The hour I spent sitting across from The New York Times chief fashion critic, Vanessa Friedman, changed my life. I was in awe of how she used fashion to talk about everything from politics, to religion, to the economy, and I realized the power of journalism to reveal—as well as shape—ways of thinking. I had found my calling. I promptly joined my high school newspaper and by the end of my sophomore year, I was writing op-eds, publishing in national magazines and hosting my own podcast. I worked on honing my journalism skills and became editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, as well as the fashion magazine. I’m committed to highlighting issues that matter to and affect my community and well beyond, and I want to ethically use the power of my voice to reach my peers, to stimulate conversation, and to inspire ideas, knowing that together, we can make the world a little bit better.

As a Forty Acres Scholar at UT Austin, I am proud to have joined a community of changemaking intellectuals, fellow students who already feel like family, who will help me deepen my impact at UT and beyond. My experiences in journalism have taught me that problem-solving and innovation are the direct result of meaningful collaboration. I’m excited to spend the next four years collaborating with my fellow Forty Acres Scholars, who share my passion for learning, laughing, living our best lives and giving back. I am grateful to be a part of the amazing Forty Acres and UT community.

Major
Journalism

Other Academic Interests 
Art History, Theology, Philosophy, and Political Science.

Extracurricular Activities
Interned with New York State Senator Brad Hoylman Sigal, interned with Girls' Life Magazine, Youth Journalism International 2024 Excellence in Journalism First Place Award, Feature Writing by an Individual, Youth Journalism International 2024 Excellence in Journalism Finalist, Frank Keegan Award for News Reporting, published in Ms. Magazine, Los Angeles HSI, West Side Rag, Girls' Life, Clique Magazine, and The Teen Magazine.

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program?
The idea of spending my time in college being surrounded by such an inspiring group of young people that push me to go above and beyond everyday sounded like the perfect way to spend my college career!