I remember all throughout grade school I have had a love for writing. When I saw that St. Dominic offered a Journalism class, I knew I had to take it. It was time to pick my classes for my sophomore year, and Journalism 1 was first on my list. 

My first year of Journalism was an experience unlike anything else. I always enjoyed writing, but everything else felt like busy work. I vividly remember the headlines unit. I was going strong, acing all my assignments, then Mr. Duncan put a headline quiz on my desk. Fail. The class took it again. Fail. It wasn’t until the eighth quiz that Mr. Duncan decided to scrap it. After that, I knew Mr. Duncan or Count Dooku and I would get along well. 

As sophomore year came to a close, I knew that I was interested in taking J2, but I did not feel like I could ever have a career in Journalism. Long story short, Mr. Duncan encouraged me to continue my Journalism career and I am beyond grateful he did. I never thought that a little sophomore like me would eventually take on such a big role in the Journalism department. 

Junior year was where I really found my passion for editing. All throughout the year, I would just write and write, I never thought that I could have the skill to do something so tedious. Until one day, Mr. Duncan tapped my shoulder and asked how I would like to be next year’s Video Editor. I was excited and nervous at the same time. 

I began training under Emma Larkin about halfway through my junior year. It may have been one of the most difficult things I have ever done, so it seemed. I thought to myself that I could never do what Emma does, she is so good at it, and that’s a ton of pressure to live up to her. However, as time went on, that process became a lot easier and I became closer with Emma and the most supportive person and teacher, Mr. Duncan. 

Senior year approached quickly, all of the sudden I was on my own. No more Emma there to walk me through it. It may have been the most stressful thing I have done, but Mr. Duncan was there for me every step of the way. Soon it was Annual Catholic Appeal time. 

It felt like I had a weight on my shoulders. I had to live up to someone that was amazing, and to me looked like they never struggled. I thought that my practice with The Bank of Old Monroe and the Thanksgiving video would have prepared me, but nothing could have warned me for how much the ACA video means to our school and the Archdiocese. With the help of Mr. Duncan, we got the video done. That week made me really question whether I want to pursue Journalism or not. No amount of stress could block my passion for Journalism, and I truly believe Mr. Duncan and Emma sparked that fire in me. 

I never thought my time at St. Dominic would end. Sophomore year to now came and went in the blink of an eye. I am so grateful and blessed to have been a part of something so wonderful like Journalism, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. 

Thank you Mr. Duncan for all you have done!!