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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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Major reforms have been announced for California’s homeowner insurance policies.
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Congress must pass the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act but a looming government shutdown could take away a temporary pay increase for roughly 17,000 firefighters.
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Beverly Hills imposes annual Halloween ban on the possession and use of silly string, shaving cream and hair-removal products for those under 21.
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The animal, which is a type of anteater, has yet to be named.
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The mail order program is set to restart Sept. 25.
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The presence of endangered fish has put the event in jeopardy.
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The effects of Tropical Storm Hilary continue.
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Ryan Clinkunbroomer was found in his patrol car near the Palmdale station. He was a third-generation sheriff's deputy.
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The ‘Moonlight’ writer is excited to nurture new talent and engage with the Greater Los Angeles community.
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The bright spire of light Thursday night got people talking on social media
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The lawsuit alleges that Los Angeles violated regulations when it certified an environment impact report.
