Highschool is truly a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. You never know what’s gonna happen. You might come in with a plan or expectations of what those four years will turn out to be, but you will never be fully correct; there is always one turn you didn’t expect to take.
My high school career has consisted of some of the best and worst moments in my life, however I don’t regret a single one because they shaped me into the person I am today.
In a small town like Truckee it is really easy to live a somewhat sheltered life. This is why the journalism program is so important for the students of Truckee high. Through journalism you are forced to read about the problems in the world.
We all know the world isn’t perfect, but that doesn’t mean students take the time in the day to read why. When reading about the news it inspires students to want to take action whether that be through protest, articles, or just picking up trash.
Journalism has shown me all the different ways I can help the world and it has opened my eyes to an abundance of different possibilities. Journalism isn’t the only thing that has shaped me into who I am. Some of that credit goes to the people I have met and the arts.
The people you hangout with and the activities you take part in will change you. I was fortunate enough to have met and become friends with some of the nicest people in the world. One person who has changed me the most is Dani Mason.
When I first met Mason I was a super shy kid. I had just moved to Truckee and I was signed up to do the theater camp “Charlotte’s Web”. I was super nervous. I didn’t want to be there, but Mason made me feel welcomed almost immediately. She has made me more outgoing and kind hearted. Without her I probably wouldn’t have stuck with the arts.
There are pieces of my friends spread across my personality because they have all touched my life in a positive way. There have also been people who have shown me what I truly want to be like and what I don’t.
High school isn’t just about learning core subjects such as math and english but, it’s also about learning who you are. It’s in that period of your life when you find out who you want to be, and what values you hold. That’s why every interaction you make is so valuable because somewhere in that moment you are learning a lesson and value that you want to keep or get rid of.
The arts program in Truckee is one worth saving. It’s the place that has truly brought me the most community. In such a sports heavy town the arts can sometimes be overlooked. If you take the time to look at the talent in truckee you will find people who can tell a story through paintings, photography, poetry, theater, etc.
Joining the theater program has led me to the most purehearted people. It allows you to express yourself while also bringing joy to others. The theater program not only built my love of acting, but it also inspired me to be creative in other ways such as painting, drawing and photography.
The drama program has taught me how to be a leader and role model. You learn from all the people around you, so when it’s your time you can teach the ones after you how to keep the magic of live theater alive. When also teaching them how to make the process and backstage feel like a second home.
Just because I did the theater program doesn’t mean I gave up my love for sports because I was still able to do ski team and when living in a place like truckee you don’t have to be on a team to fulfill that part of yourself.
My friends aren’t the only people who have made my experience at Truckee High such a good one, but teachers like Mrs. Mooney, Mr. Close, and Miss Breton share a huge part in that.
Mrs. Mooney is not only an English teacher, but she is also the drama program director. When she first started doing the program my sophomore year I admit I was very scared. She has quickly become one of those people I know I can go to. She has helped make my drama program experience one of the best.
Mr. Close wasn’t just my Journalism teacher, but he was also one of my ski coaches. He might not know a ton about ski racing but he is always there to hype you up at the top of the course. He has shown me that it is important to just live in the moment and not stress about what could happen.
Miss Breton will always be your number one cheerleader. Whether she be at the top of the race course or the bottom you always know she is looking out for you. She makes every race feel different and special no matter the outcome.
High school might be a scary ride, but by the end a part of you will want to do it all over again.
