Laya Albert, at The Blogs

Aug 3, 2023, 9:08 PM

When Teaching History Crosses the Line: A Growing Problem in DeSantis’s Florida

I never thought I would be asked to empathize with Adolf Hitler. But one March morning during my freshman year of high school in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, my history teacher handed out sheets of pastel yellow printer paper containing...

Jul 19, 2023, 8:31 PM

Young Adults Just Like Me

Ten well-spent days with Israeli Defense Force Soldiers In elementary school, my favorite book for my mother to read to me before bedtime was "Children Just Like Me," by Anabel and Barnabas Kindersley. This colorful picture book beautifully showcased the...

Jun 15, 2023, 8:14 AM

Dining under the desert stars

The Unmatched Charm and Flavors of Yusuf's Bedouin Tent in Eilat I grew up eating at some of Miami’s best Israeli restaurants, with regular visits to Motek Cafe, Pita Plus, and Bissaleh Cafe. I knew how good Israeli food can...

Apr 25, 2023, 7:40 AM

I listen to country music while making matzo balls

Exploring how a Jewish upbringing in the South shaped my relationship with country music. I didn't develop an interest in country music until my teenage years, but its familiar twang was constantly present throughout my childhood. Born in the southern...

Apr 18, 2023, 4:50 AM

The Promised Land: A Haven from America’s Mass Shootings

Why I Feel Safer in Israel Than my Florida Hometown Upon telling others about my plans to travel to Israel for the first time this summer, my excitement about exploring ancient Jerusalem ruins, diving into the Dead Sea, and indulging...

About Me

Laya Albert is a sophomore at the University of Southern California, where she is majoring in journalism at the Annenberg School. Originally from Jupiter, Florida, Laya writes sports, arts, and opinion articles for The Daily Trojan. She is also a contributor to the student-run SPEC Magazine.

Contact Me