Speech & Writing
Writing helps me think clearly. Debate taught me to listen.
TEDx speaker
One of six speakers selected from 150+ students. Spoke to an audience of 90+ at TEDxJPS on how tutoring Ukrainians changed my perspective; the only JPS student published on the TEDx Talks YouTube channel.
Writing
Journalism, creative non-fiction, and four Scholastic Keys.
Opinion Section Editor, JPS Hawkeye
We write thought provoking articles about economic and social issues for 2,600+ digital readers.
Arts High Creative Writing Program
Four consecutive years in the district-sponsored creative writing program for gifted and talented students admitted via auditions. Alongside it I keep a personal blog of memoirs, haikus, and non-fiction.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
One Gold Key in 2026; one Gold Key and two Silver Keys in 2025; one Honorable Mention in 2024.
Debate
Each season I research and analyze more than 1,000 pages on international relations, economics, and philosophy, then turn that research into cases, practice rounds, and tournament prep. I have competed at national tournaments including the TOC, Harvard, Stanford, and Michigan.
Debate taught me to think on my feet and respond quickly to opposing arguments, skills I now rely on when pitching my ventures.