The Creative Journey of Makena Morgan: A Talented Writer with a Passion for Storytelling
Makena Morgan is an accomplished creative writer whose professional journey is a perfect blend of passion, education, and diverse experiences. She has established herself as an adaptable writer capable of excelling in various genres such as fiction, opinion-based narratives, social commentary, and much more. With a strong commitment to her craft, she has also contributed significantly to the educational and cultural fields, particularly through her roles within the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Beyond the Bell Branch and her extensive volunteer work. This article delves into her career, educational background, honors, and contributions, offering a closer look at her impressive achievements.
Early Life and Education
Makena Morgan’s passion for writing and creativity began during her early education years. She graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, where she honed her skills in fiction, descriptive writing, and storytelling techniques. During her time at Chapman University, she participated in several student organizations, including the Creative Writing Club, Anime Club, and Nikkei Student Union, all of which helped shape her multifaceted interests in literature and culture. She graduated in 2018 with a GPA of 3.6, further solidifying her academic dedication.
Before attending Chapman University, Makena also studied at Los Angeles Pierce College, where she earned her CSU GE General Education Certificate, maintaining a strong GPA of 3.81. Her interest in cultural activities, especially related to Japan, was evident as she participated in clubs such as the Anime Club. These early experiences played a key role in shaping her creative endeavors and deepening her connection with diverse storytelling traditions.
Career Beginnings
Makena’s career as a writer took root through various internships and volunteer opportunities, which provided her with valuable hands-on experience in the field. One of her first significant roles was as an Internship Writer at Top Shelf Gaming, where she wrote articles and reviews for an online gaming culture website. Here, Makena contributed insightful pieces on gaming stories, reviewed new games, and interviewed players. This role allowed her to bridge the gap between gaming culture enthusiasts and the wider audience, enhancing her skills in narrative analysis and content creation.
During the summer of 2017, Makena also worked as an Internship Writer for the Tokyo Journal International Magazine, a Japanese-based culture magazine. This experience allowed her to explore Asian culture through writing, transcription, and editing, providing her with the opportunity to publish articles about a wide array of cultural topics.
Professional Experience at LAUSD: Beyond the Bell Branch
In 2014, Makena began her tenure with the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Beyond the Bell Branch, where she has worked for over a decade as a Program Supervisor. In this role, she was responsible for organizing district-wide special events that benefitted more than 178,000 students involved in LAUSD’s before and after-school programs. Her duties included everything from handling logistics such as permits and safety measures to interacting with students and teachers. This position allowed Makena to apply her organizational and communication skills while contributing to the educational community by ensuring that students received enriching and safe extracurricular activities.
Additionally, Makena’s involvement as a Volunteer Teacher’s Assistant at the Valley Gakuen Japanese School since 2018 further reflects her dedication to supporting education and cultural exchange. Here, she aids in teaching Japanese grammar and alphabets to young students while also managing the classroom. Her work also extends to organizing cultural events, including the Obon Festival, fostering a deeper connection to both the Japanese language and culture.
Writing for the LAUSD Alumni History and Hall of Fame Project
In 2019, Makena contributed her writing and editing skills to the LAUSD Alumni History and Hall of Fame Project, where she wrote opening themes and helped edit a 700+ page compilation book featuring accomplished LAUSD alumni. This project, which includes notable figures such as Tom Selleck, J.J. Abrams, and John Williams, aims to inspire students by providing them with resources to support their professional aspirations. Through this project, Makena not only showcased her writing abilities but also her capacity to contribute to a meaningful educational initiative that encouraged students to pursue their goals with determination and insight.
Honors and Awards
Makena Morgan’s dedication to her craft has not gone unnoticed. She has received multiple accolades for her work, one of which includes an Honorable Mention at the San Diego Public Library Short Story Contest in May 2019. The contest, which is open to fiction writers across various genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and mystery, selected Makena’s short story for its creativity and narrative depth. This recognition exemplifies her skill as a writer capable of tackling complex themes and engaging readers with her storytelling prowess.
In addition to this, Makena was the recipient of Chapman University’s Trustee’s Scholarship in 2016, further validating her academic excellence. She also received recognition for her creative work in Los Angeles Pierce College’s literary magazine, Direction, where her short story was published in 2014.
Volunteer Work and Community Engagement
Makena’s passion for community engagement extends far beyond her professional roles. She has volunteered with the Nisei Week Japanese Festival since 2003, where she has taken on various responsibilities, from assisting with setup and safety measures to writing letters soliciting donations. This long-term commitment to the festival highlights her enthusiasm for cultural preservation and community service.
Through these volunteer roles, Makena has not only supported educational initiatives but also fostered a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage. Her participation in community-building efforts demonstrates her commitment to contributing positively to the world around her.
The Future of Makena Morgan’s Writing Career
As Makena continues her work in the educational and writing sectors, her future seems bright. With a love for fiction, descriptive writing, and social commentary, she is always looking for new opportunities to explore and expand her creative boundaries. Her diverse background, both academically and professionally, allows her to approach writing from multiple perspectives, making her a versatile and adaptable writer.
Makena’s enthusiasm for storytelling, her dedication to education, and her drive to bridge cultural gaps make her a writer to watch. With her passion for examining the human experience through various narratives, she is poised to continue making an impact in the world of creative writing and beyond.
Conclusion
Makena Morgan’s career exemplifies the power of adaptability, passion, and a commitment to both personal and community growth. From her beginnings in creative writing at Chapman University to her contributions to education and cultural preservation, she has shown herself to be an influential writer and advocate. With her continued dedication to storytelling, Makena will undoubtedly inspire future generations and contribute to the cultural and educational landscapes for years to come.
