Malia Thomas, a junior, is on the staff of The Mirror, the award-winning student newspaper and website at Van Nuys High School in Los Angeles. She has been passionate about dance ever since she was 3 years old, finding joy in the freedom of movement and the ability to express her emotions in a healthy way. Dance has remained a constant in her life, helping her grow stronger both mentally and physically. Thomas loves spending quality time with her friends, whether it’s enjoying a meal together, sharing fun moments or simply laughing and singing along to music. Music is another important part of her life, offering her a way to take a break from the stress of the world. While it’s hard to pinpoint her favorite genre of music, she greatly enjoys jazz, alternative and house music. Travel is also a great aspiration of hers. She dreams of visiting Greece, Italy and France, captivated by their beauty, culture and cuisine. With a love of trying new foods and immersing herself in new experiences, she hopes to one day explore these countries and taste their signature dishes firsthand.