Samira Madden is a senior entering her fourth year in journalism. Madden values determination, passion and humor in her friends. She believes that it’s important to persevere and pursue one’s dreams and goals. Some activities that Madden partakes in and enjoys are writing, content creation, swimming, surfing and dancing. She is a co-vice president of UPA’s Daebak club this year and has been swimming competitively for 11 years, which has helped her build discipline and determination. In addition, she’s involved in many other commitments at UPA. She was a founder and president of Mock Trial Club, due to her aspirations to become a lawyer. Her passion for leadership is also visible through her part in ASB as a mental health coordinator, a class representative and now as a part of the rally committee. Madden’s most memorable contribution to Aquila was her article “Not So Subtle”, in which she went out of her comfort zone to address her experience with racism in swimming, along with other UPA students’ experiences with racism. Madden believes that racism is an issue that has long been neglected, overlooked and underaddressed. This year, Madden plans to write an arts and culture article, the only article form she has yet to cover. She wants to write about living with mental health struggles, the impact it has on daily life and ways to cope with it. She also intends to expand her presence by posting more podcasts and broadcasts on the other platforms of Aquila.