Sophie's Diary: I can't wait to see what the next three years might bring

‘Why it pays off to be a little mad’, or something along those lines, was tucked in the top right corner of page 53 of the Falkirk Herald. A little 14-year-old face stared back at mine, complete with bright red hair, dodgy winged eyeliner and a swollen face from having a cold. This was me three years ago. Finding these articles gave me a chance to reflect on the time which has passed since I begun my Falkirk Herald adventure and has made me realise I’ve actually come quite a long way since my work experience in January 2013.

One of the biggest changes has been my physical appearance. Comparing my first Herald headshot to what I look like now, it’s almost as if I’m a completely different person. Even in the shot which is used in the paper today looks nothing like me. Customers I serve at work often ask if I’m the girl who writes for the Herald once they know my name. However, my blonde friend and colleague Suzanne is often mistaken for me. For those of you not sure – I’ve got long brunette hair, my face has matured a bit and I’ve finally mastered the art of winged eyeliner.

Appearance aside, the most important change I’ve noticed is the development in my writing. I’ve gone from talking about nonsense that doesn’t matter to writing about things that take my readers interests into account. As an 18-year-old, it’s not easy writing to an older audience so I believe I have become a braver journalist and I’m proud of that.

During my time so far spent writing for the Herald, a lot has changed in the world and it wasn’t until I found those old articles that it hit me how long three years actually is. A lot can change and I’ve developed as a person and a journalist during this time. I can’t wait to see what the next three years might bring. Who knows, perhaps I’ll go blonde again?