Farewell to Journalism

I wish I could put what goes on in my head onto paper. I’ve spent the last three months starting this and deleting everything I’ve written. Nothing I write could begin to explain the importance of this course. I wish we had recorded it or had the foresight to create some sort of documentary to show all of you. But we didn’t. Instead, I’ll walk you through some of this year and tell you how much it means to me to become editor-in-chief.

I started this year as the literary editor, with my first project titled Theropod Duty. I wasn’t sure how to feel about 187 pages—all about dinosaurs—but I got it done. That was when I met Liam Flanagin, someone who has been a very supportive force throughout this year.

Despite being an editor, I also wrote a lot. I have the most articles on our website, and I intend to keep it that way while balancing my duties next year. Through my writing, I also met Elijah Graves, someone who kept me sane this year. He’s an indispensable asset to journalism, and I can’t imagine getting work done without him.

I don’t remember when I made my way to the editor’s table—maybe I just sat there one day and never went back to my assigned seat. Either way, I soon found myself being trained for the position of editor-in-chief. Around this time, I got close to Teagan Sanders and Berra Gurhan, and I realized Tristan Harr wasn’t as bad as people made him out to be.

Most importantly, I got close to Teagan. I’ve spent every year of my life watching her walk through the gym doors, wanting to talk to her. I always thought she was pretty; she seemed nice. I was right. She has taught me a lot this year—from journalism and photography to lessons about life, school, and college.

Interviewing people with her was always a joy, and the various admin meetings we dealt with as a result of Dear Harmony didn’t seem so intimidating with her there.

That’s why it is an honor to take over The Tiger Press. I can’t promise to run things as smoothly as she did—I still have a lot to learn—but I will definitely try. I look forward to next year with our new staff. You will see familiar faces such as Elijah Graves, as well as some new people I can’t wait to introduce you to.

Finally, a farewell to all the seniors graduating this year. Although I don’t know most of you, I wish you the best in life. I can’t leave you with some sage advice—I’m only fifteen—but I hope to see you around someday doing what you love.

It has been a privilege to work with everyone this year. Thank you all for your unwavering support—without you, this wouldn’t be possible.

We’ll see you next year.

—Karma Martinez & The Tiger Press Editors, 2024-25