By Samson Le
Coming into senior year with two years of experience, Camelia Heins is no beginner to Baron Banner. Her love for writing and reading in her free time exemplifies her passion for journalism. Heins enjoys reading young adult fiction as well as writing poetry about her life.
Heins initially joined Baron Banner to improve her writing, but once she became immersed into Baron Banner, she learned to love journalism.
“I didn’t know how much effort was put into journalism, and now I have a lot more appreciation for journalists,” Heins said.
In addition to being in Baron Banner, Heins has a packed school schedule of all AP classes, including AP Calculus BC, AP Government/Economics, AP English Literature and AP Spanish. Although Heins has all AP classes, she believes that taking these classes is the best course of action for her as they have improved her time management and writing skills.
“I take AP classes because they’re a way to challenge myself and push myself beyond my limits,” said Heins.
Outside of her busy school life, Heins enjoys spending time with her friends, listening to music, and playing the ukulele and guitar. She also runs as the social media director for the student-run campaign, DiversifyOurNarrative HBUHSD, where she posts about various topics concerning race, diversity, and education. These posts spread awareness to expand HBUHSD’s curriculum to include diverse texts from people of different races.
After graduating high school, Heins is not certain whether she wants to major in political science or journalism, but she is sure that she wants to become a journalist. “I’m most passionate about writing for politics or social advocacy,” Heins said. While Heins wants to attend the University of California, Berkeley and New York University, she is currently applying to various other UC’s and CSUs.
The main motives that push Heins to success are her supportive parents and her focus on finding her own happiness.
“I used to focus a lot on what other people would think about me, but I just want to do what makes me happy,” Heins said.
Heins’ parents are always there to support her, and they go out of their way to do anything that can help her.
“Even though I may feel tired or feel like giving up with school, they’re always there to comfort me or help me in any way,” said Heins.