Jordan Fikis
When I started my story at East I was lacking confidence and trying to figure myself out. It was a new world with new expectations and new people. In my first days as a wolf I never could have guessed where I would be now and how much I would grow.
When I first entered the halls of East I was surrounded by middle and elementary school friends, played volleyball, wanted to major in graphic design, and the only club I joined was Freshman Class Committee. I was a young girl trying to figure out who she wanted to be and I only had four years to do it.
Over my first days at East I met many new people, many of whom have stuck by me throughout high school. Whether they have become some of my closest friends or are just students I continue to have classes with, they all have had a large impact on who I am today. No matter how small our interactions may have been I am grateful for each person that helped me through my challenges and stood by my side to get me where I am today.
My teachers have also had an everlasting impact on me and are largely to credit for my success. The teaching staff at East is unlike any other. Throughout all my years of high school I always had connections with my teachers, they were easy to talk to, supported me, and wanted the best for me. All of my teachers expected the best from me and pushed me to try new things. Without the connections I made with my teachers I wouldn’t have had so many opportunities in high school.
The social studies department at East especially has provided me with many opportunities both academically and outside of school. Thanks to these teachers I was able to succeed in my classes, attend the Illinois State Senate, serve as a board member for Rho Kappa, and attend Illini Girls State. The last being a life changing experience that provided me with new skills and friendships that I will continue to develop in these next years. I am forever grateful for the opportunities these teachers provided me and the path they helped pave for my future.
Now, the social studies teachers are not the only ones at East who have supported me. I have had amazing math, science, art, and business teachers as well. Many of whom I still keep in contact with and some of which are my favorite teachers. There is no doubt in my mind however that the journalism teachers at East have been the most impactful in helping me discover who I am.
When I first joined the Howl I signed up for the same reason most students do, I wanted an easy English class. In my first semester of the class I even decided I wasn’t going to take it a second year. However, as I gave it more time, started writing articles, and had a bigger role in the class I began to find a love for journalism.
As I mentioned earlier, I had always planned to major in graphic arts because I enjoyed it. As I took more classes in high school though I decided in the beginning of my junior year that I wanted to major in marketing and work in sports media. While I loved the Howl it still was just a fun class for me to take. That is until I returned to be Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper my senior year.
This past year journalism became more than just a class for me. It became a passion and a community, one that I will miss deeply when I leave. At the beginning of the year I was lost in my role trying to balance writing articles and teaching new students the ways of East journalism. Then I was offered to attend the JEA conference in Philadelphia alongside other journalism members. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made as it allowed me to meet so many people who had the same love for journalism as I did and it gave me many ideas for the future of the Howl. Without Mrs. Calvey and Mr DiNardo this would have never been possible and I am extremely grateful for all they have done for East journalism.
Many of the ideas from the conference were able to come to fruition largely thanks to the best advisor. Mr. DiNardo has been more than a teacher to me these past two years. He has been a large mentor for me and has encouraged me to want to continue to pursue journalism in college. Anytime I had an idea for the publication he was there to help me make it realistic and make it happen using our limited resources. Mr. DiNardo always believed in me and my abilities as a journalist, encouraging me to write stories and helping me prepare for competitions. He also wrote me countless letters of recommendation that helped me get scholarships and get into colleges. While I’m not sure where the publication or I will be in the next few years I am excited to see how future wolves under Mr. DiNardo’s great leadership will continue to allow the paper to flourish.
Thanks to Mr. DiNardo, being the editor of the paper has been one of the most influential experiences I have ever had. This past year I was able to take the large step into this leadership role where I learned many new skills. I learned to work with and become friends with those in the class while also pushing them to meet deadlines and have quality articles. This role is one I would never have expected to have back when I entered East but it is an experience I am glad to have had as the collaboration and leadership skills I learned from it will prove to be valuable in my future.
When I started my journey as a wolf I was unsure of who I was and who I wanted to be. These past four years have contained a lot of challenges and growth, senior year being the one that led me to change and grow the most. In just a few days though I will walk out the same halls I first entered. The only difference now is that I’m walking out a confident woman ready to face all the obstacles the world will throw at me.
As I continue my education in marketing and journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign I will always save a piece of my heart for East Journalism. Thank you to the OE Howl for the best two years, your 24-25 Editor-in-Chief, Jordan Fikis.
Devin Hatch
Through my years here at east, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, highs and lows. Each year has changed me into a better person shaping me into who I am today. From the start of freshman year, I was a shy kid with not many friends. I kept a close circle of friends but as I grew throughout the four years I’ve made even more friends in which I will always cherish. Although with the good of high school there’s always the bad to balance it out. In the middle of highschool my childhood dog died and to say that It was a struggle for me is an understatement. After that I kept hitting bumps in the road for about a year. I had good and bad days but the friends i’ve made here have truly helped me become a better person. Before coming here I played volleyball in school and outside. Especially when I came to high school volleyball connected me with so many great people and coaches that helped me be the athlete I am. Even though I’ve always been only interested in volleyball but junior year I heard we were getting a lacrosse team. Me and my friends were excited and wanted to try something new for senior year. In the end lacrosse ended up being possibly my favorite part of senior year as I got to learn a whole new sport while being among my best friends that also play other sports. Along the way I met almost my whole friend group, and some of the best coaches. Last year during prom I had an idea to bring one of my guy friends from a different school to our prom. Even though we barely knew each other, we became very close and continued to hang out all the time, it made my senior year ten times better. With all the teachers, coaches, students, counselors, staff, each one of them played a role in my life that I will forever thank. I’ve made countless memories and countless bonds. This may be a hard goodbye but I’m excited to see what happens in the future.
Endia Bownes
I can’t believe I made it to the finish line. The end of high school which felt so many years away as I would say back in the 6th grade. At times it really did feel like some of the longest years of my life. My experiences throughout highschool weren’t always the best, I realized a lot of things senior year. For example making the most out of living and taking risks and learning to surround yourself with people who push you to be better. Life will test you but you have to keep going. School gave me the realization of how important it is to find who you want to be in the world and the importance of having a good education.
Freshman year is the biggest year to reflect off of. I had the most fun but the least focus. East had many student events which encouraged my social side to erupt, I was in a big friend group and was always at every school event. However this reflected what my grades looked like and how much time I was spending hanging out rather than studying. I encourage future students at East to take freshman year seriously by focusing on choosing the right classes and maintaining good grades, also building connections with teachers and coaches. Outside of the school work meeting good different friends that have the same goals as you will have a positive impact on your success.
Sophomore year was another part of character building for me. I had the most emotional growth from the challenges I had to face. This year was the part of high school where your parents tell you, you will lose old friends and find new ones. I lost a lot of people who weren’t good friends or supportive. However, losing old friends made room for new ones. Towards the middle of the second semester on March 17, 2023 I lost my best friends to gun violence. This made me change the way I lived and looked at life. I never felt so much pain at once in my life. I couldn’t see how to go on with life without him. I became depressed, trapped and angry at the world. I missed a lot of school after that which made it extremely hard for me to catch up on school work and made me lack motivation to do anything. I learned how unpredictable and sudden life can be. About a year later the importance of living life to the fullest hit me. I can thank my father for this; he didn’t allow me to grieve. Instead he pushed me to keep going because he taught me life doesn’t stop because your world is falling apart. So I learned to appreciate being alive and making a positive impact on the world in the smallest ways. It all matters. You have to keep moving forward.
Here I am in my last year of high school, I want to thank the OE staff who supported me and made a way for me. I am a better version of myself. I am still going to shine despite all the challenges, and bumps in the roads that I didn’t let crumble me. The failures sparked a fire in me to push myself past what tries to limit me. Everyone tells me “After you step into the real world the sun won’t shine the same”, or that “The world hasn’t rubbed off on you yet.” But no matter how negative, cold and cruel the world is, I will try to take my experience, my strength and the love in my heart and try to see the good in everything. I want this to be a message to you that you have to keep grinding,and learning. I’ve learned you have to keep failing to win. You have to go through hardship to eventually be able to win. You have to find happiness within yourself. You can’t let the challenges crumble you. You have to breathe in that fire and let it spark something in you, let it push you to your limits and keep pushing yourself. Watch out world here I come.
Zach Jacobson
I started as a shy freshman in an overwhelming school, walking silently from one class to another with very few people I knew. However, that quiet kid matured into a confident senior who makes friends between classes.
For my freshman year, it was the first time since 2020 that I would have a normal school day. There were no Google Meets or hybrid schedules, just regular, long 7-hour days with crowded hallways and a lot of worry. After months of learning behind a screen and getting used to in-person classes, I had to figure out how to navigate the building and how to interact with people face-to-face.
I was happy with myself in how I ended my first year at East. I joined the baseball team, which allowed me to put myself out of my comfort zone and build new connections. Over the next 2 years, I began to change into a more outgoing and confident person. During my sophomore year, I kept playing baseball, which improved in my growth of my teamwork and communication skills.
But when I stepped outside my comfort zone even further in my junior year, I noticed a significant change. I joined a few clubs, such as the National Technical Honor Society and the National Honor Society, among others, each of which has its unique people, interests, and goals. I learned how to connect to others on many levels and help something greater than myself from this experience. I was finding out who I was and where I belonged, whether that was by doing community service or helping out around the school.
Ending my Junior year with a semester 4.2 GPA, I immediately picked up where I left off and reached a 4.5 by the end of my first semester as a senior, due to my commitment to my academics.
I would say school has never been a struggle for me. I get good grades and maintain a high GPA, which has allowed me to get into my dream school, the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Senior year was been the best year of my life, always being on the go and being able to hang out with my friends every weekend. From football games, homecoming, and other school events, it gave me something to look forward to after long, stressful school days.
Joining Digital Journalism for my senior year English class was an amazing decision. I was tired of the previous 3 years of constantly reading books, then writing a boring essay. Joining Digital Journalism allowed me to be a writer and editor in the OE Howl for topics that I cared about.
Morgan Luberda
As I count down my last days at East, I want to reflect all the good and bad this school has been for me the last four years. The person I was that walked through those doors as a freshman is not the same person who is now preparing to leave as a graduate. I have changed in many ways not only academically, but emotionally, socially, and personally.
I was petrified when I first started as a freshman at Oswego East, but I felt better knowing my older brother was with me. I will say that high school is nothing compared to junior high. Especially coming back from 8th grade, still during covid, and not being able to go to school every day, and not being able to do sports, going to a whole new different school, trying to find friends that I haven’t seen in a long time.
Since starting high school I wanted a new start and really focus on myself and my grades. It was a struggle the first year, a lot happened with not only school but also in my personal life. If I could go back and redo my freshman year, I would have. The only thing that made my year was my first year of high school volleyball.
One the best parts of being at East was playing volleyball. Not only did I love the sport, but I made a lot of my friends from playing high school volleyball. Playing volleyball has definitely opened my eyes to how stressful it is to balance sports and school. It was difficult but i’m happy I made it through and stayed strong the last 3 years. I wish I did more activities at East but I had no time. I would have joined the Oswego East Women’s Empowerment Club if I could. I liked the meaning of the club, and I know my mom would have wanted me to join the club as well.
The people I have met along the way have made an impact on me. I had friends who stood by me, and teachers who believed in me. All of them helped shape me into the person I am today. I am so thankful for East and the people in it.
As I prepare to leave and start my journey and go on with my life, I will always remember all the memories that I made at East. These halls seen me grow, and now it’s time to take what i’ve learned and move forward.
Thank you, Oswego East
Ella Lyzun
Walking into OE for the first time, I didn’t realize how quickly the next four years would pass. Now that I’m a senior, it’s strange to look back and think about how much has changed — not just in school, but in who I’ve become. These years weren’t perfect, but they were important. The people I’ve met, the things I’ve tried, and even the times I struggled have all shaped me in ways I didn’t expect.
Starting high school right after two years of being in lockdown made everything harder. I was out of routine, unsure how to connect with people again, and overwhelmed by the idea of being in a completely new environment. I had no idea what to expect or where I’d fit in. But as the months went on, I started to figure things out. I found people I clicked with, classes I liked, and ways to get involved.
Cheerleading was one of those unexpected things. My friends encouraged me to try it, and I’m glad I listened. Freshman year, I genuinely enjoyed it — the games, the energy, the sense of being part of a team. When competition season came around, I liked the challenge and felt proud of what we accomplished. Our coach that year had high expectations and really pushed us, which helped me grow.
After she left, it wasn’t the same. Sophomore year, I gave it another shot, but it didn’t feel right anymore. I stayed through football season, then decided to quit. It was tough to step away from something that had been such a big part of my routine. I’d always been involved in sports, so suddenly having that time to myself was unfamiliar. But it also gave me space to think and focus on other things.
My friends have been the most consistent part of my high school experience. Some of them have been by my side for over a decade. As we all prepare to take different paths, it’s hard to imagine not seeing them every day, but I know we’ll keep supporting each other.
I am so excited to see what the future holds for me, and where college will take me.
Tyler Maronic
As I look back on my time in high school, I feel a mix of emotions. It feels like just yesterday I was walking into school for the first time. Now as I prepare to move on to the next chapter of my life, I realize that I’ve grown, learned, and changed.
High School was definitely not easy, but it was full of important experiences. There were good days when everything felt fun and exciting, and there were also hard days when I felt stressed or unsure of myself. Through it all i grew stronger and learned how to keep going when things were difficult.
High school has taught me many things and not just in class, but also about life. I’ve learned how to manage my time better and how to keep working when things get hard. Over time I figured out how to be more organized and not leave things till the last minute. Some classes were a struggle like English and Writing but I worked to improve in those classes.
One of the best parts of high school was the friendships I made. I met people who are always there for me, and have become like family to me and made me the person I am today. School activities also helped me build confidence whether it was attending sporting events or just helping. It helps you understand the importance of teamwork and leadership. It made highschool more fun and helped me make more memories.
Highschool wasn’t perfect, there were times i felt stressed and overwhelmed, but looking back I realized those hard times only helped me become stronger. I’ve learned it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
Now as I get ready for what’s to come, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. High school has prepared me in more ways than I expected. I’ll always remember the lessons, the people, and the memories that made these years so special. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but high school has given me the tools to face them.
High school was a journey with many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It shaped me into the person I am today. I’m thankful for the teachers, friendships, and memories made along the way. As i move forward i’ll carry all of those experiences with me and use them to build a future.
Alan Martinez
As this chapter of my life comes to an end, I find myself reflecting more and more on everything, and everyone, from these past four years. High School has been a journey filled with lessons, late night studying, low mornings, naps in class, the confusion from not understanding, happiness, but I will take both the good and bad memories to help shape me for the future. These moments and building bonds became the foundation for my experience. All of the group projects, talking with friends in between classes, the football games, meeting up with friends, they were all worth it.
Although there were many good parts, there were always bad along the way. There was much stress, failure and frustration. Many tough assignments, personal barriers that constantly came up, and days when everything was going downhill. I constantly doubted my intelligence and abilities. Still I continue to push through, and know that setbacks are not permanent. I am so grateful for the many friends I have made along the way, these four years have been amazing and I will miss them. I am grateful for the teachers that were lenient on me when I needed the help.
Now, as I begin to take the first steps into the next phase of my life, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. This school, with with all its ups and downs, has prepared me for whats next. I’m ready to go on but I won’t forget where I came from, and the memories I hold dearly from these four years. High School is one of the longest and best experiences someone can have, and I am glad I attended East all four years.
Goodbye to the classrooms, the routines, the familiar faces, some new, and some that Iv’e known since the 6th grade. I hope to see my school friends in the future if we fall out of contact, or even my teachers if we bump into eachother after graduation. Goodbye to my favorite teachers Thank you for the laughter, the challenges, and every lesson, in and out out the classroom. I leave with pride and appreciation for everyone who has helped me shape myself into the person I am today.
– Alan A. Martinez
Riley Mayer
Once I walk across the stage at graduation, I will be reflecting on all my years at East. It’s hard to believe how quickly these four years have passed. They say high school will end in a blink of an eye but I think no one really believes it until you have your diploma in your hands. Walking into East as a Freshman, who just experienced most of her middle school online, I was unsure of who I was or who I wanted to become. Now, as a senior preparing for my next chapter, I can look back with pride at how much I’ve grown, not only academically, but as a person.
High school was much more than just classes and grades; it was a journey of my own self discovery. There were challenges and hardships, balancing extracurriculars with personal life, and learning how to manage my time and stress. But each obstacle taught me something valuable. I learned resilience when I didn’t do as well as I hoped on a test. I learned responsibility with every group project and leadership roles. And most importantly, I learned more about myself, my passions, my limits, and my goals.
Some of my most cherished memories come from the people I met along the way. Friends, teachers, staff members and coaches, who all pushed me to be my best self, who believed in me when I doubted myself. From spirit weeks and school dances to quiet moments in the library or laughs in the commons, these experiences have shaped my high school journey that will last a lifetime.
I’m especially grateful for the opportunities I had to grow outside of the classroom. Being part of high school track and field, softball, and even cross country for a hot second taught me teamwork and perseverance. Those experiences gave me a broader perspective and helped prepare me for the world beyond high school.
Now, as I prepare to leave, empty out my locker, my art shelf and go through all my things to return to the LRC, I feel a mix of emotions. I’m so excited for the future, to be able to take my passion with art to the next level and to be able to make a job out of my work, sadness for what I leave behind, my family, my friends, my coaches, my teachers and so much more, for the home I made out of this place for 4 years. And the gratitude for everything Oswego East has given me. I know there will be more challenges ahead, but I also know that the lessons I’ve learned here have laid a strong foundation for whatever comes next.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of this journey. Through thick and thin, High school has been a defining chapter in my life, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Here’s to new beginnings and carrying the memories and lessons with me. Once a wolf, always a wolf.
Gabby Maza
At the beginning of this year, I would have told you I would never miss this high school. I would have said that these were the worst three years of my life, that I cannot wait to leave behind. But as I prepare to close this chapter of my life, I am filled with mixed emotions- grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the people who shaped my journey.
High school was far from perfect, there were days I never thought I’d make it through. But, somehow, the struggles became milestones, and the fleeting moments turned into memories. As I reflect, I realize high school wasn’t just about the exams and assignments due at 11:59. It was about growth, resilience, and learning who I am.
I know that soon there will be a “last time” for everything. There will be a last time I walk in late to my first-period class as I do every day. A last time I laugh with my friends in the hallway during passing period. And a last time I open the door to my house after school, to my dog wiggling in excitement.
But, I know every last will be accompanied by a first. In three months, for the first time, I won’t have a curfew or someone waiting to ask how my day was. It will be the first time I walk into a lecture hall. And the scariest of all, it will be the first time I will live on my own, 10 hours from the only home I’ve ever known.
High school has taught me many lessons, but the one that has stuck with me the most is that life is what you make it. As a freshman, I had exceptionally high expectations for my high school experience. Though as the years ticked away, I learned that through the imperfections of life, you will find small hopes that get you through each day.
Looking back on my high school years, I can’t help but reminisce on my favorite moments. Rediscovering my love for sports through football games and discovering what I want to major in are moments that stand out to me most. But what I will miss the most is the memories that I dint get to make. The friendship that didn’t get grow or the chances I didn’t take, but mostly the memories I didn’t savor.
So here’s to the last times and the firsts, to goodbyes and new beginnings.
Soha Osman
It’s surreal to think how soon I will graduate and walk that stage with my diploma. It feels like only a short time ago I was navigating the uncertainty of freshman year. Not only was I unsure of myself, but also the path ahead of me. Now, as seniors, that feeling of uncertainty is back. We have closed a chapter of our lives only to start a new one. We are entering a new world, which feels both exciting and stressful. For me, high school has been a period of self-discovery and growth. I have faced academic challenges, taken on complex social interactions, and gone through several loopholes of questioning myself and my future. If I could offer my advice, I would say to embrace the challenges, but mindfully with intention and self-awareness. Always seek guidance and support from others, as your vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength. Try to engage in activities that resonate with your values and build meaningful connections with those around you. There is a lot of pressure to find your “passion.” It can feel overwhelming. Remember that it is okay if you haven’t found “the one” yet. Exploration and discovery take time. You must allow yourself the space to explore different interests without the expectation of immediate passion. If you trust in yourself and the universe, your path will unfold naturally. I am grateful for all the opportunities that were given to me at East. I have tried so many different activities and clubs, as well as taken advantage of several electives. It was not always easy, but I will carry with me the lessons I have learned and use my lessons as a foundation to build the rest of my life. My family has been so supportive of me and my high school endeavors. From needing rides back and forth to school to attending various events, my family has been there for me all along. I would also like to thank my best friend for being with me throughout my high school years. She brought me up, and I am so grateful to have spent these years with someone like her. I am committed to making a positive impact on the world, and I thank my high school years for helping me discover my potential and my voice. I am excited to see what everyone accomplishes. Let us take a moment to look back and reflect, remembering the experiences that shaped us. You are the only one in charge of your future, and I hope all of you are courageous enough to pursue your greatest dreams. Congratulations to all my fellow seniors. Celebrate because you deserve it, and never let anyone convince you otherwise.
Evan Reiner
When I look back on my journey through Oswego East High School I’m filled with a mix of emotions as I remember the freshman I was. The kid who hated school and would count down the minutes of every class period. To the senior I am today, who wished he took his time more, and talked to more people, or stepped out of my shell just a little more. Because this really has been some of the best times of my life.
East has had a pretty large impact in my life. East has introduced me to lifelong friends, new experiences, a few rough classes, some really good classes, and everything in between.
When I first arrived at OEHS, I was uncertain and inexperienced, lacking all of the confidence I now possess. Over the years I’ve developed a strong sense of self, and learned the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and community engagement. These lessons have become a part of my character, and guide my actions inside and outside of the classroom.
I never was the type of person to participate in a lot of activities or clubs in high school. However, I did play in our school’s spring hockey league, and that was an amazing experience. Playing alongside new kids and friends, that I otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to be teammates with. Other than hockey, I went to countless football and various other sporting events such as baseball or soccer games, or track and cross country meets, which I would highly recommend for any incoming freshman, or any high schooler who has yet to attend these events. Because those times are some of the most fun I’ve had with my time at Oswego East High School.
Recently, OEHS and OHS started a combined lacrosse team, and I have had the honor of being on our schools inaugural team. Seeing first hand how students and staff from our school overcome challenges, and put their heart out for each other and the school as a whole has been really cool. It really does feel like a family right off the bat. OE provides people with a sense of belonging, in whatever sport or activity they choose to do. East has so many clubs with so many members who are interested in the same things. And if you have something else you’re interested in that we don’t currently have a space for, you can start a new one.
To conclude, Oswego East High School has been a great thing for me and my development as a person. It’s been a great experience and a really cool ride. It’s over way sooner than you expect it to be. For the new students, savor all of your time here, get involved, and have as much fun as possible.
Robbe Witting
I’ll be honest: high school was alright. Wasn’t good, wasn’t bad, but it did go by pretty quick. I won’t be talking much about high school, but rather things I battled during this four year journey: mental illness and gender identity.
I was diagnosed with anxiety at 12, depression at 14, and ADHD at 17. The more that added on, the more everything made sense. Though, I wish I could’ve known the last one earlier.
Not knowing I had ADHD was probably one of the hardest things to deal with in high school. I would get distracted, miss out on glaring details, and forget everything, from notebooks to important paperwork. I was constantly frustrated at myself, thinking there was something wrong with me, or thinking I was dumb for not getting things right away.
When I eventually did get diagnosed, everything clicked. Literally everything. From my past anger issues to my lack of focus, even the way I think, about 99% of the things I was frustrated with could be traced back to ADHD.
Mental illness isn’t a thing that just “goes away” on its own. If you don’t address it, it will grow to the point where other people have to address it for you. I’ve been there; seeing the diagnosis of “moderate depression” given to me on a sheet of paper was definitely a wakeup call.
There’s nothing “wrong” with you if you’re mentally ill, because there’s no “right” way to have a brain. And no, you’re not dumb because you need extra assistance. It would actually be dumb not to ask for help. That’s one of the things I regret most about school.
Now, about my identity: being transgender was not as tough as I thought it would be. Sure, there was bullying, but the kind of bullying you can laugh off (which I did). PE teachers tried their best to accommodate my gender identity in terms of the locker rooms, which I very much appreciate. Changing with a bunch of cisgender teenage boys is a very real fear of mine.
In comparison to other schools, this one is pretty supportive, in my opinion. Every teacher addressed me as Robbe, even before I got my name legally changed. Barely any kids made fun of me, and I even made a group of friends who are also in the LGBT community.
But I also understand that I’m very, very privileged. I was able to medically transition at 14, when some trans people can’t even wear the clothes they want until they’re out of their parent’s house. Not a lot of people know I’m trans, which is an advantage in itself. Not because being trans is bad – neither is it a good thing, it should just be a thing – but society says it’s bad. It’s not. I can be pretty annoying sometimes, but that doesn’t have anything to do with me being trans.
There comes a point where you have to stop caring about what other people think of you. If the “popular” kids laugh at your eyeliner, or your skirt, or your painted nails, or your anything, then so be it. That’s their loss. Find people who actually want you to be happy.
Now I don’t want to end up with tears on my keyboard, but I wish freshman year me could see who I’ve become. I was so stressed that I would regret transitioning, that I would never figure out who I was meant to be. Transitioning ended up being the best decision of my life. No matter what some people may say about my identity, it’s my identity, no one else’s. No one will take away my right to be who I am.
I would like to end this off by saying that it will get better. Trust me. High school is only the beginning. Pursue your interests, express yourself, and make conversation with people you think look cool. That’s how I met most of my best friends.
Stay weird, and stay nice. Goodbye.
Syeda Farwa Zaidi
…it’s the little things that I will end up missing the most.
From the chaotic lunch table debates to the way we would sprint through the hallways trying to beat the bell, those small, everyday moments made high school feel like home, even when I swore I hated it.
High school was not always easy. There were long nights, hard losses, and friendships that did not last, but I grew through all of it. I learned how to stand up for myself, and most importantly, how to be proud of who I am becoming. I know now that every hallway, every class, every person who walked in and out of my life helped shape this chapter.
At the start of high school, I was driven by the pressure to be perfect. I felt as though I had to live up to the high expectations around me. However, throughout my time at OE, I learned that success is not defined by perfection but by persistence, balance, and purpose.
Some of my proudest memories were leading freshmen during Wolves 101, helping to coordinate the Frosh Fest, writing articles for the OE Howl, and volunteering outside of school. One of my favorite memories was serving as a Frosh Leader, helping freshmen navigate high school with confidence and clarity. That experience reminded me of how far I have come and how rewarding it is to help others find their path, just as I once searched for mine.
Of course, there were moments of frustration and struggle along the way. Balancing academic rigor, extracurricular commitments, and personal challenges was not easy. There were times when I questioned myself or felt overwhelmed. But those struggles taught me the value of time and perseverance.
Moments close to my heart were forming lifelong friendships with the people who genuinely supported me. The friendships I have made at OE have been a source of strength, especially during stressful or uncertain times. I am incredibly grateful for the community I have built at OE.
As I approach the end of my time walking these halls, I find myself filled with gratitude, nostalgia, and growth. Reflecting on the past three years, I realized how much I have changed, not only academically, but personally and emotionally as well. Entering as an uncertain freshman, I now leave with a clear vision for my future, strengthened values, friendships, and memories to look back on.
I will miss seeing the same familiar faces every day, even if we never spoke. I will miss the adventures after school, the stress-filled cram sessions before a big test or finals, and the random acts of kindness that reminded me we were all just trying to get through it together.
So, here’s to the Wolves who walked beside me. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the growth. No matter where we go next, a piece of us will always be wandering these hallways, laughing too loud, walking too slow, and holding onto a time we will never forget.
Thank you, East, for helping me become who I am. I will carry the lessons and memories with me as I begin my next chapter. In the end, it’s the quiet little things that echo loudest in the heart.
Written and edited by the senior staff for East’s online newspaper, The Howl.