Mirtala Barragan, 15, is a rising sophomore at J.B. Alexander High School in Laredo, Texas.

Mirtala is a family name that has been passed down for four generations. She goes by the nickname Tala.

She is on her school’s volleyball team. Outside of school she loves to journal and hang out with friends or her dogs.

She said the journalism camp is a chance to explore “the writing field and all the careers that involve writing because I love writing.” Tala said she had no experience with journalism before the camp and wants to know more.

She enjoys all genres of music, especially Taylor Swift. Barragan is the middle child with two brothers. She hopes to attend the University of Texas or Texas A&M.