The Upstart

Covering the 2026 MIPA Summer Journalism Workshop

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Behind the Lens: Sandra Fu’s journey from high school to photo editor

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From first picking up a Canon Rebel T7 in their junior year of high school to covering the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, Sandra Fu’s journey has been remarkable. Fu was once an ordinary high school student, unsure of their path, searching for their identity and passions just like many of their fellow classmates. Their journey into journalism began when … [Read more...] about Behind the Lens: Sandra Fu’s journey from high school to photo editor

The Art of Vulnerability

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Madalyn Blohm came to MIPA camp to improve her skills as a writer and to hopefully have her own column in her publication, The Update. She didn’t know what to expect during her time in “The Art of Storytelling’. She was used to objective journalism, devoid of a personal touch.  But after a few days of writing normal features and photo stories, Blohm was tasked with … [Read more...] about The Art of Vulnerability

Concert at class: A behind the scenes preview

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Taking an interest in music and DJing, Huron High School student Izzy Yip enrolled in the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s (MIPA) Music Journalism course. She first discovered her love for music when her mom would play her songs at a young age. Since then, music has been a key part of her life. “I think it’s definitely given me different views — maybe about … [Read more...] about Concert at class: A behind the scenes preview

Meeting celebrities, curbing burnout and “13 Going on 30”: A Q&A with Haley Kluge

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By Kylie Sczepanski Haley Kluge is the youngest ever creative art director at Variety magazine. The 29-year-old journalist and Forbes 30 Under 30 winner made a full circle this year, finding herself right back where she started in her media career: East Lansing. A former MIPA kid and MSU Journalism student, Kluge was nothing short of elated to come back and give the keynote … [Read more...] about Meeting celebrities, curbing burnout and “13 Going on 30”: A Q&A with Haley Kluge