I joined Align Magazine, a student-run arts, lifestyle, fashion and culture publication, my first year of college as a writer and became the Executive Writing Editor my third year. As the Editor-in-Chief my senior year, I kept the student media organization afloat logistically, directing both print and digital departments, supporting 200 plus members, managing a $50,000 budget and ensuring the printing of 1,000 magazine copies three times a year.

Every term for 11 terms, I pitched my writing piece and then worked with a photographer, art director, designer, models and sometimes an illustrator to create a spread printed in the magazine.

For the Fall 2024 issue, I wrote “Hair Done, Nails Done, Teeth Done,” a feature story on two student entrepreneurs in the beauty industry — a nail artist and tooth gem technician who leveraged digital platforms to garner customers and eventual success. This article won the 2024 Region 10 Mark of Excellence Award from the Society of Professional Journalists in the category of Retail/Small Business Journalism.