I first joined Rambler my Freshmen year, aspiring to be just like the character I knew all too well, Rory Gilmore. As I watched the seasons go on and on, my admiration for her love of journalism grew strong. As a result, I stepped into Mr. Vautrain’s room with a mission and motivation: to become the next Rory Gilmore. To be sure, I put my own artistic spin on every piece I wrote, but my vision was always clear, to share the same admiration for journalism as my favorite character.
As a writer, both Freshman and Sophomore year, I excelled in putting creative and information words on my paper and in the hands of my peers. I remember the first time I ever had to interview someone, and the rush of professionalism I endured. I adored the feeling of sitting down and gaining perspective, a one on one conversation that left me feeling satisfied and informed. Mr. Plotkin, Vice Principal of Old Saybrook High School, was my first interviewee, for a News article concerning the new remodeled science wing, a riveting story indeed. Although he had been my eighth grade science teacher a mere couple of months ago, I shook his hand and acted as a professional journalist, just as Rory would have done.
That being said, one of the most important things I learned from being a part of Rambler was there’s always another story, perspective, or way of looking at something. Through interviews and investigation, there have been many stones I have had to turn over, and every single one was as valuable as the next. As a journalist, you never know everything! There is always a perspective left to uncover. It is not only a Rambler requirement but a moral duty to represent a situation multifaceted, and give it its due perspective. If I could give one piece of advice to every Rambler member, it would be to be curious. To be curious is to be informed! When you are curious, you seek out answers, even if there are multiple, and even if they’re hard to find. You may not see a path to the truth, but it doesn’t mean it’s not present.
Another piece of advice I would like to offer Rambler members is to have fun with it! The paper is your Oyster, there are so many possibilities for creative outlets. For example, my Junior year my life got really hectic, as it does for many other Juniors. However, Monday afternoon, for 15 minutes, I was able to use the part of my brain that created satisfaction and joy. I created my own column, the “How-To” column. Going along with the theme of finding inspiration in film characters, after watching How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, I was decidedly taking on the role of Andie Anderson, proclaimed journalist with her own “How-To” column. When writing that column, I had the best time I’ve ever had while writing. I could write about practically whatever I please, and boy did I! I wrote about everything from stress to fashion, often coinciding might I add. It’s a known fact that when you’re having fun, the product is spectacular.
As I walk across the stage to close out my years as a writer, editor, and even Editor-in Chief, I will think back to every Monday, distribution, article, and interview. The numerous enriching experiences have helped me get here today, and keep my brain constantly stimulated and operating. Thank you Rambler for all that you have done for me, and I can;t wait to read future editions!
