“Make her disappear just like poof, then she’s gone” (G-Eazy. “Lady Killers II”). 

I truly can not believe how quick seven years went by. (Yes, I know that seniors say that every year.) Although I wish I could fit my entire experience into a 400-word essay, that is nearly impossible, so I will merely share a few parting words.

Despite the fact that some days I wish I went to my local high school, I understand that the small community, here at Preuss, cultivates the tight-knit relationships we are able to form not only with classmates, but also with teachers and staff. Yes, Preuss is infamous amongst students for its rigorous curriculum but we know how incredibly lucky we are to have such a robust and versatile education. Moreover, we have genuinely supportive teachers who go above and beyond to make sure we are accounted for and graduate. (Teachers that will hunt a student down to finish their research paper…) I can not express enough gratitude for the faculty and staff at Preuss; they treat us as if we are their own children and share their blood.

Enough of putting Preuss on a pedestal; my experience was nowhere near a perfect experience. Frankly, I only started living what-I-believe-as-the-true-Preuss-experience my last few years here. I wish that I was courageous enough to put myself out there during middle school but, unfortunately, my shyness engulfed my ambitions. Understanding that, as now the Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Preuss Insider, I have realized how Preuss has helped me develop into the person I want to become. I have gained much more than it has cost me; in finance terms, my ROI is definitely higher than expected, and I will never be not thankful for that.

Preuss has so much to offer, one just has to put in the effort to maximize their potential. As they say, “You get out what you put into it,” which is completely true and, unfortunately, most students do not put in much because the people they hang around with do not. It is counterintuitive how typical social norms go against seeming different and unique from the crowd. However, here, in journalism, we are strongly determined to have unique pieces and voice thoughts that are not the same as everyone else’s. Journalism has integrated into my life as something I never knew I should be a part of. If only more people knew of its community-building, writing-enhancing, and advocacy-motivating powers.

All in all, my experience at Preuss was transformative to say the least and I know that for the upcoming graduates, it will continue to do the same and more. 

“So if you don’t know by now, then you should probably get familiar” (G-Eazy. “Lady Killers II”).