What. A. Year. And it’s over, in more ways than one.
My senior journalism students (now alums) have “left the nest” of SSA, and in a few days, so will I. We are also leaving behind The Nest. As the creator of the journalism classes and The Nest, I feel conflicted. The future holds so many wonderful experiences for me. Still, I will miss the story pitches, roundtables, endless editing and proofing, and most of all, my staff: six unique, creative, smart, funny, and loving young women (yes, Colette – the Oxford comma is on purpose because I like it!).
H block was not only a class; it was “home.” Over time, a deep level of trust developed naturally. The Journalism I students jumped right in from the beginning, willing to accept any challenge I proposed, and the Journalism II students gained confidence and were not afraid to be vulnerable or undeniably shrewd. We discussed all sorts of topics – too many to list, and many had nothing to do with journalism. And that’s okay. In my retreat talk (and in class), I reminded the girls to remember who they are and whose they are: daughters of God, and therefore, His. I pray they BELIEVE it and live it every day of their lives. That’s the best lesson of all.
Thank you to Sheri Gillio for investing in our site, Carol Ann Dufrene for moral support, and everyone who read The Nest. And a final thank you to Colette Bergeron, Eliana Candebat, Lillian Candebat, Sophia Mangano, Melia Piediscalzo, and Raquel Martinez. You will always be in my heart.
