

WRITING CONTEST WINNER
1ST PLACE
Edlyn Jeyaraj is a college student with a deep interest in people, their perspectives, and the experiences that shape them. Born in Bangalore, India, and raised in both India and the U.S., she’s always been drawn to the power of storytelling—whether through essays, poetry, or conversations with family across time zones. Edlyn loves exploring big questions—about people, society, and the way ideas shape the world. Whether she’s writing about identity, culture, or something completely random, she sees writing as a way to process her thoughts and connect with others. She’s especially drawn to the intersection of storytelling and critical thinking, always looking for new viewpoints and deeper conversations. At UNC-Chapel Hill,
Edlyn is passionate about exploring the complexities of business, ethics, and technology. She hopes to pursue a career in law, where she can continue to engage with these questions in meaningful ways and work towards making an impact on the world around her.

WRITING CONTEST WINNER
2ND PLACE

Emily Chen is a junior Robertson Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill studying Computer Science. She is interested in exploring the intersections of the field with various other disciplines (forest science, urban planning, photography, history, and the list goes on). Emily has completed a photojournalism internship funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities at the Delta Center for Culture and Learning and was recently chosen to be featured at the Global Photography gallery at UNC Chapel Hill.
An interactive photostory following members of UNC Chapel Hill Kasama through traditions, history, and community by Emily Chen.

WRITING CONTEST WINNER
3RD PLACE
Wintam Le, a recent graduate from North Carolina State University with a degree in creative writing, is passionate about weaving Vietnamese culture and stories into the broader literary narrative.
