I’m Amelya Ho, and I’m currently a senior at Lake Highlands High School that’s impatiently waiting for graduation.
I play the oboe and percussion in the band, I dance competitively, and I also play the piano. For my last year of high school, I had the opportunity to join the Fang, and it was one of the best decisions I could’ve made.
I had a hole in my class schedule the summer before my senior year, and I didn’t know what class to take. I thought I would be too busy to join the newspaper, but my close friend, Caroline Zink (the editor of the yearbook), was urging me to do it. I knew I loved the teacher, Mrs. Macias, because I had her for journalism my freshman year, so I decided to sign up for the class.
I went into the newspaper blindly, and when it came to writing my first article of the year, I tried to remember things I’d been taught three years ago from journalism class. It was honestly a little bit of a struggle, but Mrs. Macias and all of the editors were so incredibly patient and supportive. I eventually got the hang of it and writing articles became easier and easier.
Even with my limited experience, I was persuaded to participate in UIL feature writing with the editors and Mrs. Macias’ encouragement. It was such a fun experience and I’m incredibly grateful that I had the support of the staff around me to do it.
Outside of writing articles, I’ve been able to bond with the Fang staff through field trips like ice skating at the Galleria and trying drinks at Church Road Coffee. The LHHS Fang staff is a small group of students, but they’re the best you can ask for in high school.
I made great friends who I’ve been able to talk to about anything, and Mrs. Macias is the most encouraging teacher I could ask for. From gossip to college decisions to UIL feature writing, the Fang staff has been with me every step of the way of my senior year, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Even though joining the Fang wasn’t part of my plan, it has become an integral part of my daily schedule, and I will miss it dearly.
