Welcome to criterion now

WHAT IS THE CRITERION

The Criterion is a student-run newspaper published by La Sierra University for the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of La Sierra University. As a service for the La Sierra community, the Criterion seeks to empower community members to be more informed and engaged citizens by reporting campus and opening ongoing campus discussion. 

Because the Criterion promotes active citizenship, the editors welcome the sharing of campus news for potential reporting and the submission of letters, articles, and artwork from members of the La Sierra community, but reserve the right to publish and edit submissions at their discretion. 

The views and opinions expressed in the Criterion are those of individual writers, and do not represent La Sierra University, its faculty, staff, administration, or students. All communication may be directed to criterion@lasierra.edu.

2023-2024 STAFF

Miya Esteban

Hi! My name is Miya Esteban and I am a fourth-year student majoring in English Literature. Besides my love of books, a few of my current passions include plants, oil pastel art, cooking, and capturing moments with my friends. As your Criterion Editor-in-Chief for the 2023-2024 school year, I am excited to be part of a team that showcases the diverse stories and achievements of our La Sierra University community.

Julia Savala

Hello! My name is Julia Savala and I am the Campus Corner Section Editor for “Criterion.” I am in my third year at La Sierra University, and I am majoring in English: Creative Writing. I love reading fiction novels; my favorite book is “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt. I also love iced matcha lattes (with oat milk) and breakfast foods. I am looking forward to being an editor this year and assisting in creating a news source for our La Sierra community!

David Gonzalez

Hi, my name is David Gonzalez and I'm currently a fourth-year pre-law student here at La Sierra. My major is history, which has been a passion of mine since the beginning of my interest in journalism and writing. As the editor for the Features section, I enjoy highlighting the most notable events and individuals on campus and feel incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing and talented team! In my free time, I enjoy going on long runs, watching older films, and reading novels.

Katie Jang

Hi hi! My name is Katie Jang and I am the copy editor for this year’s Criterion team! I am a junior studying English: Literature on a pre-dental track. I have a little bit of a fixation on cafes and drinks and strongly believe that more cafes around us should expand their tea menus. I am also enthusiastic about literature, lamps, writing, porcelain blue, Snoopy, and persimmons. Through my undergraduate studies, I have become extremely passionate about curating stories, information, and perspectives. I find that sharing these things is fundamental to the individual, community, and society at large. I look forward to working with the Criterion team and reading all the articles that capture the La Sierra community!

Chloé Iwasa

Hi! My name is Chloé Iwasa and I am currently a third-year student here at La Sierra. My major is communications with an emphasis in public relations. I hope to pursue a career within entertainment, journalism, and or media. Writing and editing have always been a passion of mine, so I’m incredibly grateful to be able to be a part of the Criterion team! Arts & Entertainment is one of my favorite sections to read in general, so I’m additionally grateful that I get to be the editor for the Criterion’s Arts & Entertainment section. In my free time, I love skiing/snowboarding, traveling and going to new places, and spending time with friends and family. 

Kara Roda

Hi my name is Kara! I am a junior majoring in English: Creative Writing with a minor in Photography. This year I am Criterion’s News Section Editor! I love writing and editing and want to pursue a job in the journalism field. Recently I have been into painting, drawing, dying my hair blues, pinks, and purples, and shooting themed portraits. I am so excited for this year and I hope you guys enjoy reading the Criterion as much as I love being a part of it. 

Jasi Goss

Hello! My name is Jasi Goss and I’m currently a second-year student majoring in Digital Media and Communications. As Criterion’s Managing Editor and Webmaster, I’m excited for what this new year has to offer. My hobbies include drinking coffee, collecting vinyls, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends. I am also very passionate about music and spending time with family (and my dogs). I’m looking forward to being apart of the Criterion team this year, and being able to capture the essence of our La Sierra community.

Sarai Ponkrajeva

Hi, My name is Sarai Ponkratjeva and I'm a Senior majoring in Graphic Design. Studying this major is what led me to my passion for photography. Aside from taking photos, I enjoy partaking in pretty much anything creative from printmaking, to ceramics, and even crocheting. I also love going for walks and spending time in nature. As Criterion’s photographer I am most excited to continue to capture fun and special moments on campus.

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