The Terror Behind Lollapalooza
This personal narrative reflects on my experience attending Lollapalooza as a teenager while confronting the realities of safety, fear, and growing up in a world where threats of violence have become increasingly present. Through detailed scenes, dialogue, and personal reflection, I explore the contrast between the excitement and freedom of a music festival and the underlying anxiety that followed my friends and me throughout the weekend. This piece showcases my ability to use descriptive storytelling, authentic voice, dialogue, pacing, and reflection to transform a personal experience into a larger commentary on adolescence and contemporary society.
My Writing Projects
Going Beyond Social Media
This digital project explores the influence of social media and online communication on individuals and society. Through research, writing, and web design, the project demonstrates my ability to communicate ideas for a digital audience while combining written and visual content into an engaging, cohesive experience.
The Rearview Mirror
This personal narrative explores the physical and emotional aftermath of a serious car accident during my junior year of high school. Through vivid storytelling, dialogue, and personal reflection, the piece follows my experience from the moment of the accident through a difficult recovery involving a severe concussion, therapy, returning to school, and learning to feel safe again. The narrative examines resilience, fear, and how an unexpected event can profoundly change a person’s everyday life and sense of self.
Complex Trauma, Resilience, and Growth in an Era of School Violence
This research-based paper examines the psychological effects of school violence and explores how resilience, grit, growth mindset, and post-traumatic growth can help young people cope with adversity. By connecting scholarly research with positive psychology concepts such as PERMA and real-world examples of youth advocacy, the piece demonstrates my ability to research complex social issues, critically analyze evidence, and communicate sensitive topics through thoughtful and engaging academic writing.
