I have no clue what got me addicted, like a new Lifetime horror movie, or a flavor of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. It was an urge I could not stop feeding, like a clock that keeps ticking. Although the urge was not just a drug, it was an urge to type. It may seem childlike, but typing was a reason I joined journalism. It gave me something to type about, a bigger purpose to the characters on a screen. ​

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​ When I joined the Fenton InPrint as a sophomore, I did not believe this sort of addiction could be real. The kind that keeps you up at night, or eager to jump out of your seat in the class before. I had only written essays at the time and at this point in my life writing an essay is less likely than me writing a story. I began scared, confused and pessimistic but eventually led to my realization that journalism could me more to me than just a class. I soon found myself staying up late finishing conclusions and searching media sites for inspiration. Newspaper gave me the opportunity to have the conversations that enlighten readers, giving students, staff and community members a chance to share their story with those who were willing to read.

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Being on staff was sort of a family affair, with my youngest aunt, Reagan Wilson, being on photography staff and her sister, my other aunt Riley Wilson, being Editor in Chief of the InPrint. With a family member as the print editor in chief, I easily could see the path I wanted to take during my time on staff. Seeing the way Riley organized assignments, edited stories and instructed class appealed to me. Being able to give staff members constructive criticism with kindness was an attribute I wanted to have and could achieve as an editor. Without Riley, my passion for the website would have never developed so strongly, and for that I am thankful.

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Although I had a new outlook on my future, an 80 percent or lower grade was common on my first few stories. I struggled through interviews and deadlines to reach my goal of becoming an editor, and then Online Editor in Chief. Taking leadership with People of Fenton my junior year helped me reach out to those who never had shared their stories and achieve my goal to be an editor. Starting my second year on staff, I was the multimedia editor and I was promoted with the stories that were featured every other day on the website under People of Fenton (featured in the “Web” tab). Once my goal was reached, I needed to prove that I could fulfill the opening left for me, which was proven at MIPA summer camp when Gracie Warda and I won a Sparty Award for our website redesign. With the reassurance of the Sparty Award and the help of my fellow editors, we have successfully produced daily content.  Without the struggle to achieve MIPA Spartan Awards and the Sparty Award, a future career in journalism would not have been a thought, but is now a personal expectation in the future that lies ahead of me. I am ready for what comes next, no matter which path I choose to take. My experience as an editor has taught me to be humble, compassionate and insightful in my day-to-day life.