Now, as a senior and co-editor-in-chief alongside my friend Henry Rocho, I feel incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come. While the year started off rocky—taking over a month to finalize colors and design ideas—we’ve found our rhythm. I love being part of a creative process that brings stories to life, combining words, photos, and design to make something meaningful.
Being in Valhalla has taught me the power of storytelling and the importance of creativity. Writing isn’t just a skill to me—it’s a way to connect with people, to preserve memories, and to make an impact. I’m lucky to have found a passion that allows me to be both creative and purposeful, and I can’t wait to carry these lessons with me wherever I go next
Hello! My name is Cara Kaslatas, and I am a senior at Grosse Pointe North High School. I have been a proud member of the Valhalla yearbook staff for three years, and my journey with this class has been nothing short of transformative.
When I first joined Valhalla as a sophomore, I honestly hated it. Our advisor was on maternity leave, and we had a substitute who didn’t quite know how to guide us. The class felt chaotic, with assignments that seemed random and disconnected. I didn’t understand the purpose of what I was doing, and I was ready to drop the class altogether.
Everything changed when our advisor, Mrs. Client, returned. She saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognized in myself and asked if I would consider becoming an editor. I was hesitant, but her confidence in me made me think, “Why not give this a real shot?” That decision turned out to be life-changing.
During the second semester of my sophomore year, I discovered a passion for writing that I didn’t know I had. Crafting stories that the entire school would read gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Although I didn’t have much work published that year, I poured myself into learning and growing, determined to come back stronger.
As a junior, I stepped into the role of managing editor, and everything began to click. I gained confidence in interviewing people and wasn’t afraid to ask the tough questions, like “Why?” when I didn’t get the answers I needed. I learned how to embrace constructive criticism from Mrs. Client, using her edits to refine my skills and push my writing to new levels. Most importantly, I realized that what I was creating was more than just words on a page—it was storytelling. I had the opportunity to capture moments, emotions, and memories that would live on in the pages of our yearbook.
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Throughout my three years, I’ve grown tremendously in leadership. Growing up, I was fortunate to have strong leaders in my life who constantly pushed me to be my best and encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone. Now, I’ve come to realize that I, too, am a leader.
As Student Council President, I have the privilege of guiding a group of individuals who are passionate about making an impact in our school and community. In the yearbook, as Editor-in-Chief, I lead a talented team of staffers dedicated to creating a journalistic legacy that captures the essence of our school year. Each of these roles has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, responsibility, and personal growth.
That being said, my leadership journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Early on, I found myself striving for perfection to the point where I hesitated to delegate tasks. I feared that if I didn’t do something myself, it wouldn’t meet my standards. This mindset led to unnecessary stress and an overwhelming workload. Eventually, I realized that true leadership isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about empowering others.
One of the biggest shifts in my leadership style came when I started taking charge at the beginning of class, setting the tone for the day. Every day, I gather the staffers and editors to go over the plan, breaking down what needs to get done and making sure everyone is on the same page. I’ve noticed that direction is often received better coming from a fellow student rather than a teacher—it feels more natural, more collaborative. It also creates a space where my team feels comfortable asking questions, voicing concerns, and working together toward our common goal of producing a good yearbook.
I learned that in order to get things done to my liking, I needed to take the time to teach my team how to achieve those standards. By investing in their growth and skills, I could create a stronger, more capable group. I also recognized the importance of leading by example. While I still struggle with procrastination at times, I understand that being a leader means pushing past my own challenges to ensure the team’s well-being and success.
Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about growth, collaboration, and resilience. These experiences have shaped me into the leader I am today, and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward as I continue to lead, learn, and grow.
One of the things I value most about journalism is the collaborative aspect. I have the opportunity to work alongside so many creative, driven people, and I believe it’s important to build strong relationships with everyone on staff. Forming these connections not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also helps create an environment where we can hold each other accountable. When you have a solid relationship with someone, it becomes easier to be firm when deadlines approach and work needs to get done because there’s already a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
One of my favorite ways we’ve strengthened our team dynamic this year was through a gingerbread house-building activity. Instead of using the typical store-bought kits, we challenged ourselves by using graham crackers and frosting, which forced us to be more creative and think outside the box. It wasn’t just about constructing something edible—it was about problem-solving, teamwork, and fun. We were placed into random groups, which gave us the chance to interact with people we may not have worked with as closely before. It was a fun way to deepen our connections while also reinforcing the importance of working together toward a common goal.
Beyond team bonding activities, the relationships I’ve built with my fellow editors hold a special place in my heart. They are the people I rely on most, and they have played an essential role in shaping this yearbook. The collaboration I’ve shared with them has been one of the highlights of my last few years, and I know it’s something I’ll miss dearly when this chapter comes to an end. Seeing our hard work come together, knowing the effort and dedication that each person has contributed, makes the entire experience so rewarding.
