Sometimes, life happens. We’ve all hit that bump in the road, or that obstacle that seems impossible to get over. The world seems to stop spinning and we think that there’s no possible way our lives could get any worse. But somewhere in the mess of it all  is the strength to get back up on the horse: shoulders back, chin high, swallowing that lump in your throat and taking another step forward. After every rough patch is a lesson learned.

Time and time again, the law and ethics that our staff abides by has been challenged. From controversial features to fluffy lifestyles pieces, we write from one end of the spectrum to the other. But one significant factor stays the same: the ability to tell the truth and only the truth.

In this day and age, we find the whole concept of journalism going through a “rough patch.” Readers believe anything that they see online and popular news companies are harshing the name that people have made for the reputation of journalism throughout the ages. That fact is not necessarily fact, but instead is an alternate fact or fake reality. We are staring down a massive change. So, the Tom Tom staff has decided to take a stand against the criticism and prove why journalism matters. More importantly, why each and every Sequoit matters.

Our decision to rebrand the One|Sequoit project came from wanting to shed light on those in our community who strive for change and take the steps in making it happen. Senior Alexa Castino is our first ever One|Sequoit to be featured in the wake of our rebranded project, as she is an exemplary model of a student who tries their hardest to make a difference inside and outside of school. To listen to Alexa’s story, be sure to download the Aurasma app and scan any of our covers. The ultimate goal of the new One|Sequoit project is to challenge our school and community to do better and be better every single day. We want to inspire other Sequoits to be great and to be there own person. To be an original.

Some days, we as a staff feel knocked off of our horse. Whether it’s people complaining about our coverage or not believing that we’re good enough, people can always find a way to make us think that we aren’t living up to the expectations that were set for us to meet. We’re choosing to answer the challenge with our new mission statement; we stand by what we say and what we write, no matter if it might anger some people. Our goal isn’t to make everyone happy; our goal is to educate the community and give voices to the voiceless. In that respect, we’ve decided to get back up on our horse.

In our “G” magazine, the featured stories represent the struggle of getting back up on the horse in our fellow Sequoits’ daily lives. Similar to past magazines, each feature is a cliche that starts with the letter “G.” Staff member Ashley Stephens writes about the hardships of coming back after being suspended from a sport, as well as having limited practice time in “Going Through The Motions.” Aside from the struggles that are quite visible each and every day, staff member William Becker tells the story of hazing in “To Go Too Far.” In “Good Things Come to Those Who Wait,” staff member Nicolas Chiapetta tells the story of athletes who find winter to be the longest season, while staff member John Petty writes about the JV athletes who believe they are destined for greatness on Varsity in “Grin and Bear It.” Digital directors Rebekah Cartlidge and Jack Connelly, news editor Gabrielle Kalisz, lifestyles editor Gracie Bouker and staff member Kyle Whitely gave it the good ‘ole Tom Tom Try at JV cheerleading this month. This magazine is filled with stories about motivating movies to athletes who don’t seem to get enough credit, and that’s just a glimpse look at this action-packed winter sports magazine.

Thank you for taking the time to read our magazine. We hope you enjoy reading, as well as finding the motivation to get back up on your horse and spread awareness throughout our community to make a positive impact on those around you.