Writer of the
Year Porfolio:
Shanza Sami
Hi there! My name is Shanza Sami, the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the West Side Story Print publication based in Iowa City, IA. I'm passionate about weaving different forms of journalism, amplifying voices, and empowering my staffers in the newsroom. However, what first drew me to journalism was writing, whether features, profiles or news.
Writing. It's the core of journalism — the medium to inquire, communicate and highlight marginalized perspectives. When I first came to journalism, I was unsure of how to articulate my own thoughts. The idea of placing my writing on a platform felt daunting. Learning from older staffers, I grew more confident in reporting; however, it was the hours alternating between typing drafts on my computer and staring at notes on my reporter's notebook that led to my growth. As I grew more confident with the ink, feature writing became my home: a chance tell stories that revealed the people behind the headlines. Through writing, I learned that how a story is told can be just as powerful as what is reported.
Learn more about my writing below!
Reimagining resistance
Exploring Iowa’s legacy of student activism
By Shanza Sami & Isaac Warner
Published March 9, 2026
Once centered solely around large, street-organized assemblies, activism has been transformed by digitalization. Amid an increase in protests targeting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, this article explores how activism in Iowa City has both evolved and persisted, connecting today’s protest culture — fueled by social media and online news — to a longstanding history of Vietnam War demonstrations and the landmark Tinker v. Des Moines case. Through synthesizing perspectives from activist Mary Beth Tinker and local student organizers, this article explores how young people, despite lacking formal political power, continue to push back on issues that directly affect them, from war to racial justice and immigration policy. Whether in the streets or online, collective action remains one of the most effective ways for young people to demand change.
Statement on the extent of my work
As a writer for our print publication, I am fortunate to often have more writers than available articles. As a result, I share bylines to help introduce new staffers to reporting. I wrote the majority of the article in full, but worked alongside a new staffer, Isaac Warner, whom I mentored throughout the process. Isaac contributed by helping brainstorm angles, secure sources and conduct interviews. We also attended two live protests together, gaining a better understanding of present-day activism in Iowa City.
From Vietnam War protests to modern-day walkouts, student activism has always shaped Iowa City. Today’s students are rewriting what resistance looks like.
☆ IN-DEPTH FEATURE WRITING ☆
Calculus at age 10, the United States of America Junior Mathematical Olympiad at 13 and the Mathematics Olympiad Program at 15 — this is only the tip of the iceberg for Edward Li, a junior at West who will be pursuing his undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall without graduating high school.
☆ PROFILE WRITING☆
A mind without limits
Edward Li is a current junior at West set to join MIT as an undergraduate student this fall — all without receiving a high school diploma.
By Shanza Sami
Published March 1, 2025
When published, Edward Li ’26 was a junior at West High headed to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology without a high school diploma. After years of moving far beyond the typical K-12 math path, Li finished most school coursework early after self-studying curriculum, and eventually took classes at Kirkwood and the University of Iowa, where he nearly ran out of pure math courses. Along the way, he forged a strong legacy in the competitive math scene, qualifying for elite programs like the Mathematical Olympiad Program through online communities. Despite his achievements, Li interests are simple; he values the friendships he’s made through math, while enjoying hobbies like walking and astrophotography. At MIT, he now grapples with what he wants to do long-term. Whether academia or tech, the common thread is clear: Li follows his curiosity at his own pace, and it’s taken him far.
Beyond the trails
WSS investigates why national parks — which promote environmental conservation, educate visitors and stimulate regional economies — are important and undergoing systematic changes.
By Shanza Sami
Published April 20, 2025
This article explores the political decisions shaping the future of national parks. Funding cuts and restructuring tied to the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency resulted in mass layoffs within the National Park Service, threatening national facilities. Most notably, the firing of Iowan Effigy Mounds ranger Brian Gibbs had raised concerns about safety, maintenance and the long-term sustainability of parks, even as public demand and visitation remain high. By delving into the perspectives of local visitors, this article highlights their environmental, educational and personal value from national parks. Additionally, it investigates how national parks protect wildlife and support local economies, while weaving in the historical and cultural context of the land, including its ties to Indigenous communities.
National parks — locations honoring natural wonders dominated by vast canyons, tall redwoods and roaring rivers — are now threatened by global warming, layoffs and tariffs.
☆ IN-DEPTH NEWS WRITING ☆
Keeping an audience engaged for hours demands the same passion that first draws dancers to the studio. However, once the curtain lowers and the auditorium seats grow cold, the community forged through endless rehearsals and relentless pressure gives rise to what is known as dance culture.
☆ IN-DEPTH SPORTS WRITING☆
Behind the curtain
From “The Nutcracker” ballet to state competitions, West High’s Nolte Academy dancers showcase their talents in many forms. WSS explores the training, discipline and creative processes that these dancers bring to the stage.
By Shanza Sami & Sedef Bayman
Published Jan. 23, 2026
The intensity of dance culture is especially overwhelming for high school dancers, who juggle long hours, school and the pressure to keep improving. This article explores larger issues like burnout, body image and the way competition influences the community across three dancers from Iowa City’s Nolte Academy. These dancers uncovered what their schedule looks like day-to-day: spending 15 to 30 hours a week in the studio, dealing with exhaustion and pushing through mental peaks and valleys. At the same time, this piece explores the rewarding aspects of dance, where dancers form their closest friendships, engage in active self-expression and feel most like themselves.
Statement on the extent of my work
As a writer for our print publication, I am fortunate to often have more writers than available articles. As a result, I share bylines to help introduce new staffers to reporting. I wrote this article alongside a new staffer, Sedef Bayman, whom we introduced to sports reporting. Sedef contributed to the article by forming the lede, brainstorming angles, helping secure sources and cutting quotes.
A fare-free future?
Iowa City’s Fare Free transit program was designed to make public transportation more accessible and support sustainability goals. Now, funding shortfalls are putting the praised program at risk.
By Shanza Sami, Jake Beneke & Colin Wehrle
Published March 6, 2026
Iowa City’s fare-free bus system is nationally recognized as one of the top transit systems. After the program emerged during the pandemic using federal relief funds, it quickly received strong community support. Systems in New York City currently seek to emulate its success in an attempt to boost ridership and reduce emissions simultaneously. Although the Iowa City Transit’s success has made it especially relevant, questions about long-term funding and electric bus maintenance leave its future somewhat uncertain. The decision to make bussing fare-free increased both accessibility and convenience for students, while achieving climate goals early by reducing car use and emissions.
Statement on the extent of my work
As a writer for our print publication, I am fortunate to often have more writers than available articles. As a result, I share bylines with reporters. For this article, I had the opportunity to write alongside two more experienced writers, Jake Beneke and Colin Wehrle. This article reached nearly 2,000 words in length, and we delegated based on sources. I contributed writing for three of four sources — two students sources (Kate Johnson and Melissa Marron-Romero) and a climate analyst, Daniel Bissell — while Jake and Colin wrote primarily for Darian Nagle-Gamm, the Iowa City Director of Transportation. Beyond the body, I wrote the lede and concluding paragraphs for this article. The three of us each invested a lot of time into this article, and it is my favorite piece I’ve written this school year.
When West High student Kate Johnson ’27 boarded her first Iowa City bus after moving to the area from Tennessee in 2024, she instinctively made her way to the fare box — only to realize there wasn’t one.
