Melanie White

I'm a journalism student and a writer who's interested in informing stories, connection and inspiring people. 

I like writing stories about media, culture, creativity and everyday experiences while enhancing my talents in interviewing, research, editing and visual communication. What I most like is opportunities that make it possible for me to fuse creativity with thoughtful writing and meaningful storytelling.

This portfolio showcases my reflective writing, journalism, opinions and editorials, critiques and reviews and creative work as I learn and grow as a writer.

The Hornet •

Opinion: Artificial Intelligence has found its spot in education

Artificial intelligence has become a useful tool for advancing in the workforce and in education. As time continues, students and employees alike use it to adapt in the ever changing world of knowledge. Popular applications like ChatGPT are especially helpful when it comes to writing and math problems. Other apps like Notion help with taking notes and writing reports.
An executive order signed by President Trump titled ‘Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education For American Youth’ has made AI...
The Hornet •

New performing arts center underway for 2027, Welcome Center construction postponed

Over a year has passed since the groundbreaking of the new performing arts center on the corner of Chapman Avenue and Lemon Street. The new building is set to house both music and theater to make a performing arts complex.
So far the TV studio located in the 2001 building will not be torn down to make room for this project, according to Dean of Fine Arts, Grant Linsell.
When finished, the new performing arts complex will replace both the performing arts and music centers so that students can stu...
The Hornet •

FC Night makes a night to remember for future high school graduates

As the day came to a close and evening approached, the campus quad was filled with high schoolers visiting tents advertising different programs, departments and student services. Food was set up, music began playing and Buzzy the Hornet made an appearance.
The Promise Program, which provides two years of free tuition to eligible first-time college students, has organized the FC Night event since 2018. The event promotes their service and programs to possible first-time students and their familie...
The Hornet •

Paint in Peace at Kitsch Studios

On a Saturday afternoon, though mostly empty, the little ceramic studio was enlightened with positive energy from the few customers in the store. A few graduate students all the way from Cal State Long Beach are painting some tea trays and cups, and a small family looks around to see what would be fun to paint. In the back there are ferns and monstera plants for sale, decorating the walls and corners, making it feel like you’re painting in a peaceful greenhouse. The car noises and rushing pedest...
The Hornet •

Here is what the Hornets Resource Center has to offer

Among the list of resources Fullerton College offers students such as financial aid, Veteran’s Resource center, disability support services and so forth. The Hornets Resource Center supplies basic-needs such as housing assistance, food assistance and healthcare connections.
Open houses have been previously held to inform students of the services they offer including online workshops on how to fill out forms such as the Medi-Cal or Cal-Fresh application .
“My favorite resource so far would have t...
The Hornet •

Kinder Caminata approaches 25 years at Fullerton College

The 25th annual Kinder Caminata event will be held this Friday, April 11. First taking place at Fullerton College in 1995, Kinder Caminata has entertained kindergarten-age children across six elementary school districts with career exploration activities.
According to Cadena Cultural Center the theme has always been Cesar Chavez’s Motto “Si, se puede!” to expand on educational opportunities ideals at young ages and their families. Each spring, colleges welcome the opportunity to share higher lea...
The Hornet •

Beat Cafe Open Mic features powerful performances in celebration of Black History Month

The Cadena Cultural Center held its 15th annual Beat Cafe Open Mic on Feb. 26, at the campus quad where students from different cultures came to the stage to sing, dance or share poetry. At the showcase, they performed art with confidence that revealed their thoughts on prejudice, justice and their view of the world.
The Cadena Cultural Center, as noted on the school website, is the cultural diversity center on campus and provides a network of programs with services to create a welcoming campus....
The Hornet •

APIDA Resource Center helps students practice mindfulness with watercolor workshop

Although the semester has just started and finals aren’t until May, that doesn’t stop people from unleashing their creativity and easing their stress that comes with balancing the life of a college student.
The APIDA resource center, which supports Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi Americans students, held a watercolor workshop at the student lounge on Tuesday Feb. 18, 2025, for students to collaborate with one another and grow in their confidence in their culture.
Organized by theater arts super...
The Hornet •

Ashley Sanford is Revving Up the Competition

First place winner for profile in the Journalism Association of Community Colleges 2025 SoCal Publication Awards at the Associated Collegiate Press Spring 2025 Conference in Long Beach, California.
At 3 years old, Ashley Sanford gripped the steering wheel of a tractor after climbing into her father’s lap. Since then, she has never looked back. Speed was her heritage. Growing up with her father and grandfather being avid fans for the high–speed sport, racing was not just a family pastime—that sha...
The Hornet •

Spreading Holiday Cheer in Orange County

After a tense election season, it’s nice to unwind and learn that people can make little differences in everyday life—especially around the most wonderful time of the year. Staff writers Angie Espinoza and Melanie White visit three local organizations making a change in OC this holiday season: the Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County, Mary’s Kitchen and Pathways of Hope. Watch to get a glimpse of what each organization does and what it means to give back to the community during the jo...
Fullerton Observer •

Cal State University of Fullerton Art Department Gets an Upgrade - Fullerton Observer

The final phase of Cal State Fullerton’s (CSUF) Visual Arts Modernization Project will finally be complete this November 2024 with the opening of the Nichaols and Lee Begovich Gallery relocated to building G from building A.

The full project, involves the construction of two new buildings and the refurbishment of two old ones. The project has expanded to 87,000 square feet. In 2017, when the project was announced, the university received $65 million from the state of California, however, COVID-...
The Hornet •

Pixel Panic: The Threat of AI in Animation

On the cinema screen, the audience is welcomed to an animated home in California with a TV blaring a news report that the electricity in the town seems to be going haywire. From there, a little boy tells his father about a little furry creature called “The Glitch” that has been causing all the internet chaos. This is not just any animated film—it’s been animated by artificial intelligence. 
Ever since the first drawing program was created in 1962 by computer science professor Alex Sutherland, co...
The Hornet •

Dungeons & Dragons turns 50! A look into the new generation of players

The 50th anniversary of the popular role playing game Dungeons & Dragons is upon us. Staff writer Melanie White and photo editor Eli Young take a look into what it’s all about and how this table top game is keeping its popularity alive while we live in a digital age.

The 50th anniversary of the popular role playing game Dungeons & Dragons is upon us. Staff writer Melanie White and photo editor Eli Young take a look into what it’s all about and how this table top game is keeping its popularity a...
The Hornet •

Year of the Dragon, All Year Long

In Southeast and Eastern Asia, Lunar New Year is the most popular celebration, and it has been continuously practiced in the U.S. This year marks the second annual Lunar New Year event hosted by Fullerton College, reflecting an increased focus on Asian cultures since the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) association was formed in 2022. 
As Lunar New Year celebrations unfold on campus, the spotlight not only illuminates the vibrant festivities but also the profound symbolism of the Yea...