MAJOR REFLECTION —

As I  reflect on my time with The Paly Voice, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of growth. This past year on Voice has been one of the most transformative chapters of my high school experience — not just as a journalist, but as a leader, a communicator, and a collaborator. It has been full of challenges that demanded more from me than ever before, but also moments that reminded me why I fell in love with journalism in the first place.

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In the Student Leadership Guide and our subsequent editor discussion, the definition of servant leadership changed my mindset on what a leader is: humility, kindness, and support. I’ve tried to embody that throughout my time on Voice, especially this year. Whether it was staying late to help a new staff writer rewrite a lede or sitting down and working through stories with the rest of the staff, I saw my role not just as a leader who directs, but as someone who supports. I learned that good leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most revered in the room — it’s about making space for others to be heard.

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One of the greatest obstacles I faced was improving communication within our team, particularly with newer staff. I found myself needing to balance clarity with compassion, instruction with invitation. I learned to lead my story edits as open conversations instead of critiques. Watching each and every writer blossom into confident reporters has been one of the most rewarding parts of my senior year.

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Our classroom is a place I’ll carry with me long after graduation. It’s where I learned the power of words, the pressure of a looming deadline, the comfort of being surrounded by people who care as deeply as I do. Working side by side with such driven, thoughtful peers has fueled my passion for storytelling and challenged me to be better. I’ve improved my writing, of course — but more importantly, I’ve learned how to manage fast-paced deadlines, balance constructive criticism with encouragement, and handle the ever-shifting dynamics of a team. I’ve learned how to lead with intention — and how to follow, too.

I am forever thankful for the time I’ve spent here, the people I’ve worked with, and the stories we’ve told together.