Thando Dlomo arrived ready to learn the skills needed to become a journalist. She had the chance to interview directors, activists, journalists — even Ava DuVernay — on her path to finding her voice in order to connect with people around the world. She grew up in South Africa and was one of the first students to attend Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy, where she was taught to always “dream big.” 

This piece was produced by Mira Zimet and Olivia Mowry.