Senior columns

After a year of writing about myself for applications and scholarships, I'll keep this column simple with a few snapshots from my time at West.  Freshman year, I was dropped off at the Coralville River Landing Marriott for my first homecoming in a giant  truck that belonged to my friend's dad. He was blasting music, and I was full of shame before we even got to the ballroom. As much as...

You’d think as the columns editor I’d have something really inspirational and witty to say to reflect on my high school years. I don’t. However, as the self-proclaimed chief meme correspondent, I can accurately describe the past four years as one big meme. First off, I spent half of the first day of freshman year trying to carry my books around like a complete fool instead of wearing a backp...

When I think of the phrase “senior column,” I can’t help but groan. Each year, senior staffers craft their SparkNotes of high school, usually complete with an anecdote here, a list there, and a sappy statement to tie it all together. But journalism never prepared me for this. I write about other people, not myself. Oh, how the turn tables. You’d think I would’ve given myself ample time to...

You thought you could avoid me, Freshman Jenna?  Before you mindlessly continue down a long winding journey where you´ll try to define what a tradition of excellence means to you, take some advice from a not-so-distant stranger.  I know that you’re scared to take off your glasses. They´re your safety shields and the only image that people know of you. It's the only way you see yourself b...

I’ve always had a bit of a rebellious streak. Perhaps this is surprising to those who don’t know me. Quiet, yet defiant, I've always preferred to do things my way, especially when I've been advised otherwise. So, when 8th grade and blissfully unaware me was deciding what my seventh class would be, it probably came as no surprise to my dad when I immediately struck down his suggestion of taking Pr...

Sitting here and reflecting on the last four years has made me realize that time really flew by. If I was asked to describe my high school experience in one word, I would say: (one hell of a) rollercoaster.  To be honest, the only thing I remember from freshman year is my poor work ethic. I was barely doing the bare minimum, and I simply didn't care. Freshman year was basically one huge jo...

If you were expecting me to write about sports, you would be exactly right. From the time I could walk, I can remember my dad putting a nerf basketball in my hands and pointing at the rim. The game of basketball, and many others that I played throughout my childhood, created some of my greatest friendships and memories that I will carry with me long after leaving West High. Playing junior var...