NSPA
During the 2024-2025 school year, I was the Design, Entertainment & Opinion Editor. Although it was busy, I took on the three editor positions because I genuinely enjoyed each of the sections, working with those in those sections, and publishing stories and designs using the skill I learned from those positions. I experimented with different multimedia, from video to podcasts and maps to timelines. Using both Adobe tools and free tools online, I created new multimedia to perfectly complement stories and help readers see the full picture. These designs were published on our website and also in our magazine, which I pushed for and facilitated along with our Editor-in-Chiefs. I created these supplements for both my stories and others', always offering a helping hand wherever I could; when I couldn't produce a full infographic for a peer, I focused on offering critique and helpful feedback to help them achieve their vision. I, too, ask for and utilize feedback from others to improve my work, skills, and character, always taking inspiration from leaders in the newsroom. Throughout my time on West Side Story, I've grown in so many different areas: photography, videography, writing, but also in skills like self-discipline and communication. Journalism isn't just about the work; it's about the knowledge you gain and the connections you make along the way. West Side Story has allowed me to form relationships throughout the community and gain powerful opportunities to set me up for my future, and I will continue to push the website to reach its fullest potential.
10/7/24
West experienced two faculty changes in band directors in two consecutive years. Following up our article covering the first new director, our Photo Editor and I explored how two completely new band directors wanted to improve the program while maintaining the legacy of our previous directors.
11/1/24
After season 2 of "Heartstopper" was released, I recorded a podcast with our Features Editor and Assistant Video Editor about our opinions on the season. As avid watchers of the show, we explored how they handled darker themes as well as how characters grew, and how it is reflective of teen culture, even at West High.
4/8/25
In response to President Donald Trump's controversial policies of tariffs, deportation, DEI cuts and more, Iowa City joined the nationwide "Hands Off!" movement. On the day of the protest, our Photo Editor took photos of demonstrators downtown while I researched protests across the country to cover the event and give the movement the platform it deserves.
5/12/25
In preparation of West's biennial author visit, I worked with our librarian to secure an interview with well-known Muslim-American author Samira Ahmed about her experiences as an author as well as a person of color. After taking notes during her panel, I also interviewed student panelists, some of whom were aspiring authors who took inspiration and formed connections with the help of Ahmed.
5/29/25
After a paraeducator came to us about an incident he had with a distracted driver, I worked with our Editor-in-Chief and our Photo Editor to write an in-depth article on the dangers of distracted driving. We talked to students, principals from other high schools, driver's ed instructors, and even a city engineer. We ran it on our website and in our magazine to reach as many students as possible and make a change.