I didn’t know much going into high school. All I knew was that I wanted to be a part of a newspaper staff. I wanted to report on the topics I was passionate about- the ones no one wanted to cover. I wanted to be a voice for my student body. 

Walking into room 160 fresh out of middle school, I knew that it was where I belonged. Smelling of the printing press and ink was an organized chaos that I immediately connected with and adored. Even more, it held some of the most important mentors and friends I’ve had in my life. Room 160 gave me a community I desperately needed in a school that, at first, felt isolating. 

Yet, if you had asked me four years ago if I thought I would be in charge of the most competitive student newspaper in Southwest Florida, I would’ve laughed in your face. All I knew at that age was I wanted to write for a publication staff, and I was going to do whatever it took to achieve it. Then, my first article was published, and everything changed. 

The Seahawk’s Eye is such a unique publication. Its staff is full of people who aspire to achieve more than the average paper. Through nearly four years of struggles brought on by COVID-19 lockdowns, hurricane damage, and membership decline, this paper has been the biggest part of my life. After countless late nights, demanding workload, and intensive quotation deciphering sessions, it’s incredibly bittersweet to say goodbye. 

I’ve watched this publication grow in incredible ways since my freshman year. I think it’s because of that growth that I’m having such a hard time saying goodbye. 

Those who know me know that in everything I’ve been a part of for the last four years, I’ve had a system of scheduling. The Seahawk’s Eye was no exception. Some days, that Type A nature got the best of me, and it was those days that I looked to my staff for support and guidance. 

This newspaper gave me a chance for exploration. Through the mentoring of Aaron Smoly, our fearless sponsor, and the dedication of the entire writing and creative staff, I became not only a better leader but a person as well. 

I learned the importance of communication and its value for a hierarchical organization. After the nearly 30 print publications I’ve put out as Editor-in-Chief, this skill is something I couldn’t have absorbed without this paper. Sometimes the key to communication isn’t speaking, but rather listening, and it is essential to utilize in our current society. 

Yet, I think the thing I’ll miss the most about this publication is the people. Not their skills or their editorial positions, but their personalities. Room 160 has always been a menagerie of individual qualities, and I know it will continue to be. After all, it was those polar opposites that always had the biggest impact on a class’ outcome for the day, and those people know who they are. 

Before I finally say goodbye to this massive part of my life, I have to give thanks to the people who deserve it the most. 

To Smoly, who has always been the biggest support an EIC could ask for, thank you for those long days. Thank you for continuing to inspire me to push this publication to the next level and for always being there to work through a new double-truck idea. 

To Desirae, who never failed to make me laugh on days that I needed it most, thank you for continuing to be you. Don’t ever let those around you drag on your joyful nature. That nature is what will take you places they’ll only ever dream about. 

And to Mya, my mini me, don’t be afraid to ask for help. From one obsessive girl to another, everything you do is enough. You don’t need to take on another task or position to prove that you’re enough. Focus on yourself, and don’t let the things you take part in suck all the life out of you. You deserve and need your sleep.

Well, I guess it’s time to say goodbye. Good luck to my former editorial and writing staff. I know that you’re going to continue to take this paper to new heights. I’m incredibly proud of everything you achieved in this last year with you all, and can’t wait to see what you continue to do. 

Thank you, the Seahawks Eye, my future wouldn’t be so bright without you.