Group photo - Zoom edition!
Special thanks to Daniel Andrés Dominguez and Julia Blumberg for serving as Director and Co-Director for the 2021 Donald W. Carson Journalism Diversity Workshop. Special shout out also to Sam Burdette, Jackson Peters, and Diana Ramos for serving as mentors for the High School Students! Special thanks to all who presented and worked with the students during this workshop.
Esme Canelos
Written by: John Hesse
No is a powerful word. Esme Canelos has often had to say “no” to family members and friends.
Millions of Americans have had battles with addiction, and millions more know loved ones who deal with these battles. Yet, Canelos is an example that saying “no” can make all the difference.
Canelos’ ability to not give into peer pressure, even family pressure, displays the strength of character that anyone would envy, but her strength does not come without compassion. She has witnessed family members fall into the deep holes of addiction, but she has not left them behind. Instead, she has stayed by their side and continues to explore the facets of life with them.
Canelos refrains from unsafe activities, even if unsafe activities define some of her friends’ lives. It is her character and personality that connects her with people. She has made it to where she is now and does not plan on giving up on her goals, but she does still make time for hobbies.
Someone’s music taste can define their likes, personalities, and much more. Canelos likes many genres of music and particularly likes Amy Winehouse. She also likes more complex styles of music, such as lyrical rap, which she says shows her appreciation of the intricacies of music and writing.
Growing up with music being a core part of her life, Canelos has always been keen on learning the many different areas of music. From percussion instruments, like the piano, to string instruments, like the bass guitar; she is well versed in the art of music. She does not go at it alone though, recently even starting a band with her family. While she does not see a future in music, she says knowing the complexities and the beauty of music will stick with her for life and help her connect with others on a far deeper level.
For many, education is seen as a pain and tedious, but Canelos sees it as an opportunity for greatness. Canelos is a rising senior at University High School, one of the highest ranked high schools nationwide. UHS’s ranking also means a lot of work. The workload takes a lot of dedication and time, but Canelos does not let that stop her from achieving her goals.
Like many, Canelos has a plan for life and she is determined to see it through and to excel at it. She also aspires to be a special education teacher. Admitting that school takes up a lot of her time, Canelos is adamant on success and is working hard for it everyday, whether that be finding her true self in her hobbies and passions or studying for the future.
Though growing up may have been tough, her experiences and troubles only made Canelos stronger and prepared for what life has next.
Millions of Americans have had battles with addiction, and millions more know loved ones who deal with these battles. Yet, Canelos is an example that saying “no” can make all the difference.
Canelos’ ability to not give into peer pressure, even family pressure, displays the strength of character that anyone would envy, but her strength does not come without compassion. She has witnessed family members fall into the deep holes of addiction, but she has not left them behind. Instead, she has stayed by their side and continues to explore the facets of life with them.
Canelos refrains from unsafe activities, even if unsafe activities define some of her friends’ lives. It is her character and personality that connects her with people. She has made it to where she is now and does not plan on giving up on her goals, but she does still make time for hobbies.
Someone’s music taste can define their likes, personalities, and much more. Canelos likes many genres of music and particularly likes Amy Winehouse. She also likes more complex styles of music, such as lyrical rap, which she says shows her appreciation of the intricacies of music and writing.
Growing up with music being a core part of her life, Canelos has always been keen on learning the many different areas of music. From percussion instruments, like the piano, to string instruments, like the bass guitar; she is well versed in the art of music. She does not go at it alone though, recently even starting a band with her family. While she does not see a future in music, she says knowing the complexities and the beauty of music will stick with her for life and help her connect with others on a far deeper level.
For many, education is seen as a pain and tedious, but Canelos sees it as an opportunity for greatness. Canelos is a rising senior at University High School, one of the highest ranked high schools nationwide. UHS’s ranking also means a lot of work. The workload takes a lot of dedication and time, but Canelos does not let that stop her from achieving her goals.
Like many, Canelos has a plan for life and she is determined to see it through and to excel at it. She also aspires to be a special education teacher. Admitting that school takes up a lot of her time, Canelos is adamant on success and is working hard for it everyday, whether that be finding her true self in her hobbies and passions or studying for the future.
Though growing up may have been tough, her experiences and troubles only made Canelos stronger and prepared for what life has next.
Isabelle Gard
Written by: Alex Mintz
If there were any words that Isabelle Gard would use to describe herself, they would be inquisitive and caring.
Gard, a 17-year-old high school student, was born in Florida. For the first years of her life, Gard and her brother lived with their dad. However, Gard, her mother, and her brother would eventually leave Florida because her father was an emotionally and mentally abusive person.
She does not remember much of her childhood. Gard remembers how awkward phone calls were with her father and did not know how to respond to, “I love you,” or, “how are you doing?”
This experience opened Gard’s eyes to new perspectives. “I think that kids with dysfunctional families have a different outlook on life in general just because we understand that sometimes you have to cut off people or establish boundaries even if they are of your own blood,” Gard said.
The trio would move to Sierra Vista, Arizona when she was around five years old. They then moved to Tucson when she was nine years old, which is where she currently resides along with her dog, Brooklyn, and her two fish, Alexa and Billy. Gard says that Brooklyn spends a lot of time with her, especially while she spends time writing.
Gard is passionate about writing such as journalism and creative writing. Her teachers have always complimented her writing which inspired her to continue honing her skills. This has left Gard with an interest in journalism.
“Growing up and learning more about the world, made me realize that I wanted to learn more about my surroundings, and I felt that journalism was a perfect way to do that,” Gard said.
Currently, Gard is a senior at Empire High School in Tucson. She is part of the National Honors Society and Photography Club, also known as SkillsUSA. Whenever she is not working with her clubs or writing, she is babysitting her little sister, Alessandra.
Gard also does sewing, embroidering, t-shirt designing, and baking. Gard likes to self-teach herself on various things such as languages.
“Living in Arizona makes it easier to pick up Spanish. So, I’ve been trying to pick it up as I get older and I’m going to self-study over summer,” Gard said. In addition to Spanish, she is self-studying Korean.
Gard is applying to different colleges to keep her options open. However, the University of Arizona is her first choice. Time will tell, but she will continue to work hard alongside her dog and her two fish.
Gard, a 17-year-old high school student, was born in Florida. For the first years of her life, Gard and her brother lived with their dad. However, Gard, her mother, and her brother would eventually leave Florida because her father was an emotionally and mentally abusive person.
She does not remember much of her childhood. Gard remembers how awkward phone calls were with her father and did not know how to respond to, “I love you,” or, “how are you doing?”
This experience opened Gard’s eyes to new perspectives. “I think that kids with dysfunctional families have a different outlook on life in general just because we understand that sometimes you have to cut off people or establish boundaries even if they are of your own blood,” Gard said.
The trio would move to Sierra Vista, Arizona when she was around five years old. They then moved to Tucson when she was nine years old, which is where she currently resides along with her dog, Brooklyn, and her two fish, Alexa and Billy. Gard says that Brooklyn spends a lot of time with her, especially while she spends time writing.
Gard is passionate about writing such as journalism and creative writing. Her teachers have always complimented her writing which inspired her to continue honing her skills. This has left Gard with an interest in journalism.
“Growing up and learning more about the world, made me realize that I wanted to learn more about my surroundings, and I felt that journalism was a perfect way to do that,” Gard said.
Currently, Gard is a senior at Empire High School in Tucson. She is part of the National Honors Society and Photography Club, also known as SkillsUSA. Whenever she is not working with her clubs or writing, she is babysitting her little sister, Alessandra.
Gard also does sewing, embroidering, t-shirt designing, and baking. Gard likes to self-teach herself on various things such as languages.
“Living in Arizona makes it easier to pick up Spanish. So, I’ve been trying to pick it up as I get older and I’m going to self-study over summer,” Gard said. In addition to Spanish, she is self-studying Korean.
Gard is applying to different colleges to keep her options open. However, the University of Arizona is her first choice. Time will tell, but she will continue to work hard alongside her dog and her two fish.
John Hesse
Written by: Esme Canelos
John Hesse remembers feeling confused as to why his biological family would abandon him. He often asked himself, “Why did they leave me,” as a young child. Hesse soon accepted his new life and has since been living with his adoptive parents in Tucson, Arizona.
Hesse was born in Shenzhen, China, and was soon after left at a hospital. After spending two years at Bao'An Center, Hesse’s parents began the process of adopting him. After a year of processing, the adoption was finalized.
Growing up in Tucson, Hesse recognized some internal conflict between his Chinese heritage and his American roots. He feels a disconnect from both, leaving him with feelings of confusion. In spite of this, Hesse is eager to learn about both cultures so that he can hold onto and become involved in both sides of his identity.
Now, his adoption is a celebration in his family. One year they went on a cruise to Alaska and Canada, where Hesse found one of his passions: photography.
He found joy in taking pictures of the scenery along the trip. He also enjoys video games, and hanging out with his pets. He loves to spend time with them, and photograph them.
He takes pictures of his dogs, and his four donkeys. Hesse says that caring for animals has taught him empathy and compassion, just like being adopted from another country has taught him to be compassionate towards immigrants.
Currently, Hesse attends University High School in Tucson, Arizona and will be going into his junior year. Long term, Hesse is not sure what life path he will follow, but he has thought about multiple careers such as being a doctor, lawyer, or architect.
Hesse learned from his surroundings that he can be whoever he wants to be. He was raised in a home that promotes love and wellness, not one that chooses sides and division. Hesse describes himself as a determined and happy young man who believes that one should form their own ideas and have confidence in who they are.
Hesse was born in Shenzhen, China, and was soon after left at a hospital. After spending two years at Bao'An Center, Hesse’s parents began the process of adopting him. After a year of processing, the adoption was finalized.
Growing up in Tucson, Hesse recognized some internal conflict between his Chinese heritage and his American roots. He feels a disconnect from both, leaving him with feelings of confusion. In spite of this, Hesse is eager to learn about both cultures so that he can hold onto and become involved in both sides of his identity.
Now, his adoption is a celebration in his family. One year they went on a cruise to Alaska and Canada, where Hesse found one of his passions: photography.
He found joy in taking pictures of the scenery along the trip. He also enjoys video games, and hanging out with his pets. He loves to spend time with them, and photograph them.
He takes pictures of his dogs, and his four donkeys. Hesse says that caring for animals has taught him empathy and compassion, just like being adopted from another country has taught him to be compassionate towards immigrants.
Currently, Hesse attends University High School in Tucson, Arizona and will be going into his junior year. Long term, Hesse is not sure what life path he will follow, but he has thought about multiple careers such as being a doctor, lawyer, or architect.
Hesse learned from his surroundings that he can be whoever he wants to be. He was raised in a home that promotes love and wellness, not one that chooses sides and division. Hesse describes himself as a determined and happy young man who believes that one should form their own ideas and have confidence in who they are.
Alex Mintz
Written by: Jazmin Stein
Alex Mintz, a 17-year-old senior student at Tri-City College Prep High School, has a passion for art where she paints and draws as a way to express herself.
“I really like art because it's been a passion of mine since I was young. It allows me to express myself and perceive the world around me in my own style,” Mintz said.
Besides her passion for art, Mintz likes writing and is interested in pursuing a career in journalism. Currently, she is working on an adventure novel.
Colored sticky notes on Mintz’s bedroom mirror contain the ideas she has for her novel.
“The novel is about escaping into the unknown in which a young girl named Amaryllis, she is a freshman who is anxious about everything,” Mintz explained.
Mintz’s novel idea came up when she and her friends were at a renaissance festival making jokes about swords. Nowadays, Mintz is determined to finish the novel; she hopes her story will be published.
Remarkably, she works at her school’s newspaper, where she and her classmates write several types of articles related to and not related to the school. She has written articles about depression and how to treat it, as well as movie reviews, including Detective Pikachu and other Pokemon movies.
Her journalistic work with the school newspaper has helped Mintz to improve her skills such as interviewing and researching. These are skills she wants to continue to develop more in the future.
At home, Mintz has a grey cat named Ari. Mintz describes her furry friend as a playful pet.
Next to her animal companion, Mintz likes to work on her novel, talk to her friends and watch YouTube. On YouTube, Mintz likes to watch how people can be creative in their own art style, which inspires her to improve her art.
Talking to her friends has become something significant for Mintz. Due to COVID-19, she realized how much her friends mean to her. She said they are not just people to hang out with, they are like family to her, and made her the person she is today.
Mintz also enjoys listening to music on Spotify. Her favorite artists are The Weeknd, Panic at the Disco, as well as Kpop groups such as BTS, Stray Kids and Monsta X.
“I listen to music all the time no matter what mood. If I'm ever doing something I'll have music playing,” Mintz said.
Mintz aspires to graduate from high school and have a successful journalistic career with all the skills she has improved on through this workshop.
Natalie Son
Written by: Birdie Stark
Science and tennis and painting, oh my! Natalie Son, a University High School student going into her junior year, manages to pursue a grueling academic career alongside her extracurricular passions.
At school, she’s a part of the UHS Ambassadors club, which promotes UHS to prospective students. She enjoys school and wants to spread the message that UHS isn’t all about the workload, it’s about the community. Son also loves challenging herself through math and science, and hands-on STEM projects have been an outlet for these passions.
One of her greatest accomplishments during quarantine was completing a science fair project. Son’s interest in the pandemic inspired her to test 11 different disinfecting products’ efficacy in eliminating microbes from her devices.
Taking an AP environmental science course her freshman year of high school only amplified her love for science, and she has even considered a career at the Environmental Protection Agency. Ultimately, though, Son’s brain for science and love for a challenge have inspired her to pursue a career in dentistry, a field she thinks will increase in demand in the future.
Son is a motivated perfectionist who loves to get things done. In and outside of her extracurricular activities, she tries to lend a helping hand to those who need it, always willing to step into a leadership role.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Son developed some new interests in the last year. She’s become much more serious about painting in her free time, when not caught up in her classwork, that is. In school, english class has been a favorite of hers this year, with its many opportunities to share writing and ideas.
Between bike rides with friends and a summertime obsession with memorizing geometry theorems, Natalie plays tennis. Whether it’s competitively with her school or casually with her brother or neighbor, the sport provides an opportunity to both work hard and de-stress. She’s grateful for the chance to experience a normal tennis season this year with the team as pandemic restrictions begin to loosen.
When she’s not on the court, Natalie is passionate about addressing racism at the source. She enjoys writing about discrimination and fighting back. Her love for working hard and pushing herself inspire all the activities in her life. It’s safe to say she’s a well-rounded student ready to take on the world!
At school, she’s a part of the UHS Ambassadors club, which promotes UHS to prospective students. She enjoys school and wants to spread the message that UHS isn’t all about the workload, it’s about the community. Son also loves challenging herself through math and science, and hands-on STEM projects have been an outlet for these passions.
One of her greatest accomplishments during quarantine was completing a science fair project. Son’s interest in the pandemic inspired her to test 11 different disinfecting products’ efficacy in eliminating microbes from her devices.
Taking an AP environmental science course her freshman year of high school only amplified her love for science, and she has even considered a career at the Environmental Protection Agency. Ultimately, though, Son’s brain for science and love for a challenge have inspired her to pursue a career in dentistry, a field she thinks will increase in demand in the future.
Son is a motivated perfectionist who loves to get things done. In and outside of her extracurricular activities, she tries to lend a helping hand to those who need it, always willing to step into a leadership role.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Son developed some new interests in the last year. She’s become much more serious about painting in her free time, when not caught up in her classwork, that is. In school, english class has been a favorite of hers this year, with its many opportunities to share writing and ideas.
Between bike rides with friends and a summertime obsession with memorizing geometry theorems, Natalie plays tennis. Whether it’s competitively with her school or casually with her brother or neighbor, the sport provides an opportunity to both work hard and de-stress. She’s grateful for the chance to experience a normal tennis season this year with the team as pandemic restrictions begin to loosen.
When she’s not on the court, Natalie is passionate about addressing racism at the source. She enjoys writing about discrimination and fighting back. Her love for working hard and pushing herself inspire all the activities in her life. It’s safe to say she’s a well-rounded student ready to take on the world!
Birdie Stark: Forever an Environmentalist at Heart
Written by: Natalie Son
Nature through the lens of a child: The wet ground is bubbling and huffing and puffing like a dragon. Giant bursts of steamy water fly into the air, this is apparently the mesmerizing natural phenomenon of “geysers.”
A bison walks by the side of the road and a young Birdie Stark’s tiny, little mind is blown away by this surreal encounter from her second-row booster seat. A toddler treasures the beauty of witnessing the interaction of young animals and greenery in her surroundings. This represents the roots of Birdie Stark’s passion.
With a life-long interest in caring for the environment, her childhood consisted of visiting many remarkable national parks and living with the inspiration of her parents. As her father works directly in environmental protection and her mother promotes waste conservation and outdoor venturing, Stark’s family stands as a permanent support system especially for her activism.
Stark possesses a true activist mentality through her determination and hard work. As a rising senior at University High School, Stark is a dedicated member of the drama community, entering her second year of Advanced Drama.
Beyond Stark’s ambition and successes in school, her remarkable position in environmental activism reflects her passions in organizing to save the environment.
She is an active member of many youth-led organizations, participating in the Sunrise Movement’s Tucson chapter, High Schoolers for Climate Justice and the Youth Justice Collective.
Although she is keeping her options open for potential careers to pursue after graduating high school, Stark’s love and participation in environmental activism will forever be rooted as her passion. She has already made strides in environmental legislation by contributing in local protests to push Regina Romero to declare the climate emergency of Tucson.
Stark enjoys travelling and going on bike rides with her parents, as her appreciation of nature was developed through her many memorable excursions into nature. Her initiative to give back to the environment shows her potential of rising like her environmentalist idols, as Birdie Stark may be the next Greta Thunberg.
Stark is a determined young woman with scholarly performance in her notoriously challenging school, while she also saves time to preach her forward-looking mindset in adopting practices that effectively preserve and better the environment.
A bison walks by the side of the road and a young Birdie Stark’s tiny, little mind is blown away by this surreal encounter from her second-row booster seat. A toddler treasures the beauty of witnessing the interaction of young animals and greenery in her surroundings. This represents the roots of Birdie Stark’s passion.
With a life-long interest in caring for the environment, her childhood consisted of visiting many remarkable national parks and living with the inspiration of her parents. As her father works directly in environmental protection and her mother promotes waste conservation and outdoor venturing, Stark’s family stands as a permanent support system especially for her activism.
Stark possesses a true activist mentality through her determination and hard work. As a rising senior at University High School, Stark is a dedicated member of the drama community, entering her second year of Advanced Drama.
Beyond Stark’s ambition and successes in school, her remarkable position in environmental activism reflects her passions in organizing to save the environment.
She is an active member of many youth-led organizations, participating in the Sunrise Movement’s Tucson chapter, High Schoolers for Climate Justice and the Youth Justice Collective.
Although she is keeping her options open for potential careers to pursue after graduating high school, Stark’s love and participation in environmental activism will forever be rooted as her passion. She has already made strides in environmental legislation by contributing in local protests to push Regina Romero to declare the climate emergency of Tucson.
Stark enjoys travelling and going on bike rides with her parents, as her appreciation of nature was developed through her many memorable excursions into nature. Her initiative to give back to the environment shows her potential of rising like her environmentalist idols, as Birdie Stark may be the next Greta Thunberg.
Stark is a determined young woman with scholarly performance in her notoriously challenging school, while she also saves time to preach her forward-looking mindset in adopting practices that effectively preserve and better the environment.
Jazmin Stein
Written by: Isabelle Gard
An avid non-fiction reader, Jazmin Stein is a high school sophomore with specific interests in journalism, psychology, and politics. When Stein isn’t reading, she spends her time watching the news and playing with her dog named Tequila. Stein’s favorite genres range from biographies and political works to historical nonfiction. A few of her favorite books include: The Diary of Anne Frank, The Truths We Hold, and The Great Gatsby.
Nonfiction books mean a lot to Stein. She spends a lot of time reading about real people to expand her knowledge on realistic situations and concepts of the world. Such knowledge is important to her, because it emphasizes her appreciation for literary composition.
“I like to gain different perspectives from the books I read,” Stein said.
The themes and knowledge from the novels Stein reads inspire her to continue picking up book after book. By reading works from different authors, Stein learns from their experiences, making her more erudite as she grows.
Through her love for reading, Stein continues to explore the world around her. By reading books from recognized authors like Kamala Harris, Stein continues to grow and explore her interests in hobbies and potential careers.
Amongst the people who have contributed to her growth, Stein’s role model is Maria Ressa. Ressa is a journalist for CNN and the co-founder of Rappler, a Philippine news website. Mainly, Ressa reports on politics, climate change, and other events occurring in the Philippines.
Stein looks up to her because, like Ressa, she aims to become a journalist who informs the public on national and international events. Stein admires Ressa’s fearlessness, because Ressa is a journalist reporting in a country where there is no press freedom. The dangers of her work have even caused her to face legal consequences.
Stein’s favorite quote follows the same concept of taking action to create change.
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it,” said Paulo Coelho, a Brazillian novelist and lyricist in his book, The Alchemist.
Coelho’s quote is something Stein believes to be true. To Stein, the words hold a deep significance and are an example of her determination.
“How much you want things to happen is important in order to make it happen,” Stein said.
Stein aspires to attend college. She knows it will be a difficult goal to achieve, but still has the determination to accomplish her goals. Even though the journey may not be easy, Stein holds faith in her aspirations. Her determination to attend college will carry her through the obstacles and difficulties of life.
In the future, Stein will continue to seek opportunities to discover more of her passions, all with Tequila by her side.
Nonfiction books mean a lot to Stein. She spends a lot of time reading about real people to expand her knowledge on realistic situations and concepts of the world. Such knowledge is important to her, because it emphasizes her appreciation for literary composition.
“I like to gain different perspectives from the books I read,” Stein said.
The themes and knowledge from the novels Stein reads inspire her to continue picking up book after book. By reading works from different authors, Stein learns from their experiences, making her more erudite as she grows.
Through her love for reading, Stein continues to explore the world around her. By reading books from recognized authors like Kamala Harris, Stein continues to grow and explore her interests in hobbies and potential careers.
Amongst the people who have contributed to her growth, Stein’s role model is Maria Ressa. Ressa is a journalist for CNN and the co-founder of Rappler, a Philippine news website. Mainly, Ressa reports on politics, climate change, and other events occurring in the Philippines.
Stein looks up to her because, like Ressa, she aims to become a journalist who informs the public on national and international events. Stein admires Ressa’s fearlessness, because Ressa is a journalist reporting in a country where there is no press freedom. The dangers of her work have even caused her to face legal consequences.
Stein’s favorite quote follows the same concept of taking action to create change.
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it,” said Paulo Coelho, a Brazillian novelist and lyricist in his book, The Alchemist.
Coelho’s quote is something Stein believes to be true. To Stein, the words hold a deep significance and are an example of her determination.
“How much you want things to happen is important in order to make it happen,” Stein said.
Stein aspires to attend college. She knows it will be a difficult goal to achieve, but still has the determination to accomplish her goals. Even though the journey may not be easy, Stein holds faith in her aspirations. Her determination to attend college will carry her through the obstacles and difficulties of life.
In the future, Stein will continue to seek opportunities to discover more of her passions, all with Tequila by her side.