Jessica Young has been involved with scholastic journalism since she joined her middle school yearbook staff in 7th grade. She fell in love with photography and storytelling while on staff and later joined her high school newspaper staff as well. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Anthropology from San Diego State University and her Master’s Degree in Education from University of California, San Diego. Now, Young teaches yearbook, journalism, photography, video production and graphic design at Orange Glen High School in Escondido, Calif. She serves as the Vice President and Communications Chair for her school district’s teachers union. Young is the President of the San Diego Journalism Education Association. She is an active member of the scholastic journalism community and teaches at workshops and conventions around the country. She was recognized as a “Rising Star” by the Journalism Education Association in 2012. In addition to teaching, Young works as freelance writer, photographer and graphic designer. She also enjoys running, baking, watching baseball, putting glitter on things and traveling. She has conquered the Original Marathon Greece, The Inca Trail in Peru, and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. In 2020, she fostered and adopted an Australian Cattle Dog, named Juno, who is now her best friend and #1 sidekick.