Sometimes I wish I could have been a staff writer and an illustrator. This past April Mr. R organized a field trip for the Ed Board to Seattle for a journalism convention. We ran around between three buildings — two convention centers and a hotel — watching speakers discuss writing, editing, videography, and everything else in journalism. It left an impact on me. I realized the importance of journalism in society; journalists are truth tellers, debunkers, people who keep our nation in check. In turn, I realized how vital our work on the Jacket is within the Berkeley High School community. I regret that I didn’t leave much time to read the quality writing of our staff, but what can I say, I’m an illustration editor — I just get to look at the artwork. Even so, witnessing the work behind the scenes during late night every other week where editors stay at school, sometimes until 8 p.m., I can say with confidence that our work is impressive, valuable, and can spark change in our community.
Saying goodbye to the Jacket feels bittersweet. I am proud of my contributions to the illustration section. When I was on staff, illustration felt isolated, not only from the rest of the sections, but within our own team. Each Friday I would sit at the same table, in the same chair, get my assignment and leave as fast as possible. I never expected to be the one making people stay the duration of the meeting — it’s a lot harder than it looks standing at the front of a room trying to make 20 people laugh with a funny story every Friday at lunch for two years. Even by the end of my second year as illustration editor, leading felt like I was performing stand-up for a bunch of judgmental teenagers purposely testing my pride. But when I do make them laugh, it feels like a well-earned reward. Since becoming an editor, I’m proud to say our section operates more cohesively. Still, there’s more I wish I could have done to foster further improvements. But I can rest assured that Iris and Natalia will serve as exceptional leaders next year; they’ll have the opportunity to pick up the torch and keep making improvements they deem possible and worthwhile.
Iris, thank you for being the best co-editor. I have endless love for you — not only as an incredible artist and leader, but also as my friend. You brought the energy to every meeting and Monday late night — your infectious laughter always disrupting the focused air of the room. You are a feature in all my favorite Jacket memories. Mr. R, thank you for pushing me to apply for the editor position. From digital art to leadership to people skills, the Jacket has given me so much indispensable knowledge.
My four years on the Jacket have taught me far more than how to illustrate journalistically. As a freshman on illustration staff, I knew nothing about journalism, let alone journalistic art. But the Jacket revealed the power of illustration to bring the reader to the story, beyond the catchy headline. Neither art nor writing can stand alone — they work together to achieve the most important goal: keeping students informed and fostering community among a wonderfully diverse student body.