Published Writing
Though my career focus is on branding and PR, my first love is writing. Here are some of my pieces that I’m most proud of, from personal essays, to event coverage, to poetry on topics ranging from reflections on life and culture, to a little bit of good humor and fun.
“What I learned from Slacking Off in Class”
In 2015 I had my first piece published as a high school senior - a personal essay as a guest contributor for HelloGiggles’ short-lived Teen section on the lessons and consequences I learned from slacking off in high school.
“MEET SAMANTHA CUFFY, RU FRESHMAN AND PUBLISHED AUTHOR”
In my first piece for The Tab Rutgers, I profiled Samantha Cuffy, who, unlike most other college freshmen, already had a published novel under her belt.
“I SCOUTED OUT THE BEST THRIFT STORES AROUND RUTGERS”
With an interest in fashion writing, I trekked around New Brunswick and the surrounding area to find the best cheap and local thrift stores for broke college students.
“HUMANS OF NEW YORK’S BRANDON STANTON VISITS RUTGERS”
When social media phenomenon Brandon Stanton, creator of the popular Humans of New York Facebook page, visited Rutgers, I was on the scene to report from the event.
“RED OAK LANE LOVERS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?”
Rutgers University-New Brunswick’s Class of 2019 will never forget the infamy of Facebook group drama, including the Red Oak Lane lovers, our very own Cinderella story. Read on to see if they stayed together!
“I TRIED TO EAT ONLY FAT SANDWICHES FOR A WEEK”
People today still know me today as “Fat Sandwich Girl", because of this article. It’s the food challenge nobody asked for, but I contributed to the world anyway.
“A GUY SENT ME RACIST MESSAGES AND DICK PICS AFTER I REJECTED HIM - SO I FOUGHT BACK”
In my most popular article, I opened up about my sexual harassment experience from another student. Though the title is crude and not exactly an experience that will get talked about in a job interview or define my career, I stand by this piece so that others who have faced similar experiences will be able to find solace in the fact that they aren’t alone.
“WHY I’LL ALWAYS BE THANKFUL FOR MY FILIPINO FAMILY”
I have always been extremely passionate about my heritage, and this love letter to it was just the beginning of many future pieces discussing diaspora and Filipino-American culture.
“MEET THE RUTGERS STUDENTS BEHIND THE ‘MAKING STRANGERS SMILE’ VIRAL VIDEO”
Sometimes we need a little positivity in our lives. I got to interview two students whose viral video handing out chocolate to strangers went viral around the world.
COLLEGE FASHION CONTRIBUTIONS
As a dedicated reader of College Fashion since high school, I was ecstatic to be a part of the CF team for the Spring 2017 semester. While I got to talk about fashion and lifestyle topics, I also shared some of my tips for commuting to school, balancing work and school, and being a voice for change on campus.
“A REFLECTION OF REPRESENTATION”
As part of FIND (Filipino Intercultural Networking Dialogue) Inc’s inaugural team for their publication dubbed FINDink, I wrote a piece examining the public outcry against a lack of minority representation in the media, and the whitewashing of roles originally written for people of color (POC).
“ON BEING A CHILD OF IMMIGRANTS”
In my second piece for FINDink, I explore the inherent burden placed on the shoulders of immigrant children by their parents to be successful and to honor their roots.
“GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM, THIS IS AMERICA”
In this poem I had originally written for a Creative Writing course my freshman year, I recall one of my first experiences with racism and discrimination as a child.
“SALAMAT PO”
In this personal essay, I explore the meaning of celebrating Thanksgiving, a distinctly American holiday, with my immigrant family, and what it means to be grateful.