Welcome KUOW's Summer 2017 RadioActive youth producers
KUOW's RadioActive Youth Media is proud to offer our summer journalism workshop. Eight teens, aged 16-18, will spend six weeks learning what it means to be a journalist.
During that time, they'll gain the skills to create radio stories. They'll do all of the research, interviews, writing, voicing and editing to produce their own feature stories and podcasts on topics of their choice.
Zeytun Ahmed, Senior, Kent-Meridian High School
I’ve always spoken my mind since I was even able to speak. I’m a very justice-oriented person so I never had trouble sticking up for people. I found out later that this thing I was passionate about is social justice. Another reason why I’ve always been interested in social justice is because of my fascination with and admiration of the human race. I think of this program as an opportunity to fulfill my love for social justice without pushing an agenda. I want to share voices, perspectives, and understanding.
Carlin Bills, Senior, Garfield High School
Ever since I was little, I’ve been drawn into the world of sports such as tennis, gymnastics, and basketball. However, last year I realized that the sports I participated in weren’t fulfilling, and I embarked on my journey to find what I was passionate about. I was immediately drawn to the world of journalism through a class at my high school. I proceeded to constantly listen to podcasts and apply for both my school’s newspaper and RadioActive. I’ve also started powerlifting because not only is the community the most supportive I’ve ever met but also because of the empowerment I feel. My plan is to continue exploring what I’m passionate about, especially learning from people or communities and sharing their stories through journalism. Listen Listening...1:43 Listen to a story about Carlin Bills by Aliyah Musaliar
Abay Estifanos, Junior, Tahoma Senior High School
Because of my creative nature, I am attracted most to platforms where I get to use my creativity. I spend a lot of time on my laptop as a result, whether it’s creating music on my digital audio workstation or customizing websites and anything else I can. Off the computer, I enjoy writing since it also serves as a creative outlet without the logic-oriented basis of technology.
Patrick Liu, Senior, Redmond High School
My desire to tell stories through sound is rooted in my longstanding passion for a variety of creative media, most notably music, film, and dance. I have practiced and composed piano music from a young age. To spread my love for the arts, I founded Redmond High School’s Dance Club and co-founded the school’s Video Production Club. I also possess a strong will to help and empower those around me, having worked with the civic empowerment organization Asian Pacific-Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE) and the international organization Team HBV, which raises awareness about and fights the Hepatitis B virus. These passions, combined with an interest in psychology and admiration for the podcasts Serial and S-Town, have inspired me to explore radio journalism. I want to learn the craft of storytelling and amplify the voices of real people through compelling and balanced reporting. Listen Listening...1:09 Listen to a story about Patrick Liu by Zeytun Ahmed
Aliyah Musaliar, Senior, Tahoma Senior High School
In my free time (when I’m not pacing in a circle listening to the latest How to Be a Girl or Radiolab podcast) you’re likely to catch me doing some detailed doodles. I love animation and could stare at a Studio Ghibli scenery frame for hours on end. I’m also part of the National Forensics League team at my school (which is just fancy for speech and debate) where I compete in Impromptu and Extemporaneous speaking. I use my voice not only to get a few strangers to laugh but for activism as I am a leader in my school’s activist club, Activists for Change. Together with wholesome pals, we like to listen to Seattle Town Hall panels and debate over local and national issues. Besides the previously mentioned podcasts I also like to fill the extra corners of my mind listening to Invisibilia, Nancy, and This American Life because I love to hear about the unique, yet sometimes relatable experiences of those I don’t know. I want to experience a kaleidoscope of different people and stories, and journalism is one way of accomplishing that dream.
Jessie Nguyen, Senior, Garfield High School
I’ve always loved stories. From TV shows to books to videogames, stories grasp every bit of my attention to the point of obsession. This resulted in my wanting to tell stories of my own. I’m really excited to do radio journalism because it’ll give me another outlet of storytelling – apart from poetry, acting, and drawing – along with giving me a new experience. I can’t wait to spend this summer alternating between naps and going out in the field!
Isabella Ortiz, Freshman, Western Washington University I'll be studying visual art with a focus in painting/illustration next year. Besides being obsessed with podcasts, public radio, and art, I love coffee, true crime, politics, tattooing, and going to shows in Seattle. My dream is to tell stories and make art that positively impacts my community and uplifts the voices of marginalized people. My other dream is to be able to keep my room clean for more than three days. That's my mom's dream, too.
Diego Villarroel, Senior, Meadowdale Senior High School
Storytelling has always been an important part of my life, whether it’s through photography, audio, video, or somewhere in between. I am always trying to find new ways to share stories, ideas, and knowledge with those around me. From a young age, I have always been interested in creating things for others and myself. Paired with a deep passion for journalism and writing in all forms, I strongly believe that I am here with these interests to make a difference in the world around me.
