Reporting and Writing: Newsmagazine
I’ve been writing for the Arapahoe Herald throughout all four years of high school, and it’s been an amazing journey. From covering brief and fun stories to digging into features, I’ve had the chance to sharpen my skills and discover just how much I love telling meaningful stories. There’s something thrilling about chasing a story, asking the right questions and weaving it all into something that informs and inspires others. Writing isn’t just something I do; it’s the heart of who I am, a passion that drives me to uncover stories, connect with people and bring ideas to life.
Features
Your Vote Is Your Voice
My senior year, I wrote this feature to explore how students were engaging with the 2024 election amidst national trends of youth voter apathy. The article delves into student frustrations with the current political landscape, the role of social media in shaping political views and the importance of active participation in the democratic process. Through interviews with teachers and students, it highlights efforts to educate young voters on the significance of their involvement and the broader impact of their choices on the future.
Warrior Strong
Tragically, my school, like so many others, was the site of a shooting that ended in two deaths: those of a 17-year-old girl who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and the shooter, a senior at the school. To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the shooting, I wrote an in-depth feature, interviewing several staff who were in the school at the time, the principal, a mental health supervisor and current students about the events and how the community has come together to heal.
Cracking the Code
This was the first feature I wrote freshman year, focusing on the evolving dress code at Arapahoe. The article explores student and administrative perspectives on the policy, including concerns about outdated trends, cultural biases and restrictions on popular clothing items like crop tops.
News
Something to Chat About
I wrote this sophomore year to explore the growing presence of AI in classrooms and its impact on education and society. The article examines the controversy surrounding AI tools like ChatGPT, which some students use to cheat, and the differing perspectives of teachers and students on its role in learning.
'He Just Loved Being Here'
I wrote this obituary sophomore year to honor Remzija Curic, a beloved custodian at Arapahoe High School who passed away at age 63. Known for his unwavering smile and kind spirit, Curic dedicated 17 years to the school, building lasting relationships with staff and students alike. Through heartfelt tributes from colleagues and administrators, the piece highlights his selfless nature, his journey from Bosnia, and the legacy he leaves behind, including his twin sons.
Sports
Side Out
I wrote this sports feature my senior year, reflecting on my own injury and the broader challenges student-athletes face when sidelined. The article explores the physical and emotional toll of sports-related injuries through personal stories and expert insights, including athletes overcoming ACL tears, concussions and season-ending setbacks. It also highlights the resilience and support systems that help players recover and rediscover their passion for their sport.
I wrote this sports article my sophomore year for the Arapahoe Xtra website (linked above), focusing on the resilience and dedication of Arapahoe’s girls cross country team. Despite challenges like injuries to key athletes, the team remains determined to build on its impressive legacy, which includes two state titles and a top national ranking. The article highlights the grueling training regimen, mental and physical preparation, and the camaraderie among senior leaders as they aim for a strong finish to their season. Their story showcases the hard work and optimism driving their pursuit of excellence.
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You Got Served
My freshman year, I wrote about the debut of boys volleyball as a sanctioned sport in Colorado high schools, highlighting the formation of the Littleton Public Schools team. The article explores how the sport brings together athletes from rival schools, including Arapahoe, Heritage and Littleton, under one unified team.
Band of Sisters
This was my first big sports article I wrote for The Herald my freshman year, focusing on the rising girls wrestling program at Arapahoe High School. The piece highlights the team’s growth, the challenges faced by athletes in a demanding sport and the camaraderie built among teammates. Despite being a newer program, the team has shown significant skill development, proving their determination and resilience. With shared practices alongside the boys team, the athletes have fostered a supportive, family-like environment while breaking down stereotypes about girls in wrestling.
Profiles
Stage Might
My sophomore year, I wrote this profile about Moya Goodiel, a talented student who landed the lead role in the school’s spring musical, "The Little Mermaid." The piece highlights her journey from childhood performances to becoming a standout on the high school stage. It explores Goodiel's dedication to theater, the challenges of balancing rehearsals and academics and the joy she finds in stepping into a character’s world. Despite occasional stage fright, she continues to thrive, supported by her family and peers, while dreaming of a future filled with music.
Politically Correct
This was the first big article I wrote my freshman year about Chris Kahler, a student leader who has been involved in student government since middle school. The article highlights Kahler's journey to becoming student body president, his commitment to organizing events and helping other clubs, and his passion for leadership. It also touches on his interest in psychology and how his role has helped him connect with others at school.
Op-Ed
Letters of Recommendation
I wrote this editorial my junior year encouraging students to make the most of their time at Arapahoe by taking on new challenges and embracing opportunities. From joining or starting clubs to supporting underrepresented sports teams and stepping outside comfort zones, the article offered advice on personal growth and exploration. It emphasized the importance of being true to oneself and recommended engaging in activities that might not be part of the standard high school experience, like reading for pleasure or participating in non-academic events.
A Freshman Reflection
I wrote this reflection my freshman year, recalling the challenges and highlights of my first year at Arapahoe. Despite being an introvert and navigating a new environment, I made lasting memories, from getting lost on the first days of school to writing my first articles for The Herald. The piece highlights personal growth, new friendships, and moments that made my freshman year memorable, with a sense of anticipation for what’s to come in the future.
What Music Is Worth
Freshman year, I wrote this commentary about the controversy surrounding Neil Young and Joni Mitchell pulling their music from Spotify in protest of Joe Rogan's podcast, citing his spread of misinformation and use of racial slurs. While I supported their decision, as a fan of their music, I found myself frustrated by the limited impact of their protest.
'Lady' Warriors are Warriors
I wrote this commentary my freshman year about the term "Lady Warriors" and its implications for female athletes. I argued that the term, used to distinguish female athletes from their male counterparts, reinforces outdated gender norms and undermines the competitive spirit of the sport. Drawing from Baylor University's recent decision to stop using "Lady" for its women's sports teams, I emphasized that all athletes should be referred to as "Warriors" to promote equality and respect, and ultimately promoted change at Arapahoe.
Do the Bare Minimum
For the very first issue of The Herald I worked on, I wrote about the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity of wearing masks at school. I expressed frustration with the continued spread of the virus, despite the availability of vaccines, and emphasized that masks are a crucial defense against it. Highlighting the impact on students’ school experiences, I called for everyone to follow health guidelines and do their part to prevent further disruption.
