FEATURE WRITING:
Features allow me to explore a variety of essential issues more deeply. Typically, the process begins with learning something new — whether that be an insight from a friend about their unique living situation or a local council member's comment about the harmful effects of racial bias in the education system. Feature writing allows me to develop a unique tone depending on my angle and provides me with the freedom to discuss human interest stories important to my community.
2021 First Place Feature for Youth Journalism International
Overcoming obstacles in foster care
After hearing about the experiences of a friend in the foster care system, I decided that her story needed to be heard. Determined to shed light on this often-overlooked topic, I interviewed anyone I could that would give me a better understanding of not only what my friend went through but how the system impacts students as a whole. I credit much of the early stages of my journalistic development to this piece and the emotionally educational writing process that came with it.
Illustration by Isabelle Nunes
2021 Honorable Mention for Journalism Education Association of Northern California
Beneath the surface
In light of the Black Lives Matter protests nationwide and in my community, I highlighted how implicit bias impacts students at an incredibly vulnerable age. Through research and personal statements, I discussed how such biases are ingrained within America’s education system. I reached out to my peers, city councilwomen, and lawyers with unique perspectives on systemic racism to gain a well-rounded analysis of the issue.
Illustration by Isabelle Nunes
2021 First Place Sports Feature for California Press Women
Beyond the glamour
As my first sports feature, this piece pushed me out of my comfort zone. While I had read a constant flow of features covering sports like swimming, football, and track, I had never seen one covering ballroom dance in my community. It is certainly a unique sport, but I knew there was a high presence of ballroom dancers in my school and sought to uncover their experiences within the field. Through this feature, I discovered that beyond the glamour of uniforms and painted faces lied the intense struggles of ballroom dance.
Photo by Olga Simakova
Trailblazers: redefining Boy Scouts
At my school, I noticed there was a considerable increase in the number of girls joining Boy Scouts — something I didn’t even know was possible until my junior year. After doing some investigating, I discovered that despite years of fighting to participate in Scouts, this was a relatively new development. Eager to cover the story, I interviewed multiple girls who had joined the program and even some of the first female Eagle Scouts in history. My sources spoke with strength, integrity, and confidence. Ultimately, I was honored to share their stories with my community and inspire young individuals to follow in their lead.
Photo by Christopher Parker