Senior Letters

from BVSW The Standard - Volume 11 - Senior Issue - May 2021

Photo Essay

the seniors of the newspaper staff share their final thoughts on their high school journalism journey

Keithan Sharp

After many pitches, interviews and rough drafts, my journey in newspaper has come to a close. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent in room 118, and the lessons I gained as editor-in-chief are endless. I set out this year to accomplish something in newspaper. I didn’t want to be just another editor or the one filling up the position for 2021. I set out to create the very best version of The Standard, to balance many different perspectives and to do my part to inform, inspire and, hopefully, entertain the school. I can say with full confidence that I am pleased with the job this year’s staff did. We created five great issues, in addition to a one-of-its kind special edition issue for the 2020 Election and a senior issue for the class of 2021. We did all of this in an extremely precarious educational environment, shifting from virtual to hybrid to in-person, but we never let the challenges get to us, and we finished every task at hand. None of this would have been possible without the guidance of Mrs. Chushuk, who led us through every issue and helped us navigate the year. It took a special kind of staff this year, too — a staff that could work remotely and figure out a way to finish the job even when there was nobody in the room to ask for help. We did it, though, and I am honored to say I was a member of The Standard. I may be done with newspaper, but hopefully the success we had this year will carry on to the next staff, and we can improve every year. As I continue on to future endeavors, I will be focused and motivated for what’s to come, but I won’t forget where I come from, either. Luckily for me, the newspaper will always be a part of who I am.

Rebecca Suku

The fact that senior year has almost come to an end has still not hit me. The past year has been a blur and all of us have faced challenges that we would have never expected. However, I do think I learned to enjoy and be grateful for the simple things and appreciate the people around me more than ever. Over the last few years at Southwest, I’ve met some incredible friends and staff who have been supporting every step of the way. From dancing at the diversity assembly, to spending Timber Time laughing with my friends and singing our hearts out at Homecoming: there have been countless fun moments. I will never forget the AP Lang food parties, chaotic physics group projects and the eventful newspaper field trips. I stumbled upon newspaper because a friend urged me to join a fun class that would give me a break from my packed schedule. Looking back, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Newspaper has helped me find my voice and given me a creative outlet to express my views and delve deeper into my interests. I gained insight into the world of journalism and discovered my passion for writing and designing. Being a small staff, we were still able to produce quality issues this year and I am so proud of all our accomplishments. To everyone on staff, you are so kind and talented and I know you guys will do great next year! Mrs. Chushuk, thank you for being such an amazing adviser and for all the help, encouragement and popcorn. I will miss you (and Paul) so much! As I begin this new chapter of my life, I will bring all of the lessons I’ve learned and memories I’ve made at Southwest along with me. Although I am sad to be leaving high school behind, I am so excited to see what the future holds for all us.

Siri Chevuru

As soon as high school began, it came to an end. I was always excited to graduate and explore different places and meet new people. High school always seemed to be moving so slow and it was almost exhausting to continue at the snail’s pace. However, I can hardly remember the four years that are so prominent in my life. Everything I’ve experienced is lumped into a chapter and with the simple action of flipping a page, I leave everything behind to start a new chapter. It feels as if the chapter is rather a book that’s now being put away on a shelf soon to be forgotten.

To be honest, if you said I’d be in the Newspaper when I was a freshman I’d be surprised. Deciding to take this class was impulsive, but I never looked back. The class has become more than just a class. I made many friends, learned a lot and ultimately came out a better and stronger person. I remember the time when I opened my rough draft it would be filled with yellow and corrections. I was so bad it took a whole year to learn how to write a proper story. Admittedly, this year has been nothing close to what it was before. We didn’t have you our usual donuts after we finished our issues, nor the chance to steal candy from Churbs’ bin. And a lot of new things came about this year. Trust me, I did not anticipate having a table flipped on me … it’s OK, you’re still amazing Churbs!

To everyone in the class, I’m so grateful to have met all of you. You made the experience more memorable. I can’t wait to see what you all will do next. And to Mrs. Chushuk, thank you for always offering advice and motivating us to reach our highest potential.

Leaving Southwest, there’s a lot of things that I’m going to miss, and Newspaper is definitely one.

And so I get ready to put down the pen and flip the page to my next chapter.