Most of the time, when I make a decision, I slog through hours of deliberation and overthinking. I weigh pros and cons, check in with my gut, and finally, finally, make a choice. When I walked into Madame Amick’s room before freshman year to register for classes, however, for once I knew exactly what I wanted to do: sign up for journalism. To this day I can’t tell you exactly why I was so sure, but maybe a small part of me knew that being on The Dart would shape my life in ways I never could have expected.
Being a member of The Dart, or a Dartie, as we call ourselves, has defined my high school experience, and along the way, made me the person I am. I have always said that Dart is not for everyone; no one could define it as an easy elective. Being on staff is full of extra homework, late pub nights and harrowing deadlines. It is at times stressful, and there is a huge learning curve– my first deadline I cried after working for three hours to create only two graphics. However, I also always say that those who commit to Dart love it. With those crazy deadlines and heaps of work come fulfillment and creative passion. Being at school until 7:00 is fun when it’s with your good friends. Once you tentatively befriend Indesign and Illustrator, the design process speeds up considerably (although the Adobe Suite still sometimes leaves you at its mercy).
During the crazy journey that has been my three years on Dart, I have learned how to write and design, how to work with others and lead a team. I have had both triumphs and failures, created things I am very proud of and others I think I could have improved. Through it all, I have never been alone.
Freshman year journalism was a time when I was learning an entirely new type of writing and thinking. I tentatively tested the boundaries of a new field, unsure of where I would fit in. I definitely doubted my abilities, but Ms. Hirner never did. Towards the end of the year, she pulled me aside, and said, “You’re going to be on Dart next year, right?” What could I say except “Yes!”? Throughout all of my years at STA, Hirner has been a constant in my life; while I have loved many of my teachers here, she has undoubtedly been my favorite, and more than that, a dear friend. Whether it is doing NYT Connections every day, hearing yet another recommendation for a show or book (I promise someday I will get around to reading “The Secret History” and watching “Derry Girls”), or traversing the scary world of SNO, there are many everyday moments with her that I know I will miss so incredibly much.
As I entered sophomore year, my inaugural year on The Dart, I fell in love with being on staff alongside my Dartie Day Ones: Isa and Maya. I still recall stumbling through Indesign for the first time as Isa created KC Current graphics and edited Clark’s Star Spotlight. Isa, you will always be my favorite person to bounce thoughts off of–thanks for putting up with all my crazy ideas. I know I’ll never forget Maya brainstorming ideas for her first column (I guess I forgive you for not taking my suggestion). I’ve loved watching her explore her passion for photography and always be the first photog to volunteer for events. Maya, may I always be your pro-PDFer.
Junior year, my now fellow EICs Becca and Molly joined staff. Who would have thought that three Vis kids would end up doing this job together 13 years after meeting in Tighe Hall? When it was announced that we would be editors-in-chief our senior year, I knew I couldn’t have asked for better partners in the two of you. You two are a force to behold when you decide to tell me I’m wrong (which happens rather frequently), but there are no opinions I trust more. I will miss being at the helm with you both dearly.
As an EIC, I have gotten to see the staff in a way I never could before, and I’m so grateful for each of my staffers. They are each so talented, and it’s been incredible to have such dedicated and kind people on the Dart.
To our new EICs, Cassie and Stella:
I have the utmost faith in the two of you. Cassie, you are a design whiz, fashion icon and wonderful person to be around. Stella, you are a top-notch writer, ultimate team player and extremely empathetic. You both are fantastic leaders, but even more than that, amazing people. The Dart is in your more-than-capable hands now; I promise to come visit you next year to see the incredible things I know you will do with it!
To my other juniors, Jo, Wynnie, and Lauren:
Jo–you are truly a jack-of-all-trades, and not only do you do everything, you’re good at everything. Your drive and dedication are truly inspirational.
Wynnie–you’re my go-to deep-dive partner, as well as my favorite eavesdropper. I know I’ll miss you chiming in with advice from a table over.
Lauren-you are such a creative page designer (anyone who can tame Indesign can do anything) and have a quiet, but hilarious, sense of humor. I love the way you can cheer anyone up with your kindness and grounded nature.
To the sophomores:
I have loved getting to see all of you grow this year. Each of you have developed your skills this year, and I have adored seeing you all become fantastic staffers.
Lily–you are brim full of ideas every single issue (especially reviews). Your bright personality makes it so much fun to chat with you, and that passion translates into your work.
Savannah–you always rise to whatever challenge you are presented with. From tackling photos to writing stories to trying your hand at design, you don’t let anything intimidate you.
Anna–you are a quiet but strong presence in our J room. I can always count on your stories to be high quality pieces– and interesting!
Marcella–I have loved getting to know you this year, from our Portrait of a Staffer interview to your ideas during brainstorming. You have such potential to do amazing things on this staff- I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Julia–there are some people who just take to an aspect of The Dart like a fish to water, and you are one of them when it comes to design. As someone who discovered my own passion for design as a sophomore on staff, I know how fun and fulfilling it can be, and I’m thrilled to say that you are a much quicker study than I ever was.
Kennedi–I still remember meeting you for the first time last year in a debate meeting. I love seeing you at Scioly and chatting with you during Dart. You are truly such an intelligent, hardworking and passionate person who I know will do amazing things.
Although my time on The Dart has come to an end (I truly don’t know what I’m going to do without it), the things I have learned over these three years will stay with me. Every day on staff has been a gift that I will treasure, from my first day as an intimidated sophomore to my last day as a nostalgic senior. I will always carry a piece of this staff with me wherever I go.
