As the Editor-in-Chief of Hoofprints, I have had issues. Deadline issues, censorship issues, even a few more issues than last year. Our staff has produced a Homecoming issue, a Freshman issue, and it’s all come to this: the Senior issue. Our last issue. It’s time for me to step back and say my final adieus.
This has been a wildly successful year. We have added issues and produced 11 papers this year (don’t worry, one more is to come!). Our staff has grown in their writing skills and as every issue makes its way into the hands of students each month, I am proud to see it being read. Many people who have never gotten to read a single issue, now have been able to see the hard work we put into each issue and are excited about our progress.
I wish to first thank everyone at ZHS. You are who we write for. Thanks for stopping me in the hall to pick up the issue and for sharing it with others after reading it. Your enthusiasm for Hoofprints has often kept me going and constantly thinking about what you wish to see in the next issue.
Also, a big thank you goes out to our advisor, Mr. Murray. You have put up with it all: controversial articles, lethargic staff members, and an editor who oftentimes felt like she was losing her mind! You have been our support, knew what questions to ask, and always have been a listening ear on our worst days. You have enriched our lives and we are so thankful for you this year.
Before I announce the next Editor-in-Chief for the 2011-2012 school year, I want to leave you with a few thoughts. As my high school years end, I’ve certainly learned a lot. Really, as I look back, I wouldn’t change a single thing. Even though some parts were rough and hard on me, it has made me the strong person I am today. Ultimately, it helped me to realize that as long as I stay true to myself, I will always have people surrounding me and supporting me. That’s what has gotten me to this place in my life. I no longer in fear of what someone else may say or think, and if they don’t like me or who I am, I’ll be just fine at the end of the day.
You will all come to learn what success is. It’s no longer about having the Ferrari or marrying someone with a lot of money. For me, success is just having happiness in my life. I don’t need a fancy car or the latest clothes. Those are all nice things and blessings if they ever come your way, but as long as I can look back on my day, happy about the outcome that’s all I need.
In these past few years, I’ve also learned to not give advice. I know it sounds like an enormous oxymoron, but no amount of advice I can pass along to you is going to be beneficial. For one, I’m not you and no one else is you. (Thank god, right?) Because you are one of kind, no one else lives your life (another good thing). Every situation is different and honestly, there is no one solution to every problem. Secondly, you won’t listen. I don’t care who you are, but when push comes to shove, you will follow your heart. And you may make mistakes. Mistakes are what make us learn and move forward from it. The only advice I would definitely suggest you take is the advice of a map.... I wouldn’t want you to get lost.
For those of you who don’t know me personally, I’m quite honestly a nerd. I would often stress myself out over things like tests and papers. I was afraid to fail. But one day, I took an online course by the name of Latin II. It was a horridly rough class and I made a C: failing for me. I was devastated. But because of my “fail,” I’ve learned that Dr. Hill is a much better Latin teacher than any online class and to take things one step at a time and relax. So I would like to console you all with the thought that it’s okay to fail, as long as you fail forward. Learn from it, become better than your failure.
Ever since moving to Louisiana about a year and a half ago, I’ve learned to love Louisiana, the food, and the culture. Mardi Gras has officially become my favorite holiday and I always look forward to King Cake season. In the words of Ellen DeGeneres, life is certainly just like a Mardi Gras parade. Instead of throwing out kisses to 60 year old men in costumes and showing off your dance skills, if you just show people your brain and heart, you will certainly end up with more “beads” than you know what to do with!
Thank you again to those who have believed in me and supported me through my high school career. I have needed those words of wisdom to make it to where I am: going onto bigger and better things! As I leave, I hereby pass my Torch of Leadership to Kirsten Mixon. Not only is her name ridiculously easy to remember, but she has greatly contributed to the success of the newspaper these past few years. I know that she will continue to keep Hoofprints the paper you have come to know and love. The next issue will be completely under her leadership and I know it will grow even greater than it has next year!
