Jen Lum, the Express social media editor for the spring 2021 semester, is in her second semester at the Express, but her first semester as an editor.

During her freshman year at J.F. Kennedy High School in Sacramento, Lum discovered her passion for journalism. By contributing to the high school’s newspaper, she recalled, she was able to focus on pop culture — writing pieces such as movie and music reviews.

“After a while [of writing for the newspaper], I said, ‘I really like being able to write about things.’ It’s a way that I can express myself,” Lum said.  

Lum plans to transfer this fall to Sacramento State, majoring in journalism. To get more experience, she said she plans to write for the campus newspaper, The State Hornet, and learn about the business side of journalism. 

Lum’s dream job is to be a fashion writer or work in the entertainment industry interviewing actors. 

“It seems like a cool job because you don’t have to constantly be in the spotlight, but you can get to know the people who are making the movies — who are big influencers overall,” Lum said. 

One person who has influenced Lum is Elaine Welterwroth, a fashion journalist and a Sacramento State alumnus, former teen Vogue editor-in-chief and a current Project Runway judge.

Lum said she also admires music artists Halsey, Yungblud, and Dua Lipa.

“Their visuals and fashion sense inspires me to not be afraid to put myself out there,” said Lum.