Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism

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OIDJ Editor - page 14

OIDJ Editor has 297 articles published.

In helping others, Mariah Wheeler finds self

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By Kiami Whitfield “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” That quote by Mahatma Gandhi perfectly describes Mariah Wheeler, a senior at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas. Mariah is a compassionate individual who loves to encourage others and help them succeed. Mariah is a lieutenant of her high school drill team, the Marquettes, and secretary of her school’s Black History Organization. Mariah, 16, says she feels compelled to help others because of what she has experienced throughout her high school career. Marcus High School is a predominantly Caucasian school. Only…

A voice for the voiceless: The crusade of Michayla Tate

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By Keren Florez Justice is the word that drives Michayla Tate. In a world where people are still being marginalized, excluded and fighting for justice, Michayla wants to dedicate her life to defending people.   Michayla was born in Dallas, but currently lives with her mother in Oklahoma City. Although she’s only 16, she has the drive and passion to fight for what she cares about. Michayla The incoming junior at the Classen School of Advanced Studies is empathetic and an open book. Her confidence makes everyone feel comfortable while talking to her. Those qualities are especially important in politics,…

Dance creates a leader: A profile of Taylor McArthur

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By Chloe Dean For some, dance is a hobby. For Taylor McArthur, dance is a part of who she is. “I feel like (dance) has made me more confident in myself and my body,” she said. Taylor has pushed herself to become the passionate and creative person she is today. As a student at Moore High School, Taylor has been involved with Key Club, Moore Love and Leadership, but she says it was dance that sculpted her character the most. The art of dance began as a celebration of life, a tradition to show appreciation of ancient goddesses, and an…

Told to get a job, entrepreneurial Silas Bales forged a business

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By Alyssa Dalley-Schofield A passion for helping people and motivation from his father helped Silas Bales get a job in a unique way. The senior at Highland Park High School in Dallas started a company called Si-Tech when he was 15 after his father told him that he needed “…to get a job in high school.” Silas, now 17, decided he wanted to be independent. That was when he began to think about what he could do. “I had always been helping my grandparents with their computers,” he said. Silas taught himself all he needed to know to set up…

Rachel Barney, problem solver in disguise

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By Taylor Chase McArthur It all started with a book by James Patterson. When Rachel Barney became engrossed in the adventures of a fictional crime-solver, it led to a realization. “That’s when it clicked for me and I knew what I always wanted to be which was, an FBI agent.” Rachel’s love of crime stories has shaped her into the person she is today. Rachel is a 17-year-old who grew up in a small town of Pink, which is on the outskirts of Tecumseh. Rachel describes her town as an area that has little to do, so naturally she has…

The two sides of Kiami Whitfield

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By Mariah Wheeler Kiami Whitfield spends her weekday afternoons on the football field under the scorching sun surrounded by a team of football players. Her weekdays couldn’t be more different. Kiami’s Saturdays are spent modeling for magazines, receiving PR packages and doing makeup. A football manager by day and a makeup guru by night, these contrasts define senior Kiami Whitfield. Kiami, 17, of Westmoore High School in Oklahoma City, tries to be versatile and unexpected in the eyes of others. Her love for all things beauty, her passion for sports and the contrast between the two is what she hopes…

Keren Florez, after leaving Venezuela, vows to change cultural norms

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By Michayla Tate Sand, beach and beautiful natural wonders are prominent sights in Venezuela. As one escapes the private tourist attractions and lush tropical resorts a tougher reality exists, however. In the state of Zulia, 17-year old, Keren Florez notices the hardships that many Venezuelans face on a daily basis. She views this as her opportunity to impact her country, and to create change for the better. Although Venezuela stands as a vacation stop for many, the country is not as picture perfect as it may seem. Beyond the gorgeous façade, harsh living conditions exist. As a resident of Zulia…

In becoming Army strong, Jacqueline Garcia finds new sense of self

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By GiGi Robertson All high school students are trying to find their place in the world. Whether this struggle is personal or academic depends on each student’s individual circumstances, but—for some students—the preparatory military programs offered in American high schools can be a refuge from both.  For 16-year-old Jacqueline Garcia, the JROTC program provides an eye-opening experience that now offers her a potential option for a career after high school.  “I am interested in the military a little bit,” said Jacqueline, who wants to become a nurse. “I am still deciding which branch, but I think I am more into…

Incoming OU freshman sees politics as a way to make a difference

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By Rachel Barney What does politics mean to Chloe Dean? To her it’s everything. Chloe is an 18-year-old Cherokee woman fresh out of high school and ready for the next chapter of her life. Her love for politics and Native American studies led her to the University of Oklahoma. She will be the first person in her family to have gone to college. At Broken Arrow High School, she played softball and took a lot of AP classes. Over time the love for politics outweighed the love for softball because, as she explained, politics affect everyone and she wants to…

Social media success leads to business opportunity for Bella Iovieno

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By Bailey Coyle In today’s society, nearly everyone uses a form of social media, whether it’s for fun or for work. Bella Iovieno, a 17-year-old from Friendswood, Texas, has found her passion by being a social media spray-tan ambassador. She uses her Instagram to promote Flawless Glow, a spray tan company. When Bella was younger she thought being a Realtor was her dream job. Later on, she figured out she enjoyed writing and wanted to “write for The New York Times or have a blog.” But now, Bella has a passion for something different. When Bella was 16, her mom,…

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