About the writer

My name is Tiffany Gonzalez, and I’m a third-year student at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where I’m majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Business. I’m passionate about storytelling, communication, and using media to highlight meaningful ideas and the people behind them.

My love for storytelling started long before I knew journalism was a career path. As a kid, I used to tell my mom that I would grow up to be both a chef and an author, creating imaginary worlds and writing fantasy food stories. While the chef title may still be on hold, one of those childhood dreams has slowly become reality. Storytelling has always been at the center of who I am.

My path to journalism truly began in high school when my mom encouraged me to join an extracurricular activity. I reluctantly chose the school newspaper, a decision that unexpectedly shaped my future. Through that experience, I discovered how powerful it can be to tell the stories of the people around me. Reporting allowed me to uncover perspectives and experiences I might never have noticed otherwise, and it sparked a passion that followed me into college.

At the heart of everything I do is a curiosity about people and the stories that connect us. I’m excited to continue growing as a storyteller and communicator while using my work to inform, uplift, and inspire others.