I am using this month’s blog post to introduce readers to our newest intern, 16-year-old local high school student, Sukhtaj Grewal. Over the years, Northwest Prime Time has had several interns, but they were all from university journalism programs, so working with someone as young as Sukhtaj will be a new experience for me. From reading her article below, you will learn that she has her own blog with a focus on global affairs. I was curious how she came to inquire about an internship with Northwest Prime Time, a local site for older adults. Here is what I learned: “Global affairs is my passion, but I am looking forward to writing with a more local emphasis,” says Sukhtaj. “I think it is cool to be writing for an older audience. It is a good opportunity for me to broaden my horizons!”

Below I present Sukhtaj Grewal, in her own words….

Hi, I’m Sukhtaj Grewal, and I’m excited to join this website for older adults and contribute to it as one of its newest authors. I am 16 years old and an incoming junior. While I may be the youngest age represented here, I have always been one to think deeply about the world around me.

I grew up in a Punjabi-American family that values hard work, curiosity, and perspective. I spend most of my summers in Punjab, India, where my grandparents still reside. That place has a unique grounding effect on me; it gives me a sense of connectedness to my roots while also broadening my perspective on how I engage with the world. 

I am the youngest of three, with two older brothers who have shaped me in many ways without their knowing. My family is quite large and international, with members living in India, Canada, Australia, and various parts of the U.S., so the idea of “global” has always felt personal to me. It is normal for me to wake up to texts or stories from family in different time zones. My connection to these varying places and people has undoubtedly shaped my understanding of identity and purpose.

Beyond my writing life, I am someone who is energized by movement and culture. I love to travel, whether locally or globally. I am also a basketball and tennis player, both of which have instilled in me discipline, teamwork, and how to concentration under pressure. I speak four languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Spanish. Language is more than just communication; it is a way of understanding people, places, and the multiple ways of living life. All of these pieces of me inform how I write and what matters to me.

Earlier this year, I didn’t just want to read about global events; I wanted to analyze them, explain, and connect them to the real world, while connecting them to what mattered. So I wrote. I wanted readers to have a place to go where global events could be broken down with confidence and clarity, through my voice. 

That’s how my blog, Global & Glossier: The Business Edit, came to be. 

The name summarizes my thinking in two parts. “Global” summarizes everything that I find interesting—business, emerging economies, global trade, social impact, and leadership. “Glossier” encapsulates the delivery—bold, clean, and intentionally clear—allowing me to take my thoughts seriously and bring my personality and perspective into the room. That’s the balance I strive for in each post I write.

In Global & Glossier, I aim to show how global events impact real people. I provide scope for complex discussions and issues, ranging from those surrounding BRICS youth-led entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment to financial literacy. I do my best to unpack the complicated all while giving my readers accurate information. I’m someone who wants to learn, ask questions, and be present in a way that matters.

And this brings me to this new chapter.

I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of Northwest Prime Time. Writing here and having the ability to contribute to larger conversations, interact with readers who span beyond my demographic, and take on a public role as a young writer feels like an incredible opportunity. I’m excited not only to learn from the new experiences and exposure I’m gaining, but also to share my insights. 

I am aware that I’m still developing my voice, but I also know that I have strength, so being able to share my voice here is an exceptional opportunity.

What I do matters to me. I care about global issues, uncovering the truth in stories, and asking the right questions. I care about accuracy, about impact, and giving voice to those who have none.

I feel excited about what is yet to come—not only the stories I will collect and share but also about what I will learn from those stories. I’m looking forward to contributing my perspective here, engaging with thoughtful readers, and improving as a writer within the community. 

It means a great deal to me personally that I am joining this website. Thank you for showing up here. Thank you for reading.

Editor’s note: You can connect with Sukhtaj through me (Michelle Roedell) at editor@northwestprimetime.com