The Palisadian-Post is welcoming several summer-time interns whose work with the paper will include covering area events and speaking with Palisadians, writing and editing, and helping proofread.
Photo courtesy of Audrey Smith
Audrey Smith
My name is Audrey, and I am so excited to be an intern for the Palisadian-Post. It is hard to believe, but I started writing articles for the Post when I was just 10 years old and in fourth grade at Canyon Charter Elementary School.
Before the fire, I lived in Pacific Palisades for 14 years. I have moved six times in the last five months and cannot wait until I can go back to the Palisades.
I am a junior at Palisades Charter High School and was thrilled to go back to school in person in April. I miss the Pali High campus, though, and hope we can go back soon.
At Pali High, I am the managing editor of the school newspaper, The Tideline. I enjoy creating graphics for the paper and writing for a variety of sections (my favorite is satire). I am also a varsity cheerleader, president of the chess club, attorney on the varsity mock trial team and an LA Youth Ambassador.
This summer, along with interning at the Post, I will be honing my writing skills as a Medill Cherub and attending The School of The New York Times for photojournalism. Writing and photography are two of my favorite activities, and I look forward to the opportunity to combine them. I am currently taking AP photography, and have documented the destruction and rebuilding of the Palisades through photography.
As an intern, I hope I can, in some small measure, play a role in bringing back a sense of community. Though so many of us are currently living throughout the greater Los Angeles area, I believe that once a Palisadian, always a Palisadian.
Photo courtesy of Arden Seretean
Arden Seretean
My name is Arden Seretean, and I have lived my entire life in the Palisades.
Initially, I resided near the Highlands, where I have fond memories of walking my dogs with the ocean breeze in my hair and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. I could hear the waves crashing, mingling with the sounds of traffic from the highway. My childhood was spent here, running around trick-or-treating on Halloween with a bag bigger than I was, soon weighed down by an abundance of candy.
During high school, I moved closer to the area now known as Palisades Village. Swarthmore Avenue was home to a farmers’ market held every Sunday, where the delightful aromas of fresh produce, flowers, handmade oils and bread filled the air. The presence of local artisans selling food, spices, jewelry and soups brought the Palisades community together, creating a warm scene.
On Fourth of July, I danced in the parade and later marched with dogs I had rescued from a Palisades dog shelter. The Palisades was my home, and home to my favorite restaurant, Pearl Dragon, which I affectionately called “the belly” due to the emerald Buddha that greeted customers at the door.
In my spare time, I captured life here with my camera. Journalism is not just about presenting facts; it’s about weaving compelling narratives. Through my documentation, I sought to achieve this. I photographed familial relationships at Palisades Recreation Center and created a documentary for my mom before heading off to college. All my passions—poetry, photography, filmmaking and dancing—center on storytelling, which is my main goal for the Palisadian-Post.
I love journalism because it allows me to preserve memories, which is important right now. I, too, lost my home in the fires, but I remind myself that my home was not merely the furniture that filled it or the windows that illuminated it. It was the memories that gave it life, and this understanding will guide me as I seek out the stories of the Palisades.
Photo courtesy of Daila Harinck
Daila Harinck
“We’re moving to LA,” my parents announced with excitement one random Tuesday morning.
At just 8 years old, I didn’t share their enthusiasm. Within what seemed to be the blink of an eye, my entire world was turned upside down. Everything familiar—my clothes, my shoes, my toys—was packed into nine large suitcases and sent to the airport. I stood by the baggage claim, wide-eyed and uncertain, wondering, “How is this going to go?”
Soon, my sister and I were enrolled at Canyon Charter Elementary School. I hardly spoke a word of English, and American customs seemed foreign and confusing. Naturally, I expected the first day of fourth grade to be overwhelming. But rather, I was met with warmth.
My new classmates greeted me with curiosity, smiles and handshakes. At lunch, a kind girl named Kylie waved me over to sit with her and her friends when she noticed me nervously scanning the yard. Her gesture made a world of difference to 8-year-old me.
My teachers were equally kind—particularly Ms. Goldstein, who almost single-handedly taught me English and patiently helped me understand American government during history class.
From the very beginning, the Palisades community embraced me. Not once did I feel like I didn’t belong.
Over time, LA didn’t feel so unfamiliar. By the time I walked into Palisades Charter High School, I recognized the faces around me. As a rising senior, the school has provided—and continues to provide—me with opportunities I never could have imagined. From the sports teams to various clubs and classes, Pali High has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.
But the most striking aspect of the Palisades community has been its resilience and compassion. The fires swept through and devastated the neighborhoods, damaging homes and part of our school. Though my house was spared, I felt the heartbreak of classmates who weren’t as fortunate.
Yet in the face of adversity, the community came together. Clothing drives emerged, support networks were formed and GoFundMes were started.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a strong and empathetic community that lifts others up in the face of obstacles.
Photo courtesy of Nissara Shah
Nissara Shah
My name is Nissara Shah, and I am a rising sophomore at the Archer School for Girls.
While I haven’t lived in the Palisades, I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years. My mom worked in the area, and I often visited close friends who lived nearby.
I got to know the neighborhood by going to the farmers markets, walking around the village and spending time at the parks. This helped me become familiar with the area and gave me a better understanding of how connected the community is.
My interest in journalism began this year when I took an Intro to Journalism class at my school. That course opened my eyes to the impact journalism can have—not just as a form of writing, but as a way to amplify voices, tell important stories and inform the public.
I learned about the laws protecting press freedom, how to write in AP style and how to write various types of pieces, including news reports, op-eds, reviews, features and sports articles. I also learned how to collaborate with editors and use feedback to grow.
What stood out most was that journalism allows me to combine creativity with seeking truth and creating meaningful stories. Writing has always helped me explore ideas and understand the world around me, and this class showed me how it can also serve a greater purpose.
I’m most looking forward to working with the Post because it gives me the opportunity to take what I’ve learned and apply it in a real-world setting. I’m excited to gain hands-on experience, strengthen my reporting and interviewing skills, and contribute stories that reflect the Palisades community.
I’m also looking forward to learning from professionals in the field, being part of a new environment, and continuing to grow as a writer and journalist.
