To say that Clarion has been a home to me would be an understatement. I joined junior year, and it felt like a homecoming. Within Clarion, friends became family, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. My advice: when you can, befriend the school staff. You’ll likely end up doing this anyways in your high school career, but specifically the librarians! Should anything happen, it’s always safe to have a librarian in your pocket!

This has been my first and last year in Clarion, and I honestly wished I joined years sooner. I originally joined my senior year to replace a different elective I was going to take, but switching to Clarion was one of my best ideas this year. I have never been in a class so open, honest, and genuinely collaborative where you are encouraged to speak your mind. Clarion has become a place for me to be entirely myself and to make friendships I never would have otherwise. Not only have I enjoyed writing articles regarding topics I am interested in, but every food Friday and every Slate News Quiz has been so much fun and have helped me bond with the class.

Mr. Helgeson makes the class feel like a big family, and his trust in every student has made me more confident in my writing and speaking. 

Not only is the class collaborative and thought provoking, but it is also the most fun class I’ve ever taken with the best people.

Like Aryan—every conversation we’ve had while doing layout sitting next to each other has been so fun, and he always cracks me up. I know he will do great next year. 

Alyssa never fails to make me laugh in this class, and I am going to miss seeing her every day.

And Olivia, thank you for encouraging me to join this class. You created such a welcoming environment for everyone, and I’m so proud that you are continuing your journalistic dream in college. 

Last but not least, Mr. Helgeson’s kind and goofy personality is infectious, and he does great with making every student feel included and engaged in the class. Although we’ve only had one year together, he has quickly become one of my favorite teachers, and I will miss our whole class.

I joined Clarion my junior year. I had been taking pictures for the school sports teams before that, but I wanted more people to see my work. Clarion was able to do that. I was able to take pictures, share my ideas, and work with other staff to make an article go along with a photo. Now, in my senior year, I am a media editor, and I am proud of myself for getting here. I have made many friends and close relationships in this class, especially since it is a different environment than a regular classroom. We get to share ideas, thoughts, stories, and more. I am grateful to be a part of the hard copies and articles we have done during the time I was here. If you ever have the chance to join, don’t even hesitate, you won’t ever regret it! I also wanted to say a special thank you to Ms. Alyssa Petrucci—you have been a constant support in my life, and I will miss you greatly!

I joined Clarion my junior year, and I am so glad I did! Although I have only been in Clarion for two years, I have known Mr. Helgeson since my freshman year. He has seen me grow both as a student and as a person, and he has made my time here at RB so much more enjoyable. I am entirely grateful I had a mentor in the school to look up to and take advice from. 

We have made such a tight community in Clarion where we are free to share ideas and let loose. There is never a dull moment with my fellow classmates, and I appreciate the hard work and dedication we have all put into our work. I especially appreciate Olivia for being one of the hardest working people I’ve seen and for putting her blood, sweat, and tears into making sure each hardcopy and online article is a success. We really could not do it without her.  I began my Clarion journey with the intent to be a writer one day. With time, I realized that although I loved writing, it was not the path I was meant to follow. I am now going to school for elementary education. I will take the things I learned in this class and apply them to my time at Marquette University, whether that is in an English class or if I happen to be involved in the school’s newspaper.

Clarion has always had a place on my schedule since my freshman year here at RB. Joining the second semester of my freshman year thanks to my fake cousin Olivia, I never knew I’d be thrown into something that could ignite a passion within me.

Here at Clarion, time was always something we desired more of. I, myself, am a victim of time: extending deadlines, last-minute edits, all of the above. If I’m being honest, time will continue to be something that I desire from Clarion.

However, I know what I’ll miss the most from the Clarion is the rush. The rush of time. The spur of the moment. I think magic exists in moments such as that. But my favorite part of the rush is doing it with others. Year after year, seeing the transition of Clarion class after Clarion class, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the rush with one class after another.

I think what I’ll miss the most about Clarion is the people. My fake cousin Olivia, who dedicated so much time, effort, love, and passion for what she does here at the Clarion. I have no doubt she will do incredible things (most likely at the New York Times). And Mr. Helgeson, who has been nothing short of a teacher to me. He is one of the many teachers who have pushed me to have confidence in myself in the things that I have and will continue to use beyond​ RB.

But I know the skills I’ve gained these last four years will be put to use in The Stanford Daily.

I can’t wait to see what Clarion proffers next year and beyond. I know Clarion is and will continue to be in good hands time after time.

Signing off,

Emma López