My senior year felt hectic from the very beginning, but it ended up being one of the most meaningful years of my high school experience. Photography became a major part of my daily routine and how I see the world. I am always looking for a different viewpoint to capture moments in my own style, focusing on energy and emotion in real time. Over time, I could see my skills improving, which pushed me to take photography more seriously and trust my creative instincts.

Being an editor on The Burke Beat added a new level of responsibility to my year. As sports editor, I helped cover our teams through stories and photography, edited articles, chose layouts, and worked on magazine covers and page designs. The role taught me how to manage my time more effectively and step up as a leader, even when deadlines and pressure made things stressful.

One of the biggest highlights of my senior year was winning the Gunnar Horn Journalism Award. That recognition made the long nights, extra effort, and constant learning feel worthwhile. Senior year helped me realize what I am truly passionate about and gave me confidence in my abilities. Next year, I will continue my journey at UNO, where I plan to study photography. This year was not just about graduating; it was about growth, confidence, networking and preparing for the future.