Sanjay Fernando

Senior Ashley Huynh reflects on her past four years and shares her gratitude. She will attend Cornell University in the fall as Jack Kent Cooke College Scholar.

When I took my first journalism class with Mrs. Confino, she inspired me to go to jail.

Why?  We were talking about sources in journalism, which naturally then led to a conversation about what happens if a source wants to stay anonymous.  Mrs. Confino explained that first, it was pretty rare for an article to necessitate an anonymous source, and second, that in the occasion where authority figures are demanding to know who the anonymous source was, I—the writer—may get in trouble if I continue to protect the anonymity of the source.  Mrs. Confino, in her desire to share with us a complete picture, mentioned that it was possible (although very rare and unlikely) that I may then be taken to court or even arrested for continuing to protect the source’s anonymity.

However—and this was a big however—I would have upheld an impressive journalistic pillar, gained the respect of all other journalists, and written the coolest college essay.  And while I recognized that this was extremely far-fetched and probably extremely stressful should it ever happen, it was still just a little appealing to my 15-year-old self.

As I write this reflection as a three-day-old high school graduate, I can confirm that nothing of the sort happened.  While I did have a few anonymous sources here and there, they were nothing that ever got me in trouble or supposedly inspired the college essay of my dreams.  But that doesn’t mean that my newspaper experience was anything short of worthwhile.

I absolutely am so grateful for my newspaper experience; it taught me how to write, develop questions, interview others, edit, and most importantly, it empowered me to share my voice in a world that doesn’t listen to students enough.  I learned to think critically, empathize yet still advocate, and write stories that needed to be told.  But, I’ve also loved my newspaper community, especially my team during senior year.  Thanks for the wild conversations during fifth period, communal trust when things went down, pictures at our table where I may or may not have been stuffing my face with lunch, IB-induced tears that were shed, wheezes for when the laughter was too much, great collaboration that made me love running The Current, and memories that I’ll reflect on through the years (and some that I’ll take to the grave).

Now, I’ve already made Mrs. Confino teary with my goodbye-gratitude card last week, so I’ll try to keep this short (but why not pass up a chance to make her emotional again?).  Mrs. Confino, you are the glue that has enabled our newspaper team to flourish in our publications and as a community.  You are why class after class of newspaper staff are able to share their opinions online and create unforgettable memories in high school.  You’ve truly shaped me into a young woman who’s found what her voice sounds like (or reads like) and equipped her with the skills to amplify it to care for a world that sometimes didn’t care about her.  As I’ve said many times before, you are the best newspaper sponsor ever.

I am an amalgamation of everyone around me and everything that has ever impacted me—for better or worse, but mostly better.  I wish I had the time or that people would have the patience/attention span to read about all the people who shaped me into who I am today, but that would make this article resemble the length of my TOK Extended Essay (thanks Mr. Funk, Mr. Gordon, and Mrs. Shpilly for your guidance on that).

I genuinely am so grateful for every teacher I’ve had since kindergarten; I can promise that I’ve taken away at least one message from your class.  Ms. Hoke, thanks for talking about Lunar New Year in front of the class; I’ll never forget feeling so happy that our culture was being shared in such a cool way.  This was one of the early steps that helped me become confident in my identity.  Mrs. Atamas, it was so refreshing to have a teacher straight-up tell me that studying requires struggle (not suffering though!); it validated the moments, wait no, hours, that I spent practicing math to finally commit it to knowledge.  Ms. Saxon, you are literally the best sponsor; I love how you always smile, seem genuinely happy to see me, and have mastered the balance of letting me and AJ lead but also supporting us when needed.

And because I didn’t get to say this in my graduation speech – thank you to my parents for raising me, never complaining about my demanding schedule, and supporting me.  We’re not really an emotional family, but I know in my heart and soul that I would not be here without you all.

The Watkins Mill community is unbelievable—after all, it’s produced amazing humans like my friends, Grace, AJ, Sanjay, and Bidushi. I honestly cannot think of a better place to have grown up because it has sculpted me into a scholar rooted in action, equity, and compassion.  I feel so privileged to have attended such a hidden gem of a school.  Thanks for all the incredible experiences that will turn into tender memories.

As I wrap up my last article for The Current ever (sorry Mrs. Confino, Julien and I unfortunately did not end up failing English to become super seniors who’d continue being Editors-in-Chiefs), I feel quite emotional. Happy.  Sad.  Grateful.  Regretful.  Anxious.  Excited.  Not one thing, but everything, blurry, all at once.  But that’s life.  It’s a blur of a billion things vying for your attention, care, and emotions.  The thing is though, I feel way more ready to navigate that blur than I did four years ago.  I’m sure I will never actually master how to manage life.  But, amidst the blur, I’m looking forward to finding clarity in who I become in the next four years.