Sofia Zuniga, Firebird Digital’s head writer, became a 2020 Miami Herald’s Silver Knight honorable mention for journalism this past month. Throughout her high school years at Doral Academy, Zuniga has shown the utmost commitment and passion for her academics, which have ultimately allowed her to successfully pursue what she loves to do the most: write.

       From a young age, Sofia found a certain liking towards broadcasting. After taking yearbook at our school, Zuniga realized she wanted to pursue journalism. She enrolled herself in creative writing classes and spent her summers at media programs. However, it was her admiration for yearbook that propelled her to study journalism. As a result of being an active contributor to the school’s yearbook, Zuniga was approached for the position as a writer on Firebird Digital. 

       “Alexis Brotons, 2019 graduate, was the first person in charge of the blog,” Zuniga says, “…[W]ith Mr. Iglesias and Sebastian Cavallin, they created the website and went right to posting.” From then on, some may say it was history: Sofia Zuniga was given the responsibility of running the blog by her senior year and she ran full force.

“I was given the position this year and began posting twice a week, making sure to never miss a date,” Zuniga recalls. The audience for the blog was small at first, however after the consistent publication of inspiring content, Firebird Digital was able to grow their staff of writers among the quality in their posts. More specifically, Zuniga’s article on Ms. Maldonaldo and her story of conquering childhood cancer – which is currently – the most viewed article on the website with over 1300 views.

       Not only has Zuniga organized Firebird Digital from the ground up, she also focuses on her own endeavors. The Dialect, a student-run blog and literary arts magazine, was created by Zuniga to foster a safe space for individuals to post pieces such as articles or poems regarding their personal lives.

“The goal of The Dialect was to let others express themselves and know that they are being heard.”

       Zuniga wanted to help others who had a hard time making themselves seen. At our age, it’s often difficult to know exactly who we are and what we want to do in the future. The Dialect addresses this issue, comforting the idea that it’s okay not to know right away but when you do, self-acceptance is key. Emphasizing the importance of expression through difficult times, it is no wonder why The Dialect was recognized as an honorable mention in the journalism category for Miami Herald’s Silver Knight award this year. Overall, the future of The Dialect is brightly lit, as its promising and authentic ideals are felt with the audience that it is for — teenagers like us.

       Zuniga promises that the lessons that she has learned from running Firebird Digital, amongst other things, are essentially invaluable.

“As a very timid person, my social anxiety has definitely been the biggest obstacle throughout my educational life… by interviewing more diverse people and speaking to others, I have come to realize that these individuals are kind-hearted and will trust you if you trust yourself.”

       Joining Firebird Digital, as one should, has allowed us to meet the most inspiring, dedicated students in Doral Academy. With new knowledge comes a change in perspective, which Zuniga believes is important for our community. Firebird Digital, along with being more informed, grants you the power of voicing your opinions in hopes of helping others or just to be heard.

       Sofia Zuniga has truly left a legacy in Doral Academy. As she attends Florida International University for her first year (then transferring to Cornell University to study communications), Zuniga leaves behind an impassioned team of writers and editors. If it was not for her, we at Firebird Digital would not have a platform to express our feelings nonetheless feel encouraged to write. As successful and achieved Zuniga has been thus far, it would be no surprise to hear her name worldwide in the near future.