Most fairy tales start with the same four words: once upon a time.  These stories are timeless tales meant to teach us life lessons, establish morals and provide happy endings. Each story—complete with princesses and princes, dragons and mythical creatures, and evil witches and wizards—has a unique spin crafted from the golden thread of each classic writer’s spinning wheel. The words weave tightly to create tales that are passed on from generation to generation. These unique narratives are the works of originals—people who choose not to make excuses, but instead choose to make things happen. This magazine, this year, this staff are dedicated to just that idea.

We as a Tom Tom staff are seeking to break boundaries and build captivating tales of our own through each of our eight magazines this year. The first, “O,” starts our journalistic odyssey. What readers will notice is that our cover is quite empty. All that can be seen is a faint letter “O” overlaying a Sequoit original, senior Liz Taylor. We’ve made it our goal to theme each magazine in an “out of the box” way and create the features inside to reflect absolute originality. Our magazines, when complete, will spell the word “originals,” our theme for this school year. Each section of features will be filled with cliche headlines, the most unoriginal pieces of writing. Instead of relying on this lack of originality, we thought we would make the unoriginal original again. Our covers will also feature a variety of students that we feel are originals in the school community–each special and unique in their own way. For me, this magazine and journey in itself is meant to be original. This magazine and journey all begin with four words: once upon a time.

Once upon a time, I was a small, voiceless sophomore who had the dream of making a difference in the lives of others. My story started with me sitting in the back corner of the media lab on my first day of Tom Tom. Being one of two sophomores surrounded by all upperclassmen, I was petrified to even talk. Fast forward two years and I feel as if my real story has finally begun.

Now, being the person that I’ve changed into over time, I don’t have the option to be quiet and sit in the corner. Instead of always questioning myself, I get asked the questions. Instead of being able to cower in the back, I stand at the front of the room. Instead of writing short, fluff pieces buried in the magazine, I’m responsible for writing the note that sets the tone for all eight magazines. Going from the shy girl who didn’t know her place in the world to the woman in charge, made me evolve into someone I was proud of: a leader, an Editor-in-Chief, an original.

I will not make excuses. I will make things happen.

This magazine is full of impact. Our features look at controversy and comfort. The first, “Once in a Blue Moon,” written by senior department editor Rachel Beckman, finds one Sequoit’s story of pain a once-in-a-million chance. The fourth, “On a Soapbox,” written by senior digital director Jack Connelly, looks at the characters in stories who aren’t afraid to express their opinions. Sandwiched in between are features written by myself and managing editor Paige Hope. Paige’s feature, “Out of the Woods,” shows how sometimes great challenges inspire a new, positive outlook on life. My feature, “One Thing Led to Another,” exposes one of our most secretive behaviors: sex. Outside of these original stories are a variety of department pieces that include horror films to watch this Halloween season, makeup tips, fall fashion, sleep cycles, up-to-date news and sports and so much more.

Come with us as we embark on a journey; one that begins now. One that begins with four simple words: once upon a time.