When I signed up for Journalism I in ninth grade, I didn’t really know what I was getting into. When I walked into Ms. Burke’s class in room 328, I had no idea that this was the room that would become my home. Literally.

It turned out to be one of the most interesting classes that I took at JDS, and it made me excited to join the Lion’s Tale. Before I knew it, I was a reporter.

I started writing stories and going to production nights in my future home. During production it seemed like I was spending more time in room 328 than I was at my home, and Lion’s Tale work soon took precedence over school work. I remember being frustrated about finishing up with production at 8:00 pm and having to drive 20 minutes home and start all of my homework for the night and thinking “I just can’t do this anymore” (I think all staff members can relate haha).

But because of my love of journalism, I decided to continue. But eventually the demands of production became too much. So I decided to move in …

That’s right, just like dozens of staff members before me who have written senior columns, I actually made room 328 my living space.

I went into my closet, found my sleeping bag, packed up my clothes and toiletries and brought them to school with me. That night, I didn’t go home. I didn’t have to waste time driving home, but rather started doing my homework right after production ended and went to bed in my cozy nook under the computers.

My parents were hesitant at first, but they realized that it was necessary for the sake of The Lion’s Tale. I have a couple of plants, a murphy bed that comes out of the wall for guests and this year, I even got a couple of pets.

I’d like to thank The Lion’s Tale for all that it has given me over the years. I have learned invaluable life lessons from my time as a student journalist and most importantly, I’ve gotten to live in my own rent-free apartment for the past two years.