I’ve moved a lot in my life — like 10 states in 17 years a lot — and I could go on about all of the ways it’s made me a better person and how adaptable I am and whatever, but to be honest moving to Kansas from California halfway through high school sucked. A lot. Saying I was bitter is probably the understatement of the century. I wanted nothing more than to hate it here and mope through my junior and senior year in a pathetic silence, but I’m glad I didn’t. I’m glad I found my thing — my people.

This past year I’ve had the opportunity to be the Editor-in-Chief of The Mentor and it has, hands down and unquestionably, been the best, most rewarding and most challenging part of my high school days. I’ve learned what it is to be responsible for something bigger than yourself and to take pride in something you work really hard at. I never wished I could back out. Not on any of the 25 work nights I was at school all hours of the night, or when it’s Friday (which is deadline day for those of you who don’t know and all of my staff members who seem to forget each week) and there are only two stories written. I don’t think many people can say they’ve never wished they could just quit whatever activities they do.

This is the one thing I’m absolutely positive won’t become irrelevant after high school. The skills I’ve learned here are forever. How to bond with a diverse group of people because of one common factor, how to do things I didn’t necessarily want to or think I could, how to lead, teach and truly be taught, how to put away prejudice and what I think I know and listen to others to learn something new and gain new insight and perspective. I don’t plan on majoring in journalism in college, but these classes and publications have taught me so much more. This experience has been a blessing and I just want to thank all of the people who make it possible.

I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to be apart of this and get to know and love each person I’ve been able to meet on staff. I can’t thank any of you enough for all you’ve done to make this publication what it is and helping me to serve the students of MHS. You guys rock and I’m so excited to see where you go in your lives and with this publication next year.

I’d also like to thank our advisor Kristy Nyp. You do so much more than any other teacher/student/parent could ever grasp. Your job never ends so thank you for being here with me every Monday night to make this happen and for being there when I texted you at 11 p.m. when I was freaking out about whatever.

So now, in all of my exhaustion, mixed emotions, tears and joy I turn this paper over to Madeline Marshall and Greg Woods. I’m so happy you two are the ones taking over the dynamic duo positions Joseph Sell and I have filled and I can’t wait to watch you grow. (Also do me a favor and kick some Shawnee Mission butt at KSPA next year and earn an All-Kansas rating, okay?)

It’s been real.

With all of my love and appreciation,

Kristen Batson