Sophia Lee

High School Writer

United States

I am a current Content Writing Intern at digital entertainment media startup polljuice and a high school senior (Class of 2021). My desire to communicate knowledge on a variety of subjects in a clear and engaging manner defines my writing and translates to my academic endeavors.

As a polljuice intern, I've been fortunate to enjoy the freedom to pick my article topics. I enjoy researching and writing the gamut. I weigh the merits of dark chocolate vs milk chocolate. I question why we don't refer to other countries' names in their own language. I explore the beautiful foreign words for emotions with no English equivalent. I look at the pumpkin spice latte and contemplate another double standard women face. I link the physiology of fatigue with the phenomenon of deep late night conversations. I marvel at the scientific persuasive power behind dogs' puppy dog eyes. I probe America's history of public shaming.

At this point, I realize I've referred to a good number of my articles. All this to say, I have an enthusiasm to learn more and share this knowledge. I'm grateful that my polljuice internship gives me the opportunity to do just that.

In college, I hope to continue honing my writing skills through class papers, lab reports, and joining a school journal. My wide range of interests influenced my primary academic interests in interdisciplinary psychology, neuroscience, and nutrition science. Although I've gained most of my professional experience in communications, the time management, research, and avid curiosity that fueled those endeavors will serve me well in my intended future areas of focus.

Portfolio

polljuice articles

polljuice
11/17/2020
Psychology Explains Deep Late Night Conversations - polljuice

Whether at childhood sleepovers, in dorms, or perhaps, lately over FaceTime and Zoom, we've all had one of those freeing and heartfelt talks at some point. When it's late at night (or maybe even in the early AM for the night owls), people prepare for sleep.

polljuice
10/30/2020
Why You Can't Say No To Puppy Dog Eyes - polljuice

What does devouring a hamburger have in common with relaxing evenings on the sofa? If you have a dog, it's likely hard to refuse your dog a bite of that forbidden hamburger or a place on the off-limits couch. It's almost certain you'll give in when he or she gives you those eyes.

polljuice (unpublished as of 01/14/2021)
The History of Public Shaming

Thanks to years of classes in American history from K-12, many of us are likely aware of the extent of public shaming employed in America. Public shaming as punishment has undeniably deep roots in America's history, from public stocks in the colonial town squares to dunce caps in the classroom only banned in the 1920s. Thumbnail Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

polljuice
11/25/2020
How PSL Bashing Reveals Another Double Standard for Women - polljuice

If you don't already know what PSL stands for, permit me to enlighten you. PSL refers to a signature fall drink, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which Starbucks popularized. Starbucks describes the PSL in the following way: Quite frankly, I think PSLs are amazing.

polljuice
10/28/2020
Debunking 8 Popular Introvert Myths - polljuice

I can't tell you how much it pains me as a proud introvert when I hear people around me say of a shy or quiet person, in a disdainful and hushed tone suggestive of an unfortunate affliction, "So and so is very... introverted." Such regrettable comments stem from widespread myths about introverts that paint an unflattering image.

polljuice
12/15/2020
The Dutch art of doing nothing - polljuice

There's a new status symbol in town, free of (monetary) cost - busyness. Someone might inquire what your weekend is like, to which you might reply with a perverse delight "busy" or a borderline embarrassed "not much." Our love and admiration of busyness reflect the increasingly fast pace of our lives.

polljuice
11/17/2020
The Great Debate: Dark Chocolate vs. Milk Chocolate - polljuice

For all intents and purposes, after Halloween signals the start of the winter holiday season for businesses. It's hard to wander through a store without being confronted by chocolate offerings at every corner, from Costco Chocolate Bombs to chocolate advent calendars and inventive hot cocoa mixes.

polljuice
12/01/2020
5 Unnamed Emotions & Phenomenons In English - polljuice

Although I love the flexibility and forgivingness of the English language when it comes to informal communication, I sometimes think the offering of words in English for describing emotion leaves something to be desired. Maybe my vocabulary isn't as extensive as I believe it is.