By Megha Lakha
After three incredible years spent crafting articles, laughing with friends, and indulging in my cafe snacks in room 219 (RIP California Club), I cannot believe I’m sitting down to write my final article for the OnLion. This class was the best class I took in high school- I mean it, I loved it so much that I kept it up for every semester of high school!
The crazy thing is, after my very first Newspaper class during ninth-grade orientation, I came home from school and told my mom I was going to switch electives. That first class was hectic; I thought it was going to be busy work and no fun, but oh how wrong I was. My mom told me to wait at least a week before deciding for sure that I didn’t like the class, and I’m so grateful she told me to do that because the class quickly became my favorite.
I remember the comment Mr. Newman left on my very first Back on the Bank article, where he called me “a natural,” and I obviously let this get to my head. I realized how much I loved writing through this class and got the chance to explore so many different styles.
I can’t believe that three years ago I was writing an article about my then-senior brother “leaving the nest” and now I’ll be leaving the nest. When they say time really flies when you’re having fun, they really mean it.
This class has given me confidence through countless interviews, ranging from sitting down with the Chairman of the Lovett Board to talking to and interviewing seniors who seemed so scary as a freshman. I gained skills that I will carry with me throughout my life.
The class also gave me a deep passion for journalism, something I intend to keep exploring because I don’t think I’m quite ready to let go of my role as a reporter just yet.
To my underclassmen reporters, thank you for making me laugh and filling me in on all the freshman tea. When I became an upperclassman, I thought I would be the one helping the younger students, but it turns out they guided me just as much as I guided them.
To Mr. Newman, I’ve learned so much over time and wouldn’t change anything. You have mentored me and also given me room to learn skills on my own, and for that I’m eternally grateful. I also really appreciate the fact that you let me catch up on my other homework during class, because in my sophomore year, I was struggling without a free period! You have given me so many laughs, support, and a billion nicknames like “Bacon and Megs,” “Megs Benedict,” or “Meghatronic.”
The newspaper changed every year as I moved up the grades and gained more and more freedom. I didn’t realize how quickly these three years would fly by. It feels like just yesterday that I met Mr. Newman for the first time after imagining what he actually looked like because (as some of you may know) his email profile picture is misleading.
The OnLion also made me closer to people from my grade that I can’t imagine not being friends with now. I’ll miss my classic On Trend Column. I’ll miss wearing my OnLion sweatshirt (I may just have to wear it in college). But most of all, I’ll miss the people who made this class so memorable.
Signing off,
Megha Lakha
