November 13, 2024

Meet the Staff

The Prospectus is entirely created by Parkland students. These students serve various roles, including writing and editing articles, taking photographs, managing the website, and more.

Santiago Gonzalez Ahuerma

Editor-in-Chief

Santiago Gonzalez Ahuerma is a second-year psychology major at Parkland. He was born in Mexico City and moved to Urbana with his family when he was four years old, residing in the Champaign-Urbana area ever since. Some of his hobbies, aside from writing, include watching almost any sport, listening to music (one of his favorite songs currently is “Bumpin’” by Wes Montgomery), and spending time outdoors, whether that be walking his dogs, playing basketball, or exploring nature. He hopes to provide the readers of his articles with either a good laugh or factual information, though he cannot guarantee both.

Tayon Swift

Reporter

Tayon Swift is a sophomore with no shortage of diverse interests who has found his home at Parkland. He is currently seeking a certificate in music business and an associate’s degree in psychology. One thing he loves is to peek behind the curtains of everything from the arts to athletics and aims to give readers the same experience. He firmly believes that anyone can pick up any skill they put their minds to and is currently learning to produce his own songs and create his own clothing. Keep an eye out for his artist interviews and deep dives into the unique communities of Champaign County!

Sarah Jacobson

Reporter

Sarah Jacobson is a sophomore in the Parkland pathways program and is majoring in communications. She has always had a passion for writing, and through joining the Prospectus she hopes to share that and become more involved in Parkland’s community. When she’s not writing she loves to listen to music, hang out with friends, and crochet! She strives to put out her best work and looks forward to this opportunity.

Sophia Naylor

Social Media Manager & Reporter

Sophia Naylor is a second-year business major with a marketing focus. She joined the Prospectus not only to gain experience in the marketing field but also to find a sense of community. In her free time, she loves watching reality TV shows, listening to music and writing. She takes extraordinary pride in caring for her little sister while simultaneously gaining her sense of independence. Being able to see the successes of others and see them win is something that always makes her smile, no matter what.

Iman Rainey

Reporter

Iman Rainey is a first-year psychology major at Parkland from the Chicago area. Craving knowledge more than anything else, she is very open to new experiences and has come to Prospectus to take her love of writing to the next level. She enjoys reading, writing, dancing, watching television, listening to music and even runs her own podcast. Not only has her podcast been a way for her to help process and express her thoughts and emotions, but it also allows others to relate and find comfort through similarity. As for being so passionate and open-minded about anything she puts her mind to, she is excited to welcome any opportunity that comes her way while on the Prospectus team.

Fiona Taylor

Reporter & Photographer 

Fiona Taylor is a third-year majoring in general education at Parkland. Her interest in photography budded in late high school, working for her yearbook team where she was required to take photos at the events she attended. One of her favorite projects is the photography series that she began last semester, consisting of how you take photos and more. As one of the returning members, Taylor encourages open conversation above all else.

Katrina Phetchareun

Editor 

Katrina Phetchareun is a business/marketing major who is extremely excited to work at Prospectus. Phetchareun likes journalism because of the exploration of different topics as well as hearing about everyone’s different interests. Outside of writing, she likes to crochet, sew, paint and read. As an editor, she is excited to see all the articles written this year.

Jonathan Hahn

Audio Editor & Reporter 

Jonathan Hahn, a freshman in the Parkland Pathways program, studies statistics. As the audio editor, Hahn is hoping to gain experience and insight in the audio engineering realm, while also learning the basics of journalism through writing articles, during his time at the Prospectus. The Virginia native enjoys watching shows of all different genres as well as listening to music. One of his current favorite artists is 10CM. In regard to his future, Hahn is taking it day by day, and waiting to see what opportunities call his name.

Johnathan Haines

Digital Editor

Johnathan Haines, born and raised in Champaign,  is a freshman at Parkland studying machine tools. In his free time, Haines loves working hands-on to make things, as well as working on and making computer programs. He also has a passion for video games, with his favorites including Minecraft and Factorio. In the future, he wants to manufacture parts that will be used in space. As the digital editor, Haines is excited to use his passion for technology and computers to improve the digital experience of the Prospectus.