Anaya Ertz (Junior, Marin Academy) is driven by deep curiosity and a passion for learning. She began writing poetry in the 6th grade, and the art form became a means for her to process her emotions during the pandemic. She hopes her poetry will inspire change, whether that be on an institutional or personal level. Anaya believes in writing as a form of community engagement and finds inspiration in the people and places around her. She is editor-in-chief of her school’s literary arts magazine, Echoes, and works with KQED as a student journalist. Outside of reading and writing, her diverse array of interests includes world history, Formula 1, and neuroscience.