Hello readers of The Westside Express,
My name is Kristina Solomita, and I’m very excited to introduce myself as the newest reporter for The Westside Express. Before I hit the ground running, I want to take a moment to share a little about myself and why I’m looking forward to contributing to the team.
First, I’d like to share a fun fact about myself. I’m not a native resident of the Central Valley. I was born in the Bay Area, specifically in the city of Milpitas. The hustle and bustle of the Silicon Valley is nostalgic but exhausting.
So I made the bold move to come to Modesto in late 2019. The transition was rather unexpected but exhilarating. Evidently, my move became a pivotal moment in my personal and academic journey.
Prior to moving to Modesto, I was enrolled at Mission College in San Jose without a clear major in mind. I had such distinct interests that I couldn’t settle on just one major. I jumped from major to major, including Biology, Architecture, Archeology, Theatre, and Elementary Education.
Ultimately, I completed my associate degree at Modesto Junior College, with a major in Studio Art. Originally, I had plans to become an art teacher. However, as I got further into my projects, I was far more drawn into the dynamic world of visual communication. This revelation led to one final major change.
Right now, I am majoring in Creative Media in my senior year at California State University, Stanislaus and anticipate graduating in the upcoming fall semester. I primarily focus on design and am proficient with Adobe Creative Suite software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
I’ve made logos, posters and publication layouts. Currently, I’m working on two magazine layouts of my own design, and I can’t wait to add them to my portfolio.
One aspect of my major I particularly enjoy is the emphasis on effective communication across various mediums. Whether it’s public speaking, visual art or videography, I have expanded my ability to convey ideas in new and innovative ways. However, traditional communication through writing comes to me most naturally.
I’ve always loved to write, although I always held a preference for fiction. It wasn’t until I took classes in journalism and creative nonfiction that I became more confident in my ability to express my ideas in writing and engage readers with my stories.
I’m comfortable researching and conducting interviews with people in the community, and I have experience writing for an existing newspaper: CSU Stanislaus University’s online newspaper, the Signal.
I have also contributed a few opinion pieces to articles published in the Modesto Bee newspaper.
I’m looking forward to getting to know more about the Los Banos community. I’m always open to expanding my network and connecting with new people. I find journalism is a way to bridge gaps and foster understanding within the community.
My goal is to shed light on the unique experiences of the individuals who contribute to the city of Los Banos, as well as to cover the array of events that take place within the city.
As I settle into my role, I’m excited to challenge myself and refine my skills as a storyteller. From local events to in-depth interviews, I’m committed to immersing myself in diverse narratives with authenticity and respect.
I want to express my gratitude to The Westside Express for this opportunity, and I look forward to getting out in the field!
