Hello from Leena! I am trying to raise funds for an incredible summer program with the New York Times. I was awarded a scholarship due to my creative background and application essay, but that scholarship doesn't cover all the expenses of the program and getting to and from New York City. I would be very grateful for any financial help you are able to give.

Reading and writing stories, whether they’re nonfiction or fiction, has always been an essential part of my life. When the real world gets too rough, stories have always got me through. I’m interested in writing because I want to be able to give others the sense of comfort that books, movies, and articles give me.

While stories got me through hard times, they’re not just there to help me escape. The arts have been an important way for me to show self-expression, and I’ve been active in community art programs since I was five. I auditioned and got into a public art school, majoring in Musical Theatre. I enjoy performing, but over time I’ve realized I’m drawn to being the person who writes the stories, which is why The School of The New York Times interests me.

For many years, my aunt lived with me and got the New York Times and our local newspaper every week. This made me appreciate the importance of newspapers on society and culture, as both entertainment and education. In the summer of 2023, my school took me on a trip to NYC and the city drew me in immediately, making it my top choice for undergrad. I’m very excited about this opportunity and I know I will be extremely invested and committed to this program.

In this program I will discover techniques and stylistic tricks to help communicate concisely and persuasively while also cultivating my unique style and perspective. Click here for a link to the specific program (Opinion Writing) I will be taking in case you'd like to learn more. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out and ask. Thank you for considering helping me afford this awesome opportunity!