Photo credit: Siena Ferraro

A collage of some of my many Archer humanities memories is compiled above. From my Used Book Fairs to the Literature &… Conference, its safe to say the English department at this school has changed my life.

It’s August 2021, and I have no idea who I am.

At its genesis, my freshman year was stymied in its nascency. Every coming-of-age film force-fed to me by Disney Channel fostered a festering desire for explosive teen-hood embedded deep within my psyche; thus, I embarked upon a crusade for selfhood.

My grandiose quest towards identity began with a brief stint in theater, where I quickly learned my aptitude was much higher behind the curtains than in front of them. Come spring of ninth grade, at my father’s request, this writer schlepped herself to the backfield for soccer tryouts.

For ego’s sake, I need not explain the outcome of that grass-stained, sweaty afternoon.

It felt as though nothing was meant for me. Vehemently lamenting into my journals, I scribbled away my strife, observing my life as if it were a bout of creative nonfiction.

After writing tirelessly about my own existence, it was in my sophomore year that I had an epiphany: Maybe the missing puzzle piece that would allow me to fit was storytelling itself. That same year, I joined The Oracle. Over the course of my three years on staff, I’ve penned a multitude of articles; with each one, my writing abilities further flourished — my time spent in the journalism course has fostered my growth as a creative thinker and given me deeper purpose.

I was writing more than I ever had. Reader, for the first time in my life, I genuinely felt alive.

The clack of my fingertips against my keyboard became second-nature. I always had (and still have) the Merriam Webster Word of the Day open in a tab somewhere on my laptop. I was constantly rearranging pangrams in my head.

At long last, my ardor for writing finally came to the forefront of my existence.

I didn’t stop at journalism. English rapidly earned the accolade of “Siena’s Very Favorite Class.” I can recall more than one instance during which my teacher would assign a multipage essay and, in the midst of my classmates groans and silent eye-rolling, I felt giddy. I’d saunter into each class with an eagerness akin to a millennial in Disneyland — there was (and is) no greater joy to me than engaging with an Archer English course.

It is at this point in my tale that I simply must highlight the incredible English department that has, for certain, changed my life. Never have I met such a special, compassionate, driven group of teachers and role models.

Firstly, Mr. Russo: In ninth grade, I was — as this piece has established — a hot mess. Mr. Russo was the first teacher to ever truly pique my interest in reading a bit deeper into a book or pushing my vocabulary further. Mr. Russo, you planted the seeds for my affinity for writing, and for that I thank you so, so much.

Next, Ms. Rubin: Sophomore year was quite transformative for me; Ms. Rubin is largely responsible for the bulk of my growth as a writer that occurred that year. Ms. Rubin, thank you for believing in me — your kindness, coupled with your brilliance with the pen, continues to inspire me to this day.

Then, in junior year, Ms. Keelty: Where do I begin? In Ms. Keelty’s class, I finally found my voice — not just on the page, but as a speaker, an academic and a human. Ms. Keelty, you have been and continue to be one of my greatest mentors in life. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me.

Finally, senior year rolled around. Somehow, Ms. Nott (who I owe my life to) managed to fit all four English seminars into my schedule, meaning I took two Advanced Study English courses per semester.

First semester, I was blessed with the holy combination of Ms. Deming and Mr. Wog. From analyzing the psychology of late-stage capitalism to cringing at the twisted tale, The Tiger’s Bride, I quite literally felt my brain stretch in the best way taking Happiness and Fairy Tales.

Ms. Deming, you not only reinforced my waning knowledge of grammar rules, but my self-confidence as a young writer in the midst of college applications — thank you for being you, and sharing yourself with me. Mr. Wog, being your student and collaborating with you on the Literature &… Leadership Board reminded me of why I love storytelling. Your humor, brightness and mentorship continue to inspire me, and I am so grateful to have been your student.

Now, as a second semester senior (the lethal triple-“S,” if you will), I’m taking Artist and the Machine with Ms. Nicolard, and Hyperreal with Mr. Russo. These courses have been perfect, full-circle bookends to my Archer English career; not only are they endlessly interesting, but they incorporate concepts from English courses of years past.

Ms. Nicolard, thank you for teaching me to not be so hard on myself. You handle my frustration and writer’s block with such grace and understanding, and I am so grateful for our connection.

And finally, to Ms. Taylor — thank you for supporting me throughout my journey as a scholastic journalist. You have taught me so much about leadership, reporting and, of course, AP Style, and I appreciate the lessons you’ve given me so much.

Over the past four years, every essay I penned, book I’ve annotated and discussion I’ve engaged in has shaped me into the thinker and scholar I am today.

Thank you, Archer English department, for changing my life.