Openly expressing one’s opinions can be a tricky task, especially as a high schooler. Sophomore Winston Chu, however, finds his voice through writing, as he shares a student’s perspective on topics ranging from politics to fine arts in the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Herald.

Starting his freshmen year, Chu’s parents encouraged him to express his opinions through his writing and see if he could get any pieces published in local papers, he explained. His most recent column, published in the Chicago Tribune on Feb. 1, focuses on his experience of going to a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert with his parents, which resulted in a realization that classical music is becoming an art only appreciated by older generations, he described.

“I’ve grown up playing piano, and I like classical music, so the inspiration [for this article] came from there,” Chu said.

Chu starts writing when he feels strongly about a topic or issue. Being one of few South students to have been published in the Chicago Tribune, he hopes to be an advocate for the younger generation, he said.

“I can’t write about economics or international relations because I’m not qualified,” Chu said. “Instead, I have to use my age as an advantage. My writing is the best when I can give my own, unique insight into current events.”

For the past two years, Chu has submitted multiple articles to various publications, including the Chicago Tribune and The Wall Street Journal, a process in which he has learned to accept success and rejection. English Teacher Hillary Kane applauds Chu’s persistence through this process.

“There’s something about having the guts to put yourself out there,” Kane said. “Winston is someone that follows a passion to the end goal.”

Not only does Chu’s passion allow him to share his thoughts, Debate Teacher Alyssa Corrigan believes it also positively contributes to her classroom. Chu’s willingness to embrace new opportunities, both through his writing and in his debate class, broadens his perspective and introduces him to new ways of approaching things, Corrigan described.

“Winston is eager to take on new challenges and talk about things that are important to him,” Corrigan said. “[His articles] show how [students] are multifaceted, complex humans, and [he] should be someone that other students look up to about how engaged they’re willing to be with the world.”