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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 shifting ground in the Portuguese Bend landslide complex is unprecedented.
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LASD and LAPD do not transfer people to ICE, but O.C. continues to do so. Immigration advocates say this disproportionately targets the county's Mexican and Vietnamese population.
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We compiled the best reactions to the rare sizable 4.8 earthquake that hit New Jersey Friday
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An LAist report in 2022 found that the disease mostly affected Latino men.
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The 105 Freeway abruptly ends at Studebaker Road, causing drivers to crash into buildings and barricades.
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The amounts will be automatically credited to their April bills.
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The route will connect residents with key destinations, including the Irvine Spectrum.
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More drama could also be on the horizon because unsuccessful breeding can lead to eagle break ups.
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Base fare goes up from $1 to $2.50
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The announcement comes after the company raised homeowner insurance rates by 20%.
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Regardless of ethnic background, samosas unite Muslims during the holy month.
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Funding allocated toward public works programs and infrastructure will likely take a big hit.
