Makayla Mahoney (she/her), of Methuen, Massachusetts, is an incoming senior at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she is studying political science and psychology. Concentrating in political communication and public opinion, as well as community social psychology, she began writing political news stories for her university’s paper, The Connector, as a way to apply her education to informing students and faculty on important news. During her time at The Connector, Makayla advanced to the position of assistant news editor, a role that allows her to spotlight the political issues shaping the lives of students and the broader community. Makayla works on campus as a writing tutor, bringing her passion for writing to support her peers in the writing and editing process. When she is not at university, she spends her time making jewelry for her small business, selling at local markets in the Massachusetts area. Makayla is excited to be in Japan and writing stories about a country rich in history and culture while bringing integrity and authenticity to the stories of Kyoto and the community. Her LinkedIn can be found here and her work with The Connector here.

View her work for The Kyoto Project

Overtourism impacts religious practice in Kyoto

Harmony through collective care