Despite always being fond of writing, I only started Journalism in my junior year. Journalism was a writing style that always seemed foreign to me. I enjoyed writing stories about characters- about magic, about lovers, about a distant society beyond a portal- not about the news or realism. 

However, as soon as I joined the journalism club in my Junior year, then enrolling in the class the following year, my perspective shifted. 

The informative writing style of journalism taught me many things. First, it taught me to become aware of my surroundings. Every place- even the blandest- has something to talk about. Whether it’s something as simple as a duck family, or the types of flowers blooming in a forest, there is a story worth writing about- and reading. Second, I learned that every individual has their own unique story to tell. Each instance where I interviewed someone about the same event, they each had something different to say. Writing to capture stories instead of writing to tell stories is completely unique. Being able to do both is a skill I wouldn’t trade for the world.

With my four years of high school coming to an end, I want to thank the special people in my life who have supported me every step of the way. Thank you to my strong Italian family, who have always showed me the value of hard work, and always been my biggest fans- whether it be for a piece of writing sent to a competition, or one of my music performances.They have supported me through my highs and lows, and without fail have tirelessly given me that extra push to accomplish my dreams. I love you endlessly. To my friends, thank you for the memories and late night study sessions. Thank you to the teachers who have watched me grow both as a student and as a person, but especially the English teachers who helped me find my writer’s voice: Mrs. Nieves, Mrs. Lopera, Mr. Garey, Mr. Hampson, and of course, Mr. Rafferty. I always look forward to walking into that 8th period class brainstorming what our next story will be. This senior farewell will not be complete without thanking my music teachers, Mrs. Cassidy and Mr. Aviles who have nurtured my love of performing over the past several years. I believe that writing and performing arts are gracefully intertwined, and having incredible teachers that encouraged me to do both of these passions of mine are a blessing. Sharing the stage and the newspaper with such amazing, talented individuals is something I will never forget and will cherish for the rest of my life. 

Anyways, thank you Wantagh for the memories! Remember to keep reading, writing, and most importantly, never let fear stand in the way of accomplishing your goals.

This is Sabrina Albano, signing off!