By AYLEEN CANIZALES
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Arabella Serrata, a recent graduate of Port Isabel Early College High School (PIECHS), has embarked on a promising career in journalism as a writer for the Port Isabel-South Padre Press.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Serrata moved to Port Isabel at the age of four. From an early age, she harbored a deep passion for writing, inspired by a particularly well-crafted book. This experience ignited her desire to contribute to the literary world. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic in her high school years that she fully embraced the philosophy, “life is too short not to pursue your passions,” cementing her resolve to become a writer.
At PIECHS, Serrata actively participated in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) for Theatre and Journalism. She says she involved herself in UIL Journalism thanks to a teacher that suggested joining to her, asking if she was a “good writer.” According to Serrata, she joined the competition to build a strong portfolio for when applying to universities. When she joined, she grew “frustrated” as she felt a pressure to perform well as to ensure future students would join UIL Journalism. “I cared about what would happen to the team after I left,” said Serrata. Serrata was able to live up to expectations as she placed in the top three in various UIL Journalism competitions including headline writing, feature and editorial. “It was one thing to be told by teachers that you were good at writing, it was another to prove for myself with a physical trophy that I was among one of the best in the district,” said Serrata.
In addition to her UIL achievements, Serrata was part of a PIECHS and Texas Southmost College (TSC) partnership program that allowed participating students to receive an associate degree during their time in high school. Serrata utilized this program and was able to graduate with an associate degree and has plans to further pursue her education.
In hopes of attending university, Serrata made plans to work to pay for her education. This determination led to her applying for a freelance writer position with the Press. She applied with an essay that although not journalistic, “was my work as a writer,” according to Serrata. This led to her being accepted and writing two stories as a freelance writer before being offered a full-time position as a staff writer. Serrata said that this would be her first job, and that she is grateful to be given an opportunity to work right out of high school in a field that she is interested in.
Serrata envisions her role at the Press as a valuable steppingstone in her journey to grow as a writer, fully committed to pursuing her passion for writing.
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