Reflections on a Semester — and a Journey — with The Pawprint

By: Brianna Robles

As I look back on the past couple of years with The Pawprint, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and appreciation for the opportunity to grow as both a writer and an editor. Serving in this role has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic journey. What began as an interest in storytelling evolved into a commitment to leadership, collaboration, and responsibility. Being part of student journalism is more than writing articles—it is about shaping voices, fostering community, and learning how words can inform, inspire, and connect people.

Student journalism offers a unique perspective on school life. Through The Pawprint, we are given the responsibility to tell stories that matter to our community, whether they highlight achievements, address challenges, or simply capture moments that define our shared experience. Over time, I have learned that journalism is not just about reporting facts but about listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and representing others with honesty and respect. This understanding has shaped the way I approach writing and editing, encouraging me to think critically and empathetically about every piece we publish.

My time as an editor has been especially transformative. Editing is not only about correcting grammar or refining structure; it is about guiding others, nurturing potential, and helping writers discover confidence in their voices. Over the past couple of years, I have had the privilege of working alongside talented, dedicated writers who consistently pushed themselves to improve. Watching their growth—and knowing I played a small role in helping them get there—has been incredibly rewarding. Leadership in this space taught me patience, accountability, and the importance of leading by example.

None of this growth would have been possible without the guidance and mentorship of Michelle Le Blanc. I am deeply thankful for her constant support, encouragement, and belief in me. Michelle challenged me to raise my standards, think deeper, and trust my abilities even when I doubted myself. Her guidance went beyond journalism; she taught me valuable lessons about professionalism, responsibility, and perseverance. Having a mentor who genuinely cared about my growth made all the difference, and I am grateful for every conversation, piece of advice, and moment of encouragement along the way.

I am equally thankful for the Communications Board, whose unwavering support helped shape my experience. The members of the board believed in me, trusted my leadership, and consistently pushed me to be the best version of myself. Their feedback, collaboration, and encouragement created an environment where growth felt possible and mistakes became learning opportunities. Being surrounded by people who shared a passion for storytelling and excellence made the work not only productive but genuinely enjoyable.

This past semester, in particular, has been a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with journalism in the first place. Each article pushed me to think critically about the stories we tell and the impact they can have on our school community. I learned how to balance accuracy with creativity—how to report responsibly while still engaging readers. Writing for The Pawprint taught me the importance of revision and persistence. Behind every published article were hours of research, interviews, rewrites, and collaboration. Those quieter, behind-the-scenes moments—finding the right quote, restructuring a paragraph, refining a headline—often mattered just as much as the final product.

One of the most meaningful aspects of The Pawprint has always been its sense of community. Journalism is rarely a solo effort, and this experience reinforced the value of teamwork. Editors and writers supported one another, shared ideas, and celebrated successes together. That sense of collaboration created a space where creativity could thrive and where everyone felt encouraged to take risks and improve. The friendships and connections formed through this process are just as valuable as the skills gained.

Looking back, I am proud of how much I have grown—academically, creatively, and personally. Writing and editing for The Pawprint strengthened my communication skills, sharpened my critical thinking, and taught me how to manage responsibility under pressure. More importantly, it gave me confidence in my voice and my ability to lead. It showed me that storytelling has power and that even student journalism can make a meaningful difference within a community.