. I hope to see you around campus, Christina, and I wish you all the best next year, Amrita. You’ll do amazing, I have no doubt about that. 

And finally, to Mr. Higgins, thank you so much for noticing my opinion articles that first year and for blindly trusting me enough to compete. I have had such a blast in your class the past four years (the days I was actually there). Thank you for creating such an amazing program that allowed me to grow as both a writer and a person. 

Thank you for everything, 

Lea.