Marilynn La Jeunesse
What college/s have you attended since graduating Dana Hills?
New York University, Class of 2016
What degrees have you completed?
BA in Journalism and Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health; graduated Cum Laude
What is your current occupation?
Newsletter editor at Teen Vogue, Contributing writer for Teen Vogue, Allure, INSIDER, InStyle, and more. Portfolio: marilynlajeunesse.wordpress.com
What would you say have been your most notable accomplishments since leaving Dana?
Working at some of the most popular legacy brands and new media companies in the world. From Mashable, Mic, and Cosmopolitan to Men's Health and Teen Vogue, I never expected for my life to become so similar to "The Devil Wears Prada" – and yet, Anna Wintour is now my boss (indirectly, of course). Although I'm only 24, I've already had the opportunity to interview major celebrities like Rebel Wilson and Anna Cathcart, but also travel to TV sets and work with some of the biggest names in media and the entertainment industries.
What classes/programs did you participate in while at Dana Hills?
At Dana, I took 10 AP classes that I can remember (AP Euro, APUSH, AP Gov, AP Lang, AP Lit, AP Psych, AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Stat); I was also a three-year member of the newspaper. I was also a member of several clubs, including CSF, NHS, Key Club, Veggie Club, and one or two other community service-focused activities. I was named Hispanic Student of the Year my senior year.
What recommendations would you make to current Dana students looking to duplicate your success?
Not to sound cliché, but Dana has something for everyone and doesn't allow stereotypes or outdated tropes to stand in the way of students testing out different activities and clubs. If you like art, there are at least a dozen different creative outlets for you to try, from AP studio art and photography class to Tran's epic painting and ceramics lessons. Theater, dance, football, water polo, yearbook. The opportunities are endless. While I wouldn't recommend someone overload their schedule with AP classes and after-school activities (burnout is a serious issue), I would recommend Dana newbies to go outside of their comfort zone and try new things. Who knows, you might discover you've always been a secret dance phenomenon or air guitar prodigy. Most importantly, don't let your fear hold you back. The faculty at Dana want to support your education and encourage you to find the things that spark joy in your life.