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Never Say GoodBye 
Jada Ceaser, June 2022

From the very first BALM meeting, where a group of inspired students began a magazine with no idea on where to begin, to the very last issue I will ever be a part of as a graduating senior, I have nothing but amazing things to say about the journey that The Brooks Arts and Literary Magazine has taken me on. I have served many positions on The BALM, including co-founder, executive editor, website designer, honorary task coordinator, and don’t forget that I was the resident Harry Styles expert (though no one can truly take my spot). To get the cliches out of the way, I have been able to learn about my strengths and weaknesses as a result of participating in The BALM. For example, I know that I am a strong editor, and I take pride in being able to provide helpful advice for our writing members (shout-out Mr. Ejzak for that sophomore year education), which leads me to my weakness. I believe that my writing skills are just flourishing. My writing style is more research-oriented and analytical, and I do wish that I could go back and explore my writing capabilities in a more relaxed style. The BALM certainly offers the space, so that one is on me for not utilizing the space. 
Enough with the formalities, though; I’d rather explore some of the specific memories that The BALM has given me that simply cannot be recreated. ​

1.

BALM’s virtual launch party celebrations circa online school were events that were not to be missed! Though choosing a movie to watch was the most stressful thing ever, the togetherness and celebration of releasing another beautiful issue is a feeling of triumph that I already miss dearly. ​
The all nighters with the website design team were insane to say the least. These occurred during virtual learning and were a complete doozy every third Thursday of the month. I was originally terrified of using Weebly, but once I was able to become a part of the website design team, I was initiated into the “website dump” session that lasted until way beyond 3 am. Great memories, but awful sleep schedule. ​

2.


​3.

Last, but certainly not least, are the countless after-meeting conversations that are bound to take place at any given BALM meeting. Though this phenomenon started during virtual learning, it continued into the in-person school year. Even after Elisa’s dismissal of “Take care of yourself, eat something and drink some water,” there was essentially another meeting taking place of casual conversation happening between members. It just goes to show that no one ever wants to leave the BALM space. 
​So as I close and say my final goodbyes to The BALM, I want to say a very hefty thank you to the magazine itself. I have truly enjoyed my part of building this publication and club from the ground up, and it would have never been possible without the hard work and participation of the dedicated founders. There is never truly a final goodbye (despite what I said earlier), but rather a see you later. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the new members who have already taken the torch into their hands. 
See you later, 
Jada Ceaser :-)

Jada Ceaser

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  • Home
    • Black History Month Collection >
      • Angelica Dass: The Nature of Color
      • Chicago's Historian, My Father
      • Top 3 Black Artists
      • Pain For Profit
      • Black Historical Figures
      • Hiding Behind the Strength
    • Black History Month 2023 >
      • The Diaspora Wars
      • Growing Up Black
      • The Duality of Afro-Latinos
      • 5 Thing That Make me Happy as a Black Person
      • Black Girls' Hair
      • Hot Takes From A Tired Black Girl
    • Women's History Month >
      • Books Written by Women
      • women are amazing
      • Anonymous Stories: Women’s History Month
    • Hispanic Heritage Month >
      • Hispanic Heritage Month
      • Top 5 Books for Hispanic Heratige Month
      • El Día de los Muertos - FAQ
      • Mexican Independence Day
      • Hispanic Artists
      • Hispanic Authors
    • PODCAST >
      • Love & Dating
      • All Things Black History
    • BALM Founders
    • Teacher's Corner >
      • Teacher's Corner: Gordon
      • Teacher's Corner: Ejzak
      • Teacher's Corner: David
      • Teacher's Corner: Wilde
    • Sports/Clubs
    • Student Businesses
    • Resources >
      • LGBTQ+ Resources
  • Meet Us
    • Socials >
      • Google Forms
  • This Month
    • Op-Eds >
      • What Does It Mean to Fear?
      • The Controversy with Kpop Survival Shows
      • Being Aromantic
      • Why is the AC So Hated? (From an 8th Grader)
      • 5 Things That Make Me Happy as a Queer Person
      • Being An Only Child
      • Being The Youngest Sibling
      • The Downfall of Legos
      • Helicopter Parents and The Fear of Growing Up
      • I'm Done
      • Yes, You Are the Problem
    • Media Reviews >
      • Radiohead - OK Computer
      • Ride the Cyclone Review
      • White Male Rage Movies
      • Top 5 Movies
      • Album Review : DESVELADO - Eslabon Armado
      • Why I Love Steven Universe
      • Book v. Movie: The Hunger Games
    • CREATIVE WRITING >
      • Atlas
      • Armageddon
      • Groups of Three
      • Peace Lilies
      • Father
      • I'll always remember you
    • Location Reviews >
      • Navy Pier
    • Sports Panel >
      • Chess Team Sports Analysis
  • Featured Article
  • Farewell Articles
    • MORANT
    • Final Advice from a DONE Senior
    • Funny Friend
    • Why Everyone Should Go to WashU
    • High School Was NOT The Musical
    • Immigration in Florida
    • Being The Older Sibling
    • My Goodbye Article
    • High School Musical Review from a Senior's Perspective
    • Top 3 Senior statements