Web | photojournalist

I am working to get these photos (and more) published as a photo gallery on ODYSSEY online. When I went to India, I approached people easily to do short interviews and to photograph them because I am genuinely interested in learning about people’s lives. I want the photo gallery to portray the diversity, beauty and hardships of India's culture.

The blog "Feminism isn't a dirty word" focuses on why I started the Women Studies club at Clarke Central High School. I wanted a forum where both male and female students could study prominent women and their contributions, and to challenge skewed cultural standards. I also hoped I could act as a mentor to younger students who needed support as they questioned patriarchal institutions. We were able to create this supportive atmosphere through specific discussion rules and promoting inclusion and validation. I feel each of us is now an agent of change who will create ripples throughout our society.

This piece was published March 6, 2017. During my trip to India, I interviewed several people in different places. However, I felt that the best content and stories came from a sustainable farming community. Here, I spoke to a gender course instructor and one of the students who attended the three day seminar.

Although I have had multiple works published on my school magazine’s website, certain qualities of specific pieces have shaped my experience and ways of thinking as a writer. Writing one of my most recently published reviews on the latest David Bowie album was a new and intriguing experience. Because the album was released just days before his death, I had to find a way to write about this album in a somewhat objective, yet sensitive way. I have been a David Bowie fan since I was six years old, so I faced challenges putting into words the emotions and true meaning behind Bowie's thematic consciousness.