I was seventeen when I attended a talk with Clarissa Ward. Only two minutes into hearing about her experience working as a war zone reporter in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places, I knew I wanted to be a journalist in some capacity.

Starting new adventures at the end of UCLA, to many, is ironic.
You are on the verge of graduating – moving into the big, wide world.

The Daily Bruin changed me – but not in the way you would think.
Attending UCLA was a dream of mine. When it came true, I knew I was up for a challenge.

When I first walked into Kerckhoff Hall, I carried 37 years of uncertainty with me.
I carried community college nights that felt endless. I carried imposter syndrome.

A little over four years ago, I received my acceptance to UCLA.
I felt a multitude of emotions: happiness, validation, disbelief, gratitude and fear. I viewed UCLA as the final destination after years of hard work.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you have and why?
We’ve all heard this question a thousand times. It’s a go-to ice breaker, no matter how old you are.

I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember.
I was the shy kid in class who spent time writing fictional characters and mystical-like plotlines in my notebooks.