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Yusra Farzan
What I cover
I report on issues affecting students (prospective and current), their families and communities. Some big questions I am pondering on this beat: who are higher education institutions set up to serve? Who determines who has access to these institutions? How is changing technology affecting higher education? Is access to higher education a ticket to a different trajectory in life?
My background
I didn’t think about university up until I graduated high school. Neither of my grandparents nor parents had completed college. We were residents in the UAE and that residency was dependent on my dad holding down his job. A college degree was a nice to have, not a need to have in my family. And it was only thanks to a combination of luck (Sri Lanka’s civil war ended), grit (I balanced 3 freelance jobs and a paid internship) and sheer determination (I dodged countless marriage proposals) that I graduated with a degree.
And it’s these forces that led me to complete my master’s in race and social justice reporting from USC almost a decade later. (Add a 2-year-old to the mix and grieving the sudden death of my mother.)
I previously covered Orange County for LAist.
My goals
I want to find what works and expose what doesn't, and help students and their families find solutions to their problems.
Best way to reach me
Covering Southern California’s universities and community colleges can be a lot, so I need your help in being my eyes and ears on the ground. If you have a tip, you can email me at yfarzan@laist.com or on Signal at username: @yusramf.25
Stories by Yusra Farzan
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The $1.9 billion expansion plan goes into effect in 30 days.
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The action by authorities began about nine hours after the initial order to disperse was issued around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. Shortly after 5 a.m. the area was cleared, with just a small amount of protesters remaining.
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More communities are turning to their local governments to demand change in Gaza
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Authorities move in on growing encampment at UC Irvine.
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USC officials said they need the area where protesters are camping to set up for commencement events, while protesters said they have no plans to move until their demands are met.
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The university is also still facing mounting criticism for canceling Asna Tabassum’s valedictory address, citing security concerns.
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The camp-in is just the latest in a series of similar demonstrations across the US in response to the Israel-Hamas War.
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Trash on beaches mainly comes from inland communities.
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The glowing blue waves are caused by a species of plankton called dinoflagellates, which swim in clusters causing a red tide, but when disturbed, they emit the glittering flashes of light.
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USC cited safety concerns in canceling her speech, but Los Angeles police confirmed to LAist that a crime report has not been filed.
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The new proposal will allow the theme park to create immersive experiences within its current footprint.
