Yonas Rahman Outlines Ambitious Vision for His Future at ASU

Sedona Red Rock High School senior Yonas Rahman has completed his internship with Larson Newspapers, marking a significant step as he prepares for life after graduation. His journey, one that began in New Jersey before relocating to Sedona in 2019 with his family, reflects both personal growth and community engagement.

Initially, Rahman found Sedona’s slower pace challenging, contrasting sharply with the bustling environment of Jersey. He expressed a desire for more community activities, suggesting the need for additional recreational facilities for youth in the area. “It was kind of boring,” he admitted, emphasizing the importance of investing in local amenities.

As he transitions to Arizona State University this fall, Rahman plans to attend Barrett, The Honors College, focusing on finance. He is eager to build a future helping others navigate personal finance, inspired by observing financial mismanagement among those close to him. “I want to be a financial consultant,” he stated, aiming to empower people to better manage their resources.

Reflecting on his high school experience, he noted the strong sense of community in Sedona but anticipates a stark contrast at ASU, with its vast student body. While he relishes the idea of new opportunities, he acknowledges he will miss the close-knit relationships he forged in Sedona.

Rahman’s hobbies include basketball, skiing, and thrifting. He actively participates in the National Honor Society and student council, finding his academic strengths in intense courses like AP Language and AP Calculus. “I’ve learned so much math this year,” he remarked, looking ahead to upcoming AP exams with both anxiety and confidence.

His path to journalism was unexpected. Encouraged by his AP Language teacher, Rahman dove into sports reporting, despite challenges arising from his dual role as a student-athlete. The internship, funded by a grant from the Arizona Media Association and Arizona Local News Foundation, provided insights into the dynamics of sports journalism. “It was hard to be critical when people you know aren’t performing well,” he said, reflecting on the difficulties of balancing truth and camaraderie.

Despite not envisioning journalism as his career, Rahman found value in the experience, enjoying the hands-on learning process. He appreciated the corporate structure of journalism, with real deadlines and editorial oversight, an experience different from his typical classroom environment.

During his time as an intern, he gained a newfound respect for the community. Engaging with fellow students about their diverse interests, he realized there was much more depth to his peers than he previously thought. “Writing about Sedona uplifted my view about it,” he said, noting that his internship helped him discover the vibrant community behind what he initially saw as a simple tourist destination.