Alumna Explores Writing in HS
For Sophia , this project allows her to do two things she loves — write and learn about environmental issues , but also enables her to connect and meet other like-minded high school and college students in Chicago . She likes that it is an environmental-focused magazine without being “ all about science .” Like many of the other student writers , Sophia takes a topic that she may have researched for a class or project , then delves deeper for her article . In addition to listing resources in the article , the writers sometimes include more materials to explore as well as discussion questions .
As a sophomore in high school starting her academic year remotely during a global pandemic , Sophia Wagner A ’ 19 was thrilled to discover creative opportunities to connect with other students . She had met fellow Lane Tech student Ava , who was also on the tennis team and was seeking writers for a new online magazine . Sophia signed on to attend the first meeting , and thus began her venture into environmental reporting .
After learning about the goals and format of the online publication , Sophia knew that she wanted to be a part of this new environmental magazine entitled F ( earth ) er . The goal of the publication is to educate the public about environmental topics that might get overlooked and to take a nuanced approach to these diverse subjects . Although writers were encouraged to come up with topics , Ava had a number from which to pick for their first issue in late July 2020 .
As someone becoming more interested in environmental issues , Sophia loved that the topics were varied — from green roof usage to combat climate change and sustainability advertising to eco-anxiety for those who are becoming increasingly anxious about the environment . Sophia was inspired and reminded of Goal III : A social awareness that impels to action . Her first article took her close to home — she chose to write about a family friend ’ s “ bird garden ” in Chicago that boasts more than 200 different species of plants which attracts over 116 types of birds . Sophia switched gears for the next article in the September issue , focusing on industrial agriculture and the costly environmental destruction caused by large-scale monoculture farming .
Although she would ultimately like to focus more on writing , Sophia misses the days of Sacred Heart ’ s rigorous science program , especially Lexi Pond ’ s Middle School science classes on aquaponics and hydroponics . She feels lucky that Ms . Pond always pushed her students to learn and to try new things . Today , with remote learning , Sophia and her classmates are only able to do a limited number of online labs in their homes .
For Sophia , this project allows her to do two things she loves — write and learn about environmental issues …
As a student in the cross-curricular Omega Istoria program at Lane Tech High School , Sophia takes Honors / AP classes that concentrate on how students view the world through the lens of humanities . Her work with F ( earth ) er enables her to explore these topics and share what she learns with the online world . She is excited to continue her environmental studies as well as concentrating on political science . We look forward to reading her future articles and watch where the world takes her .
Please visit
F ( earth ) er Magazine to read Sophia ’ s articles as well as other pieces on environmental issues .