The Story About Tori
By Morgan Howard
A girl sits at the table with a smile on her face, unconsciously running her fingers through her pixie cut. With expressive green eyes and a quiet personality, Victoria “Tori” Mirian’s different sides make her an intriguing writer.
The 17-year-old rising senior will be editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper in the fall. Tori started writing short stories when she was young. However, now she prefers reporting.
“Everything I loved to do before could translate into this,” Tori said. “The people I write about now have real character. It’s more authentic,” Tori said.
Tori finds passion in more than just writing. She also enjoys coming from a multicultural family.
“Everyone has different experiences which make them who they are,” Tori said. Raised by an Iranian father and American mother, Tori definitely had a unique experience growing up. Her grandparents, also from Iran, lived with her and helped raise the family.
“I actually spoke Farsi before I knew English, I didn’t even realize another language existed,” Tori said.
Tori appreciates being multicultural and is proud to be close to her Persian heritage. “ I don’t know what I be without it. I like that part of me.” Tori said. “I was raised to respect everyone equally, especially those who are not the same as I,” Tori said.
Diversity is what drives Tori to share others stories and experiences, and she dreams of doing just that by writing for National Geographic Magazine in the future. Tori enjoys the possibility of this job because she can visit and write about different cultures to bring everyone together.
As the upcoming editor-in-chief for her school’s newspaper, Tori is already preparing for her dream job. During her junior year Tori was the one of three juniors to score a spot on the newspaper. She proved to be versatile, writing stories ranging from the weather to important school issues.
“I’m looking forward to improving on what we already do,” Tori said. The monthly newspaper features articles about everything that has to do with the school. A goal Tori has for next year is to make it more engaging to all students.
“I want to make the newspaper more interesting to students,” Tori said. She will be leading a talented staff to produce intriguing and well-reported stories.
Tori Mirian’s involvement in the Chuck Stone program highlights her passion both writing and embracing diversity. The journalism program allows 12 diverse students from across the country to stay at UNC and develop their journalism skills. As the 2013 editor, Tori’s leadership easily shines through.
Although observant and reserved in nature, she is sought out for writing advice and discussion by other program participants. “I enjoy interacting with others because everybody’s diverse,” Tori said.