Young Voices Proctor/Interns-Signing Off

Coming into PCC 2018 as a first year proctor, I was nervous about basically everything. When I found out I would be interning in Journalism with Mr. Tressel and Ms. Brainard, I immediately felt more comfortable, and this class quickly became one of the best parts of my day. There are so many amazing things this summer that I have looked back on and thought “... when did that happen?!”, and our journalism class becoming a little family is no exception. Maybe it was the first time we got all seven of you to dance to “Heaven is a Place on Earth”, or maybe it was as early as Mr. Tressel’s smusher joke, but surely there was a turning point where we bonded. Whatever it was, I am eternally grateful that it happened. These seven students made my job worth it. A proctor-intern is supposed to educate and assist their students, but I feel as though these kids taught me how to be unapologetically myself, and they helped me through every aspect of these 6 weeks. To Makayla, Sophia, Eoin, Joey, Zayn, Sophie, Rebecca, Ms. Brainard, Mr. Tressel, and Belinda Carlisle, thank you for making heaven a place at PCC. Until our roads come together again, I’ll be missing you! This is Ms. Elman, signing off.

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I probably shouldn’t say this, but I feel so strongly confident in the truth of my following statement to publish it in writing on the Young Voices Website: The PCC 2018 Journalism and Publishing Class is my favorite class out of all the classes I’ve ever proctor interned in.

As a proctor, my summer is filled with lots of joy and excitement, but sprinkled within those memories are tiring days and stressful events. Coming to Journalism everyday made the not so great sides of proctor nonexistent, even if for just one period. When the upcoming school year, and life itself, presents me with those stressful moments, it will be the Journalism memories that I hold near and dear to my heart that I’ll look back on to get me through. You kids have taught me how to make friendships in the newest of situations, how to focus on the positive, how to work hard to reward yourself with the silliest of fun.

Eoin.

You never failed to make me laugh. Whether it was your sassy yet hilarious quotes of the day (“I did write something today, my warm fuzzy list” “I don’t open doors, they open for me” and so many more), or you tripping over everything and anything. You always started the fun off in class, and that can be seen in your inspiring Belinda Carlisle dance impression that became such a movement, not only in the class, but to others who are drawn to your contagious fun spirit. You say that I’m a good leader, but how you spread happiness is the best and truest type of leadership there is.

Sophie.

It’s only fitting that Sophie comes next, because she’s the second half of the dynamic duo. You were the missing piece our class needed. Once you joined, everyone came to life with the PCC spirit that you carry with you so effortlessly. It truly radiates off of you and it’s a beautiful thing. Never lose the corky sense of humor that makes everyone around you erupt in laughter, because you have such a caring heart (as seen through the Journalism T-shirts), but the greatest gift you can ever give another person is laughter. You’ve given me so much of that this summer, and it means more than you’ll ever know.

Makayla.

I wish you spoke more the first few weeks, because you have so much to say and I’ll never stop wanting to listen. I’ve seen you grow so much this summer, from hating PCC and literally packing your bags, to crying because you never want to leave and wishing you’d come summers before. Remember to always live your lives without those regrets; come out of your shell right away and take chances whenever good opportunities present themselves. You have such a great life to live and I know it’s going to be filled with great accomplishments.

Rebecca.

You are truly a team player. You always stepped up when called upon, helped others when needed, and was so selfless in giving others’ opportunities to shine. I saw this in daly pitch articles, but also in the way you live your life everyday. Keep that same kindness with you every step of your journey through life, which I have no doubt you will because that’s just a valuable initiate quality of yours.

Sophia.

You were a little spit fire coming into Journalism and I’m happy to say you’re even more so after 6 weeks. I’m fully prepared to watch you take the world by storm. Your outspokenness, wit, and charm will get you far in life, but your dedication and heart will keep you there.

Zayn.

Your authenticity and excitement were a pleasure to be around all summer long. You stand out in the world with your caring and compassionate heart, so never try to hide that to blend in. I’m so happy I got to get to know you in the classroom and outside the classroom on the Aqua Floor. Your spirit is evident in every place you inhabit.

Joey.

Thank you for sharing your love of PCC with our whole class, and for being a leader in the PCC spirit. I hope you enjoyed sharing your last summer with us as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you. Always keep PCC a part of you, and always look back on your time here when you need the memories.

Ms. Elman.

Not only did we get to spend 2 unforgettable summers together as students, but we got to experience this program we both love so much together. I couldn’t have survived this summer without you. Whether it be a good laugh, a bagel toasted on 6, or help with photo, you really helped me push through when the sleepless nights and long days caught up to me.

Mr. Tressel.

Although last summer surpassed all my expectations, this summer managed to top it all. I can never thank you enough for your years of wisdom, listening ear, or true love and devotion to this program. Your acknowledgement of all my hardwork, in the open and behind the scenes, and your kind words means so much to me. Thank you not only for continuing my all time favorite PCC class from when I was a student, but for making it 10x better. We went from 3 students, to 7, and I’m expecting many more to follow suit because of your teaching. You always say “This program needs more Carlie Brainards” but this program clearly needs more Ryan Tressels. I’ve never met someone so dedicated to the kids, staff, or program. I mean it when I say that Mike Kulibaba would be proud of the student, proctor, and master teacher you are.

How does someone say goodbye to a class that’s given her so much? She simply doesn’t. Cranberry Redbulls and Chipotle gift cards, even when they’ve all been drunk and used, do not leave you because they came from the heart. Possibly copyrighted T-Shirts never leave your heart, even when they’re not being worn because they signify a family. Music video reenactments are never forgotten because they replay in my mind as happy memories for the rare, but inevitable, gloomy day. I feel blessed to have met every single one of you, and to have not lost any of you to salmonella. You’ve truly made Journalism a piece of Heaven on Earth. I love you.