I have always been interested in social issues and how art can be a tool for communication and change. In 2023, I joined the journalism program at my high school, The Shield, to help my art reach a broader audience and contribute to meaningful conversations. However, I quickly realized I needed to learn new skills to make my art more applicable in a digital and journalistic context.​​To adapt, I began teaching myself Procreate through online YouTube tutorials and started creating basic graphics for the newspaper. After several months of practice, I was honored to design the cover art for our first issue, “Can Texas Beat the Heat”.

 

My journey continued as I learned how to use Adobe software including InDesign and Premiere Pro, which allowed me to expand my skills into page design, video editing, and creating visuals for different formats.​ Through journalism, I not only developed technical skills but also learned how to objectively report on issues that matter to me. I discovered how to use art to amplify stories, communicate ideas, and engage audiences across multiple platforms.​

 

Now, as the Design and Visuals Editor of The Shield, I oversee the design of both our print and web editions. I contribute to developing news content, assist with page design, and create graphics for our print, online, and Instagram platforms. Working with The Shield, an award-winning, student-produced newspaper, has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling and the importance of providing a platform for meaningful conversations about the world around us.