Welcome to the world of Anjum Alam – a dynamic young leader and award-winning writer with a passion for investigative journalism, public advocacy, and new-media projects. As Editor-in-Chief of the high school paper since 2022, Anjum has been at the forefront of journalistic excellence, heading a dedicated 10-person staff and coordinating the efforts of 8+ editors. Under her leadership, the paper has delved into pressing issues such as McKinney Vento, New Arrival Centers, and House Bill 114.
Anjum’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond the campus, as she accepted a position with The Borgen Project. In this role, she would investigate and publish pieces for “Borgen Magazine,” focusing on the critical topics of foreign aid and poverty prevention.
Anjum’s leadership and dedication to civic engagement were further honed during her participation in Texas Bluebonnet Girls State. There, she not only gained insights into engaged citizenship, lawmaking, and women in leadership but also had the unique opportunity to write, submit, and debate legislation at the capital in Austin, TX. Anjum was the sole student selected to represent Cy Creek HS, a testament to her exceptional qualities.
Recognized for her outstanding leadership potential, Anjum was awarded the HOBY Leadership Certificate of Recognition in June 2022 by the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation. As the only student chosen to represent Cy Creek HS for the year, Anjum actively participated in a weekend-long interactive seminar dedicated to developing leadership from personal, group, and socially responsible perspectives.
In the realm of awards and accolades, Anjum’s talents shine brightly. Her screenplay “Palo” earned her a Quarterfinalist spot at the Austin Film Festival in October 2023, impressing judges with its portrayal of a 1970s West Texas family. British Screenwriter Danny Sewell commended her work, stating, “The feelings of isolation, duty, and lastly, freedom, are excellently conveyed and developed throughout…It has layers to it.”
Anjum’s poetic prowess also garnered recognition in the Pulitzer Center Fighting Words Poetry Contest. Her poem “Jannah,” amplifying the Iranian climate crisis, secured a place on the Longlist in June 2023, standing out among the 1,675 entries from 13 countries and 36 U.S. states. Pulitzer Center Grantee Susan Schulman praised Anjum’s work, noting, “It is the rare poem that touches me…Its power and the sadness, which touches deep inside, has left me a bit speechless.”
Anjum’s commitment to academic and creative excellence is evident in her completion of the Brown University Pre-College Certificate of Completion in July 2022. She successfully finished the “Writing Speculative Fiction” course, where Senior Lecturer in English, Professor Michael Stewart, commended her enthusiasm and intelligence, foreseeing success in any path she chooses.
Anjum’s literary talents have also been celebrated through multiple awards in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, including Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention in various categories for seven distinct works. Notably, her pieces “The Yellow-Eyed Man,” “Hunger,” “My Mother’s Daughter,” and “Sun-Kissed Marrow of ‘Morrow” have qualified for national adjudication, showcasing the depth and breadth of her creative abilities.
In the world of Anjum, words are not just written; they are woven into powerful narratives that explore the complexities of the human experience. As a young writer and leader, Anjum is poised to continue making waves in the realms of journalism, literature, and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on the world.