Aaliya Weheliye

Aaliya Weheliye, Staff Writer / Photographer

My name is Aaliya Weheliye, and I use she/her pronouns. This is my second year on the Evanstonian and I am a senior. I am a staff writer and photographer. I write for the opinion section and have both years on staff. I have always loved writing about current events, and my takes on them which is why opinion is perfect for me. I have been taking photos since middle school and it is my favorite thing to do in my free time. Taking photos for the Evanstonian combines my passion for photography and journalism. Besides taking photos in my free time, I am captain of the school Speech Team. I also love writing, traveling, and spending time with friends in my free time.

By Aaliya Weheliye

Opinion | How my Coming-of-Age high school story compares to the movies

Aaliya Weheliye, Photo Editor • May 11, 2023

Before we knew about Common App, and what a good weighted GPA was, before college was the end goal and main focus driving us to the finish line, there was high school to romanticize. Throughout middle...

A review of ‘Girl ‘Boss: looking at the glamorization of poverty

Aaliya Weheliye, Photo Editor • March 15, 2023

When I started watching the 2017 Netflix comedy Girlboss, I didn’t have high hopes. Based on the best-selling novel by Sofia Amoruso, it details the rise of Nasty Gal, a clothing brand built by the book’s...

In years after Sand Creek Massacre, media, political operatives salvage Evans’ reputation

Ahania Soni, Bridget Baker, Aaliya Weheliye and Rosie Witt • February 27, 2023

Although we now know it as the Sand Creek Massacre, for over a century the events of Nov. 28 were called a “battle.” The men who are now condemned as murderers were—in many cases —celebrated and revered. Despite the graphically disturbing testimonies of soldiers, and the eventual congressional investigation which led to the resignation from the governorship of John Evans’, the territorial governor at the time, the prevailing narrative in Colorado was one of brave American troops warding off dangerous Natives.

[Photo] Third Place: Tealicious Bubble

January 27, 2023

Opinion | Safety isn’t black and white: a look into the intersectionality of discipline

Aaliya Weheliye, Staff Writer • December 16, 2022

What does safety mean to you? Do you picture men in blue with loaded guns trained to serve and protect? Is it a school surrounded by buzzing metal detectors that you have to walk through before first period?...

Opinion | White feminism is outdated. It’s time to move forward

Simone Jacot-Bell and Aaliya Weheliye • November 10, 2022

While feminism has come a long way since Susan B. Anthony’s time, it is still problematic and exclusive. Oftentimes, feminism is seen as a one-size-fits-all issue, but this is far from the truth. Mainstream...

Opinion | What issues should ETHS students care about most?

Aaliya Weheliye, Staff Writer • October 14, 2022

I learned something so crazy when I started taking classes I was truly interested in: I don’t hate school. Me and many of my peers put immense pressure on ourselves because it feels like college...

[Photo] Serving validation, connection … and caffeine!

October 14, 2022

[Photo] What are the roosters cockadoodle-doing?

September 24, 2022

Opinion | College Board is rooted in racism and discrimination

Leah Johnson and Aaliya Weheliye • September 23, 2022

While some students go into high school wondering if their experience will look like “Mean Girls” or “10 Things I Hate About You,” covered in glitter and a pop-punk soundtrack, other students are...