Departing from home

But, to me, you are my former home, family and the room where I discovered who I am.

When I first started high school, I was quiet and reserved, remaining in what I liked to call my “comfort bubble.” Although I felt strongly about topics ranging from the best restaurants in the Bay Area to urgent social justice issues, I generally kept these opinions to myself.

But the moment I stepped into S11 during my sophomore year media arts class, I got a glimpse of how writing could unveil new perspectives and bring meaningful change to our community.

Within a few months, S11 created a platform for me to transform into a journalist. Although my first few articles were a learning process, my writing slowly began to provoke discussion, challenge tradition and call for change. I reported on the barriers for students in foster care, implicit bias ingrained in the education system, and climate issues posing threats to communities nationwide. I spoke with lawyers, educators and city councilmembers for expert perspectives on each article. With every lede, photo and infographic, I told a story of which I was proud.

As my journalistic career developed, I pursued storytelling in all possible mediums. From speaking to design to videography, each method of communication guided me toward becoming the editor-in-chief of Carlmont’s newsmagazine, the Highlander.

Upon reflection, I can confidently say that I was never perfect, despite my most spirited efforts. I still have miles to go in shaping my journalistic voice and my confidence as a leader. But through years of practice and many mistakes, journalism has made me the best version of myself: a version that is guided by ambition and motivated by failures.

The articles I dedicated months researching, interviewing and self-editing for were often met with both support and criticism. Through this, journalism taught me critical lessons of reflection and adaptability. Taking these lessons in mind, I would frequently change direction in my publishing process due to unexpected angles brought to light, and I would use feedback from past pieces to shape my writing for the better.

Most importantly, journalism and Room S11 taught me what a true home could be. From emergency FaceTime calls with editors to team meetings and staying up all night submitting an issue of the Highlander to print, I found satisfaction in every minute.

My time working as the editor-in-chief of the Highlander and an intern for the San Mateo Daily Journal has ultimately allowed me to create, inspire and inform. The publications I have worked for have enabled me to connect to my community and have a voice in issues I care about.

Journalism is my home, my family and my haven. Although I have departed from S11, the lessons I learned in that room will stay with me forever.

In one final goodbye, I want to say thank you. Thank you to my journalism advisor, my boss, my peers, the incoming Highlander staff, and to S11 — the room where I left my comfort bubble to discover what it means to be a journalist.

Isabelle Nunes is a recent graduate of Carlmont High School in Belmont. Student News appears in the weekend edition. You can email Student News at news@smdailyjournal.com.