My Recent Work

Before You Meet a Hiring Manager, You Have to Beat the Algorithm

American University (AU) senior Maggie Troast entered the school’s career center virtual
waiting room hoping to put her tuition money to good use.
With a job offer from Teach for America – a nonprofit that recruits recent graduates to teach in
high-need schools – the literature major expected tailored guidance on other entry-level
positions.
Instead, the advisor shared her screen, opened ChatGPT, and typed: “What to do with a degree
in literature?”

Good Fortune Rooftop Bar Opens Atop Hotel Heron in Alexandria

A golden light filtered through the cloudy skies Friday, April 25, as patrons gathered on the rooftop of Hotel Heron to welcome the opening of Good Fortune, Old Town Alexandria’s newest bar. 

From its location above Prince Street, the rooftop offers views of Old Town’s rooftops, tree-lined streets and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Guests are met with striped umbrellas, lounge seating and a menu of playful cocktails and bites designed for easy sharing.

The layout mixes hi...

Opinion: Being a Female NBA Fan Isn’t Always Easy — Especially When You Root for the Celtics in Heat Territory

I’ve been a fan of the National Basketball Association (NBA) ever since my mom turned on a televised San Antonio Spurs game. 


She has lived in many cities in the United States, but somehow San Antonio spoke to my mom as an admirable hub for basketball fans when she was living there. 


At 5 years old, I started to pick up on her intense interest in this physical and action-packed game. Did I understand any of the rules? Not at all. Was it fun to watch? Absolutely. 


A few years later, we t...

In Northern Virginia, the Fight Isn’t Against Data Centers – It’s About Where They Belong

ASHBURN, Va. – On a cloudy March afternoon, construction trucks and caution signs inch
along Route 267, past a stretch of Northern Virginia known as “Data Center Alley.” Once a quiet
hub for defense and telecommunication firms, it’s now a nonstop corridor for heavy machinery
headed toward a rapidly growing network of data centers.
Ashburn is home to 137 data centers – nearly 24% of Virginia’s total – and is reported to handle
up to 70% of the world’s internet traffic.

From Pajamas to Blazers: How Federal Workers Can Adapt After Trump’s Mandate

Following the mandate ordering federal workers to return to the office, experts offer strategies for a smoother transition.





Federal workers across the U.S. are facing a seismic shift in their daily routines following a recent mandate from the Trump administration. 


After years of remote work, an order announced on Jan. 20 will require federal agencies to . “take all necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements” and bring employees back to the office full time.


Some agencies...

Experts remain concerned about FAFSA’s impact on college enrollment, but optimistic about new form

The 2024-25 FAFSA rollout saw a decrease in freshman enrollment rates among high school seniors, but education advocates and experts remain optimistic about the new form released on Nov. 21.By Sofia Marcus
At Mount St. Mary’s University (MSMU) in Los Angeles, the enrollment management team noticed a unique challenge for the 2024-2025 academic year. Despite a surge in applicants, fewer students ultimately enrolled.
“We ended up bringing a class that was similar to the size of the year before, whi...

AU launches steering committee for The Civic Life initiative - The Eagle

The Civic Life Steering Committee, launched as part of The Civic Life initiative, seeks to enhance educational opportunities and programs, encourage community involvement, establish ways of assessing the program’s effectiveness and cement the program’s future. 
The Civic Life is a new initiative spearheaded by President Jonathan Alger as one of his first agenda items upon beginning his first semester at American University. 


As a founder of a sim...

From Scholar to Advocate: Mark Kantrowitz on the ‘FAFSA Fiasco’ and College Affordability

As a boy growing up near Boston, Mark Kantrowitz won the financial aid lottery. In fact, that’s what led him to his career as a financial aid expert.

Kantrowitz, who is in his mid-50s, graduated with two bachelor’s degrees, one in mathematics and one in philosophy, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He also pursued a graduate degree...

The Next Generation Should be Worried About Prager University. Here’s Why

On Sept. 16, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Education partnered with Prager University (PragerU) to bring in their storytime sessions and animated videos history, politics and culture to South Carolina elementary and middle schools, becoming one of many states to partner with the conservative organization.


PragerU is a nonprofit organization that “promotes American values through short educational videos for people of all ages,” according to its website. Its slogan, in white, bold let...

Advocating for the Latin Community Shouldn’t Stop on Oct. 15

25 chapters. One organization. 


Meet Latinas in Tech – a non-profit organization advocating for Latin women in tech since 2014.


From London to Washington, D.C., Latinas in Tech (LIT) strives to empower the Latina community through innovation and collaboration. According to their website, they have paired almost 1,000 mentors and mentees, have added almost 800 jobs on their job board, and welcomed over 16,000 event participants as of 2023. 


One of their main goals is to combat the issue...

BREAKING NEWS: Jonathan Alger Announced as AU’s New President 

On March 18, American University (AU) sent a school-wide email announcing Jonathan Alger as the university’s 16th president. Gina Adams, the chair of the Board of Trustees, released a memorandum regarding the news.This presidential search comes after current president Sylvia Burwell announced in August of last year that she will be stepping down from the role. Alger previously served as president of James Madison University (JMU) for 12 years, where his strategic plan led to a focus on engaged l...

The perfect date night spots for Valentine’s Day - The Eagle

The day of love and all things romance has arrived, so it’s the perfect time to find a date night spot. Trying to find a restaurant with just the right vibe can be difficult, but perhaps one of these suggestions will make your Valentine’s Day one to remember. Even if you are having a delayed Valentine’s Day date, these recommendations are sure to make your celebration just as exciting.
Il Canale


If you and your significant other are craving Itali...

Here Are Moments You May Have Missed From the 2024 Grammys 

The 66th annual Grammy Awards were hosted by Trevor Noah on Feb. 4. The show was a historical moment for many and honored those who continue to leave a lasting impact on the music industry. For those who didn’t watch, continue reading to learn more about some of the biggest moments of the night. Taylor Swift Announces New Album and Breaks RecordsUpon winning the award for Best Pop Vocal Album, Taylor Swift announced her upcoming album “The Tortured Poets Department,” which is set to come out on...

Opinion: The Duality of Social Media in Promoting Body Positivity 

In a world where social media is constantly evolving and acting as a crucial part of most of our lives, the countless existing digital platforms serve as a space for exploring different aspects of reality. Lately, my digital timeline has been filled with celebrities, influencers and other content creators who either promote body positivity or create false standards that contribute to insecurities and other issues. It led me to think about the current environment on social media. The content surr...

Matthew Perry: More Than A Friend 

TW: mentions of death and drug addictionOn October 28, 2023, “Friends” star Matthew Perry was confirmed dead after a drowning incident in his Los Angeles home. This heartbreaking news devastated many, as he was a beloved actor for his numerous roles outside of the hit television sitcom. However, after reports of his passing circulated online, it became clearer that Perry was not just Chandler Bing, the awkwardly funny and sweater-vest-wearing friend that most of us have watched growing up.There...

Genre Deep Dive: Latin Trap: Its origins and the artists that shaped it - The Eagle

In the 2000s, Latin music was forever changed when Latin trap rose to popularity, giving mainstream credibility to many Latin artists. The genre is a unique kind of hip hop that goes beyond the typical boundaries of Latin music but which has, nonetheless, been a game changer in the music world. 
The meaning of Latin trap


Latin trap is defined as the child of traditional hip hop/rap and reggaeton influences. The “trap” part refers to “la calle,” o...

Opinion: The Complexity of Hispanic Representation in the Media

As Hispanic Heritage Month has come to an end, it is important to continue to recognize this wonderful community in all aspects of society. Specifically, their presence in the media is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. As a Latina in journalism, the intersection of media and culture has become an important part of my studies and personal life. For many years, TV and film have incorporated Hispanic culture and figures with programs like “Jane the Virgin” finding ways to destroy damagin...

Concert Review: Tove Lo At The Anthem

Swedish alternative/indie singer Tove Lo performed at The Anthem on Sept. 14, with singer-songwriter Upsahl joining as the opening act.I had only seen Tove Lo for a short set during Jingle Ball 2015, so I was excited to see a long-form version of her incredible talents. 
Tour Info!Right now, Tove Lo is on her final North American leg of the ‘Dirt Femme’ tour, inspired by her recent album sharing the same title. The tour started on Sept. 5 in St. Paul, Minn., and is set to end on Oct. 14 in A...
Load More