How is today my very last day at Cardinal Gibbons? I don’t know, but it is.

I remember when the Gibbons Globe was our tiny, eight-person class: Noe and Reagan, our talented editors; Mia, Michela, Kylie, Madison, and of course, Blair. Since my sophomore year, it has grown. Now we fill up the entire iCube room. And as The Gibbons Globe grew, so did I. 

I’m a little older, my hair is longer, and I now wear it curly (thank God). I’m more resilient, compassionate, and confident, and of course, now a senior attending her last day of high school. 

I am so incredibly blessed to have taken this class and to have had the opportunity to serve as Managing Editor. Mr. Blake — you have been an inspiration, a leader, a friend, and such an important part of my journey at Gibbons. During these three years in this class, I have learned so much. And I can’t forget sophomore year English and Public Speaking — five-time record holder, eh?

Madison, you have been my buddy and a close friend. From overly chatty sophomores to well-functioning co-editors, we made it. I’m so proud of us and so grateful we got to do it together.

To my sophomores and juniors: you guys never stop amazing me. Your passion for writing and your unique strengths are the glue and soul of the paper. I know we are leaving it in very good hands.

Now, as I leave Gibbons, I think back to my freshman year. I was scared and timid; just walking down the hallway or being called on in class made my palms sweat. I am forever grateful for the lessons, experiences, and memories this school has given me.

I will always hold onto the mornings spent getting ready with my sister in our shared bathroom, blasting 2000s throwbacks. The nightly family dinners full of warmth and chatter. My mom picking me up before I could drive. Walking into my house to be greeted by my dog and two cats. There is so much I will miss.

And I am so lucky to have so much to miss.

But I also have so much to be excited for — a whole new world is ahead of me.

Next year, I will be attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington and majoring in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Health. With that said, a piece of my heart will always belong to this school, and above all, The Gibbons Globe. I will always hold close the memories, the lessons, and the people I met through this class.