After bouncing between topics and arguments, I still couldn’t decide what I wanted my final story to be for my last issue of Common Sense. So, I brought the problem to Ms. Vande Sande. Moments later, I was heading home with three older versions of the hardcopy paper, each one featuring a farewell editorial from an editor before me. “You can keep them,” Ms. V. said with a smile.
Reading them, I noticed a common theme: gratitude for the people who helped shape Common Sense into what it is today. While I share that gratitude, I also want to offer a piece of advice: embrace challenges.
As a sophomore, I had no idea how to write an article, let alone format a newspaper. Now, in my final year, I couldn’t be more thankful I said “yes” to joining the club. I learned that even if something seems intimidating, it’s still worth trying.
Oftentimes, we stick to what we know, afraid to speak up, to meet new people, to fail. But when we avoid discomfort, we avoid growth. A 2018 study in Psychological Science showed that people who pushed their boundaries saw a 22% boost in self-confidence in just six weeks.
If I hadn’t taken risks, I wouldn’t have grown the way I have or had the opportunity to thank the people who made that growth possible, as I’m about to do now.
To my teachers: Thank you for constantly challenging me to rethink problems, approach things creatively and become the student I am today. Your support has made a lasting impact, not just on me, but on the future through every student you inspire. Without the incredible teachers I’ve had at Cedarburg, I doubt I would have discovered so many passions: law (thank you, Mr. Irwin), writing (thank you, Mr. McB.), history (thank you, Mr. Albert and Mr. Ellmaker), and, surprisingly, even a little love for math (thank you, Mrs. Masslich). I’m deeply grateful for all you do and excited to see the amazing students who follow.
To Ms. Vande Sande: Thank you for always listening to my long, dramatic post-school stories during newspaper meetings. Without you, Common Sense wouldn’t exist, and neither would the growth I’ve experienced in collaboration, leadership and adaptability. You’ve taught me so much about writing, teamwork and life (not to mention helping my ACT English score). The long nights spent moving widgets, cutting down wordy articles and staying after school almost daily don’t go unnoticed. Your dedication inspires me, and I genuinely admire your work ethic. Thank you for everything you’ve poured into this publication and me.
To my classmates: Navigating middle school during a pandemic wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, and neither was mulching at Camp Webster. But I’m proud of how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve made, whether it is through sports, service, clubs, or even screaming “FEIN” at our last first pep rally. We’ve left our mark on this school, and I hope we carry that same energy and passion into the world beyond.
To returning students: Don’t shy away from challenges. Try the club you’ve been curious about, talk to someone new and speak up with your ideas. I can’t promise you’ll always succeed, but I can promise you’ll grow. And that’s far more meaningful. Say “yes” to discomfort now, and someday you’ll be thankful you did.
“Pearls aren’t made despite discomfort. They’re created because of it.” – Barbara Waxman
