Everyone knows me as a photographer. Whether that is for music, athletics or senior photos, I have probably taken your photo. For the longest time, I saw the camera as a wall I could camouflage myself with. However, joining Stargazer has taught me that the camera is not a means to hide, but a way to be found.
My freshman year, I only attended two Stargazer meetings because I was scared. I contributed facelessly to the paper, filling in gaps wherever I was needed. But my sophomore year I finally began to find myself. I showed up to each meeting, ready to advocate for stories I wanted to tell and photos I wanted to take. This brought me to shows, protests and so many places that I would have never thought I belonged at. My junior year, I took on my role as an editor, and I could not have asked for a better experience.
Furthermore, I have made connections that are meant to last a lifetime. My co-editors have been some of my biggest supporters, along with past editors. Specifically, I want to thank KJ. Although she is no longer here at North, KJ truly pushed me. She helped me build confidence, not just behind the camera. She has helped shape me into the person I am today, and for that I am forever grateful. Each and every staff member I have had the privilege of connecting with throughout my time in the club is such a genuine and amazing human being.
Although journalism is not my major, it has been a huge chunk of my life. I will never forget everything it has taught me. Whether that is telling the truth, even when it’s hard, or how for some reason AP style will not let me use an oxford comma, my experiences with Stargazer are engraved in my mind.
I am dreading writing this last paragraph, as this will be the last one I ever write for Stargazer (and definitely not because I still cannot write conclusions after four years). As I move through the rest of my life, I will hold every moment from this club near my heart. I thought I joined Stargazer to help the paper out, but truly, Stargazer was what helped me find who I am. As I find myself on the opposite side of the camera I am used to more and more, I know I could not have done it without Stargazer.
