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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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At his campaign launch, he said "it's time to pull the curtain back and see what the Wizard of Oz is doing behind those curtains.”
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The phenomenon was due to high clouds.
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A personal essay about growing up in the shadow of 9/11 in the Middle East.
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However, nine channels, including Freeform, have left the Spectrum lineup.
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Fans of cricket, flag football, lacrosse, break dancing, karate, and other sports are hoping to get approved.
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After a contentious meeting, the board passed the policy despite Bonta threatening to take action.
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Gary Safady, the project's developer, plans to sue the city.
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AQMD ordered short-term fixes to reduce odors and the landfill owners have to put together a committee to determine a long term solution.
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Drugs used to spike drinks have no color, odor or taste even when mixed with a drink, according to police.
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Unhoused people, veterans and those up to 24 years old out of the foster care system are exempt.
