SAN JOSE, CALIF. — Jenny Le, Raider Review’s Editor-in-Chief, reaches her final deadline reflecting over her four years of high school.

Starting in her freshman year Le tried out Journalism, only thinking to gain a new hobby, but instead formed a new passion to become an English teacher.

Le came to love talking to more and more people, knowing how to accept constructive criticism and enjoyed the immense support from her peers, all because she joined journalism. Finally in her senior year, Le felt accomplished knowing she moved up into the title, Editor-in-Chief.

She finds watching herself grow up was a core part of her journalism journey; and through WordPress, the paper’s publishing site, she was able to reminisce over her older pieces.

“You see your old self through your writing, too. And seeing my writing change definitely made me think ‘Damn it’s already been four years,’” said Le.

Although embarrassment was felt seeing past works, she takes pride in how her old ideals reformed into new ones that encouraged Le to be her own person. Her emphasis on having strength in being independent and indifferent towards others’ views is what her experiences in and out of journalism have taught her, shaping the growth mindset she has today.

Even with her positive attitude towards journalism she hopes for the next year’s class to converse more and build a great relationship early on in the year. Speaking from her prior years, Le believes that although there’s validity in feeling scared to talk in a new environment, no judgment is given to people who are willing to make an effort, especially in Journalism. 

Adding on to her words of advice in mention of the newcomers to Journalism next year, Le says to, “have faith in yourself. As long as you try to be your best self, as long as you accept criticism from other people, as long as you open up your mind, you know, you’ll do good.”

Keeping that in mind, she hopes to apply this sentiment as she prepares for her first two years at community college where she’ll transfer either to San Jose State University or another University of California.

Her choice to stay local comes from a place of security and safety as she prefers to remain stable and out of debt. With her aspiring major to be in English Education from great influences like her journalism teacher Ms. Newray who also serves as an English teacher.

With Le’s graduation approaching, she hopes to be remembered as someone kind. Someone who is able to move on without holding any grudges on others, and most importantly as someone who remained to be her most authentic self.