I really don’t have anything creative to start this, so I’ll just jump straight into it.
Throughout high school, I never imagined accomplishing anything “big.” I try to stay somewhat humble about things I’ve achieved as a person. Coming from a very shy past, I didn’t think I would become as “popular” and known throughout the school as I am today. I didn’t think I’d somewhat be the face of AVID for the class of 2024, doing things like heading to Ball Arena for the Nuggets’ AVID Night and also being selected to be able to give a whole speech at the Summer Institute in front of countless teachers and administrators while being recorded on YouTube. I don’t like bragging, but in this case, it wouldn’t hurt to brag a little bit.
Luckily, I also proved this year that senioritis is a fluke as I finished both semesters with straight A’s. These last four years have truly shown me how resilient I can be and how quickly time goes by. I also was able to overcome being a shy freshman over hybrid learning, getting rid of the old yet historic West building, overcoming a knee injury that sidelined me in my first varsity soccer season, to now getting ready to focus on this next milestone we call University. I am grateful to be able to show up around the school at so many events, being able to support and show my passion to be a Spartan. Over the last few years, I’ve accomplished and done things that my younger self would’ve never imagined.
In middle school, I’d always fight with my mom about the idea of college. It never seemed appealing to continue studying for an additional four years, until I met two individuals who pushed me to strive for better. Ms. Hagemeister, my AVID teacher took her AVID class under her wing as soon as the first day of freshman year and took the role of an additional mom to everyone as she fought hard to make everyone in the classroom feel like a family. Through the years, Ms. Hagemeister has seen my potential as a student and has always encouraged me to follow my passion for sports outside of being an athlete. Doing so, she encouraged me to join the West Word. I truly appreciate her support for taking this risk and I will continue to work hard to make her proud.
I met Mr. Falter in my freshman year taking his AP Human Geography class and I loved his jokes and enthusiasm. He would mention his newspaper class yet I never imagined myself taking the class. With Ms. Hagemeister’s prodding, in my junior year I enrolled in the class. Falter taught me the basics of journalism and I ran away with the knowledge. I got so comfortable with writing news reports so quickly that after the first month, Falter gave me full trust and would rarely check my papers for errors or any grammatical mistakes. I knew I shouldn’t stop there and so I broadened my horizons. When Falter needed an anchor for our first video report, I was one out of two students to eagerly put their hands up to do the job. When it was time to finally put out the first report, it sucked. But it was okay because I got comfortable with being in front of the camera. Throughout my junior and senior years, I racked up more than 5,000 views across my portfolio and have appeared in many of the videos that West Word has produced. Although Falter might seem like a grumpy old man to many students, I thought about him as the supportive and fun uncle who would always support you and lighten you up with his jokes whenever you needed a laugh. Falter will be the reason I pursue this career plan.
It wasn’t just my teachers who made my time in high school memorable but also a lot of my friends who made a difference in my school career, and they will get their moments of recognition right here.
Miguel, you’ve been my best friend for the last seven years and I hope it continues to stay like that because we’ve been through so much together. I know this is pretty corny, but I want to tell you that I’m proud of you brother. Growing up together has been a blessing.
Xavier, you’ve also become like a brother to me over the past years. Getting me into the newspaper and showing me the basics, your enthusiasm and dedication helped me realize it’s people like you I should be hanging around with if I want to be successful. I’m hoping to read or see your publications as we continue to pursue this dream.
Jolynn, you’ve been like a little sister to me and you managed to humble me when I “needed it.” Apart from you pinching me in class or just bothering me like a biological sister would, I hope you continue to do good things around the school and you reach your goals. You’ll probably never read this, but you’ve been wonderful.
Aramis, we’ve gotten to know each other little by little. I am very grateful for the time we had in both AVID and Newspaper, although you would beat me in FIFA mobile. I’ll finally admit you’re better than me. I hope that you and Xavier have a blast and do great things at Boulder.
Last but definitely not least, my mother, father, and two brothers deserve thanks. As they’ve watched me grow up, they’ve seen me go through many different challenges and they’ve shaped me to be the person I am today. My parents’ struggles to get me what I have and where I am will always be my fuel to continue striving to make them proud and repay what they’ve done for me y siempre se los voy a agradecer a mis jefes. My two brothers Emmanuel and Jose have been my built-in friends and will continue to do so as we all watch each other grow and achieve our dreams. Our trips and moments together will be the fondest memories I have and I appreciate you guys supporting me with homework, my injury, and the pursuit of my news reporting dream. I love you guys and although you don’t want me to, I will continue to try to repay for the support you have given me.
To anyone I’ve missed, I wish I could continue going but this article is already very long. If you weren’t mentioned that doesn’t mean you won’t be missed, but everyone who played a role these last four years is acknowledged as the community I was blessed to be a part of.
As I sign off on this last article for the Greeley West newspaper, I again would like to announce that I will be pursuing this career path at Metropolitan State University in Denver while seeking a broadcast journalism major. I thank the readers for the support and hopefully, you’ll see me on your TVs soon as your next news reporter or sports reporter.
