I definitely can tell I’m a senior with these last weeks of summer. Busy, busy, busy!

School is starting in a little more than two weeks, and there are so many things to look forward to: soccer, Ahlahasa editor business and being a senior alone:

– I really enjoy playing soccer. This Friday is our first season game against Waseca, and I am pumped! I haven’t been in a competitive soccer game for over a year because of my anterior cruciate ligament injury last fall, but I’m ready to get back into the game. I’m excited for long practices, team dinners, winning and all the stuff that comes with being a part of the team.

– This year’s team motto is “Back to State in ’08!” After only graduating four seniors last year and keeping the other state roster players, we will be ready. I have a good feeling about this year and can’t wait to get back on the field.

Journalism, my passion. I am excited for this year because I am one of two editors of the Albert Lea High School Ahlahasa. I get to do something I love and be a leader while doing it. What could be better?

– This year Ahlahasa and yearbook are going to be separated the first semester, unlike last year when they were combined into a publications class. I think this will provide both publications with more independence and quality. There won’t be any overlapping of Ahlahasa and yearbook deadlines for anyone on staff and that’ll relieve some of the stress some of the people on last year’s staff felt. It’ll be a nice change.

Along with things to look forward to in the school year there are also things I won’t be looking forward to: college picking, scholarship applications, goodbyes and homework:

– The whole process of picking one college to go to after high school is stressful. It is such a big decision to make and there are pros and cons to wherever you choose to go. I’ve been on two college visits so far and I only have a general idea of what I am looking for in a college, a good journalism program, access to internships, a reasonable tuition cost and possibly soccer. The only part I’m looking forward to is having my mind finally set and being accepted.

– Homework is never fun. No matter what class. Sometimes I wish we could just learn all the information in class and take a test at the end of the week, but then I remember that studying for tests can be just as bad as homework itself. I will just have to continue being responsible because it all counts in the end.

– Goodbyes are always tough for me. I think it is because you never know what will happen. You have to believe that everything will be all right and you’ll see each other again. These last weeks of summer will bring lots of goodbyes and change for me with last year’s graduating class heading off to their first year of college. It is hard after becoming friends over the years and looking to them for inspiration. There were situations this past year I have no idea how I would’ve gotten through without their help. For them I am ultimately thankful and the lessons I’ve learned will always be with me. So will they.

With school starting it also brings the end of my summer internship here at the Albert Lea Tribune. I am truly saddened by the fact that I won’t get to see each and everyone of the staff here every day. I have learned so much about writing and advertising. I’ve learned different writing styles, and I’ve learned different ways to approach people and be successful.

There is nothing I would’ve traded this experience for. I am so lucky to have met so many wonderful people all under one roof. Everything I learned this summer at the Tribune will be carried over into my Ahlahasa writing and my writing for future publications. So I give a big thank you to everyone on the Albert Lea Tribune staff. It has been an adventure. Best wishes to all, and I hope to see all of you around Albert Lea this year.

Ashley Stewart is an intern at the Albert Lea Tribune, and she will be a senior this fall at Albert Lea High School.