Senior memoir: Jenna Pederson

Here it is, the big moment! Graduation! Never did I expect the final semester of my senior year to be spent sitting in my bed with my Irish coffee, in my pajamas, while going to class on Zoom. But here we are. It’s happening! 

I’ve always been obsessed with creative writing. As a kid I’d write little books and make my friends create awful short films. Luckily, these films will never see the light of day.

After graduating from College of DuPage, I chose to go to Elmhurst College because I loved the picturesque campus and variety of extra circulars.

It was one of my best decisions. I’ve had incredible, supportive English teachers that have helped me grow. Elmhurst College didn’t have huge lecture halls filled with people that I could get lost in. The idea of getting to know a bunch of strangers was terrifying.

Despite my love for creative writing, I ironically spent years saying I wouldn’t be a journalist. I find a lot of the mainstream news informative but sad. I’ve always liked stories with happy endings, as Disney as that sounds.

After writing a creative story for Dr. Ron’s class, he invited me to a meeting for The Leader. To be honest, I was scared to join because I don’t like sharing my writing. But everyone was really nice and open to different ideas.

I got to write about all the celebrity drama, gossip and my favorite thing – astrology. I grew to really enjoy journalism; it gave me the chance to share trending pop culture news.

Working for the paper gave me the chance to have my voice be heard the best way a shy girl can, through writing.

We all have a story to tell.

All of us have a voice, and we need it to be heard whether it’s through books, articles, films, songs, a painting, a conversation, or anything else.

When we see injustice or a cause that needs fighting for, it’s up to us to stand up and say something.