I was never a fan of high school.

Since day one of freshman year, I never felt like I fit in. I felt I was stuck in the confines of EHS. I had few true friends, and I was not very involved. I never felt like it was my place.

I was never truly happy.

“You are home” is a quote from my favorite movie, “Almost Famous.” Almost Famous is about a young writer named William who travels with the rock band Stillwater. Throughout his travels, William writes a feature story on the band, meeting new people along the way. One person in particular being Penny Lane. Penny Lane is a free spirit and “Band-aid” for Stillwater.

When William expressed his desire to get home to his mother, Penny Lane said to him, “You are home.”

That quote really resonates with me. It reminds me that wherever I am is where I am supposed to be.

I took Journalism Writing & Reporting as a freshman because I was always interested in journalism. I was one of the only freshman stuck in a class full of outgoing upperclassmen.

I decided to join EHS-hub during my sophomore year because although I was quiet, I enjoyed the class and the people in it.

Within EHS-hub, I found a home.

I met some of the most influential people in my life, and I developed a passion for film and journalism.

Sophomore through senior year because of both News Production and Digital Media Production, I experienced some of the greatest moments I have had in high school.

I went to Washington D.C. and Indianapolis, Indiana for national journalism conferences. I became close to people I would not have spoken to months before and met people throughout the journalism community. I also learned about a long-time interest of mine: photography.

Although she has “yelled” at me many times for my comma abuse and dumb transitions, Mrs. Elisha Strecker, my adviser, has helped in making me the confident, outgoing girl I wasn’t freshman year of high school.

Not until my senior year did I realize the true impact being involved with journalism has had on me.

At the start of high school I felt lost and alone. Being in the hub room for four years has truly shaped me as a person.

Don’t get me wrong, I have had some amazing moments throughout high school outside of journalism. I joined the musical my junior year and made great friends. I volunteer at a place that helps people with disabilities horseback ride each Tuesday and have met amazing people. I also have a part-time job that I enjoy.

But because of journalism, I feel as if I finally found my voice, four years later.

Journalism taught me to step outside of my comfort zone. To meet people. To experience things.

I decided to graduate early to experience more than just Eureka, Missouri. I plan to travel abroad In South Africa and help those who need it. I plan to travel, learn and grow. I plan to spend time with the most important people in my life: my family. I am nervous for the future, but I am happy because of the past.

Although I am leaving, every time I think of my favorite quote, I will think of all places that felt like home. Room 704 at EHS is one of them.