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In Photos: The Grueling Path To Becoming A Marine

Video and images by Mike Damron and Matt Bowler

Female Marine recruits climb across ropes during the confidence building stage of their boot camp training at Camp Pendleton, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Female Marine recruits climb across ropes during the confidence building stage of their boot camp training at Camp Pendleton, March 9, 2021.

For the first time in the 100-year history of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, female recruits will be training alongside men.

In this digital series, KPBS will follow the female platoon of 60 women as they and their 390 male counterparts who make up Lima Company go through 13 weeks of training.

The Marines Corps is the last branch of the military to incorporate co-ed training. Previously, female Marine recruits were only trained at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, separate from their male counterparts.

Scroll to continue.

Male and female recruits getting into formation at Marine Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 9, 2021. It's the first time in 100 years that the training class will be co-ed at MCRD.
Mike Damron
Male and female recruits getting into formation at Marine Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 9, 2021. It's the first time in 100 years that the training class will be co-ed at MCRD.

The first co-ed training battalion graduated from Parris Island at the end of March 2019.

Though the men and women will train together, female recruits will reside in their own barracks with their drill instructors, who are also women.

Marine Corps drill instructor Sgt. Ayesha Zantt speaks to recruits at Marine Corps Depot San Diego, Feb. 11, 2021.
Mike Damron
Marine Corps drill instructor Sgt. Ayesha Zantt speaks to recruits at Marine Corps Depot San Diego, Feb. 11, 2021.

“This is the first female platoon, so they are going to be going against all their brothers inside of that whole company, Lima Company. They have to show everyone that they are worthy to be here.”

— Drill instructor Sgt. Ayesha Zantt

Marine recruit Teia Chutaro at Marine Recruit Depot, San Diego, Feb. 9, 201.
Mike Damron
Marine recruit Teia Chutaro at Marine Recruit Depot, San Diego, Feb. 9, 201.

“I joined the Marines Corps for pride of belonging and to prove those wrong that I could do it … I’ve always put myself to a higher standard and I have to go for the best of the best.”

— Marine recruit Teia Chutaro, Honolulu, HI

Female Marine recruits hold the push-up position during the confidence building stage of their boot camp training at Camp Pendleton, March 9, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Female Marine recruits hold the push-up position during the confidence building stage of their boot camp training at Camp Pendleton, March 9, 2021.

With this being the first female recruiting class at MCRD San Diego, officials are especially sensitive to the issue of sexual assaults. Recent reports from the Department of Defense show that sexual assaults in the military have steadily gone up since 2006 with a 13% jump in 2018 and 3% in 2019. Data for 2020 is not yet available. At MCRD San Diego, an official told KPBS they are “addressing the issue from every angle,” which includes sexual harassment training.

Marine recruits in their newly issued uniform for basic training, Feb. 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Marine recruits in their newly issued uniform for basic training, Feb. 9, 2021.

Quarantine

Before boot camp got underway, Marine recruits were quarantined for two weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. Men and women were housed on separate floors in a hotel at an undisclosed location.

Water bottles left on a stool in front of the door of Marine recruits under quarantine, Feb. 5, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Water bottles left on a stool in front of the door of Marine recruits under quarantine, Feb. 5, 2021.

For the duration of the quarantine, recruits were not allowed to leave their rooms. They were only allowed to interact with other recruits for 30 minutes a day at the threshold of their doors. Food and water was delivered and left outside of their rooms.

Female Marine recruits in front of their hotel rooms where they are under quarantine before starting basic training at Marine Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 5, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Female Marine recruits in front of their hotel rooms where they are under quarantine before starting basic training at Marine Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 5, 2021.

Phones and other electronic devices were taken away. Recruits were allowed only one phone call per week. If they want to get in touch with loved ones, they have to do it the old fashion way — by writing letters.

A female Marine recruit goring through her assigned work while under quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic at an undisclosed hotel, Feb. 5, 2021.
Mike Damron
A female Marine recruit goring through her assigned work while under quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic at an undisclosed hotel, Feb. 5, 2021.

Despite being under quarantine, recruits kept busy, completing 140 hours of activities. That included having to study because they were quizzed daily on topics ranging from the core values of the Marine Corps to military history.

When their heads weren't in the books, recruits also exercised and meditated.

Female Marine recruits being quizzed on the work they were assigned while under quarantine, Feb. 5, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Female Marine recruits being quizzed on the work they were assigned while under quarantine, Feb. 5, 2021.

The recruits range in age from high school graduates to college students. Each has their own reason for joining the Marines. For some, it's about seeing the world. For others, it's about family tradition or breaking barriers or simply the challenge of becoming a Marine.

“I'm going to be super proud of myself for overcoming one of the biggest obstacles in my life. I am looking forward to earning the title of the United States Marines, especially being one of the first females to ever be here.” — Marine recruit Gabrielle Ashford, 19, Valparaiso, IN

Marine recruits being bussed to Marine Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Marine recruits being bussed to Marine Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 9, 2021.

Yellow footprints

After two weeks in quarantine, recruits started basic training. Once stepping off the bus, their journey from civilian to Marine officially begins.

Commands were shouted, orders were given, and the recruits filed off the bus onto what is famously known to Marines as the "yellow footprints."

VIDEO: Female Marine Recruits At MCRD San Diego: Yellow Footprints

In this moment, the women of Lima Company made history.

They are the first female recruits to stand on the yellow footprints at MCRD San Diego.

Recruits preparing to go through the silver double door at Marine Recruit Depot San Diego as a symbolic transition from civilian life to military life, Feb. 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Recruits preparing to go through the silver double door at Marine Recruit Depot San Diego as a symbolic transition from civilian life to military life, Feb. 9, 2021.
Recruits emptying their bags as Marine drill instructors check for contrabands, Feb. 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Recruits emptying their bags as Marine drill instructors check for contrabands, Feb. 9, 2021.

After entering through the "portal," recruits emptied their bags so drill instructors could check for contraband.

Marine recruits calling home one last time before starting boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Feb. 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Marine recruits calling home one last time before starting boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Feb. 9, 2021.

Recruits were given one last chance to call home. Moving forward, they can only correspond by letter.

A Marine recruit getting his first haircut during receiving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Feb. 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
A Marine recruit getting his first haircut during receiving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Feb. 9, 2021.

Next, the male recruits got haircuts while female recruits were allowed to keep theirs, just as long as it complied with Marine grooming standards.

Finally, all recruits were issued uniforms for basic training.

“I think it’s a privilege. I wouldn’t trade this for the world. I was originally supposed to go to Parris Island. This is definitely a step up.” — Marine recruit Jhsmyn Banks, 19, Moreno Valley, CA

Female Marine recruits climb across a rope obstacle during the confidence course portion of basic training, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Female Marine recruits climb across a rope obstacle during the confidence course portion of basic training, March 9, 2021.

Confidence course

Four weeks into boot camp, one of the female recruits tested positive for COVID-19, placing the entire female platoon under another two-week quarantine.

However, KPBS was allowed to continue observing their training from a safe distance, but was not allowed to interact with the recruits. MCRD San Diego officials said the COVID-19 exposure did not have a major effect on training.

A female Marine recruit climbing down the rope in the Slide for Life obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
A female Marine recruit climbing down the rope in the Slide for Life obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 9, 2021.
Slide for Life animated gif
This GIF shows female Marine recruits tackling the Slide for Life obstacle course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego on March 9, 2021

The Confidence Course is all about one thing: building confidence. Here, recruits learn to overcome self-doubt in a series of challenges that test their mental and physical strength.

That includes:

A female Marine recruit practicing close-combat fighting at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
A female Marine recruit practicing close-combat fighting at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 9, 2021.

Hand-to-hand combat training.

Female Marine recruits brandish rifles during the confidence course of their basic training, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Female Marine recruits brandish rifles during the confidence course of their basic training, March 9, 2021.
Marine recruits learn how to rope climb during the confidence course, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
Marine recruits learn how to rope climb during the confidence course, March 9, 2021.

Rope climbing.

A Marine recruit climbs over a wooden obstacle during the confidence course, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
A Marine recruit climbs over a wooden obstacle during the confidence course, March 9, 2021.

Navigating obstacles.

A Marine recruit helps a fellow recruit climb an obstacle during the confidence course, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
A Marine recruit helps a fellow recruit climb an obstacle during the confidence course, March 9, 2021.

And team building.

VIDEO: Female Marine Recruits At MCRD San Diego: Confidence Course

A female Marine recruit floats in a training pool during the water survival portion of boot camp, March 9, 2021.
Mike Damron
A female Marine recruit floats in a training pool during the water survival portion of boot camp, March 9, 2021.

Water survival training

Marines are amphibious by nature. Naturally, being able to swim is an important skill.

During Combat Water Survival training, recruits are required to swim 25 meters in shallow water, jump from a 15-foot platform to simulate abandoning a ship, swim a short distance and tread water in uniform for four minutes.

Like the obstacle course, recruits once again have to overcome any self-doubt.

VIDEO: Female Marine Recruits Water Training

Recruits learn how to turn their clothing into a flotation device. After quickly removing their boots, they inflate their pants and blouse, keeping afloat in the event of an emergency at sea.

A Marine recruit from Lima Company strikes tires at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, as a drill instructor looks on, March 23, 2021.
Mike Damron
A Marine recruit from Lima Company strikes tires at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, as a drill instructor looks on, March 23, 2021.

Bayonet assault course

Thirty-one days into their training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, the men and women of Lima Company are training side-by-side on the Bayonet Assault Course. Here, they are graded on how well they work and communicate as a team.

Lima Company Marine recruits taking notes during a simulated mission briefing at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego before starting on the Bayonet Assault Course, March 23, 2021.
Mike Damron
Lima Company Marine recruits taking notes during a simulated mission briefing at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego before starting on the Bayonet Assault Course, March 23, 2021.

The recruits start off with a simulated mission briefing where they are given a layout of the course and what needs to be done to complete the mission.

A Marine recruit from Lima Company on the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.
Mike Damron
A Marine recruit from Lima Company on the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.

To get the recruits accustomed to the chaos of battle, speakers blare the loud sounds of explosions, machine gun fire and aircraft. The obstacles on the course are designed to simulate the different terrains Marines may encounter in combat.

Female Marine Recruits At MCRD San Diego: Confidence Course

A Marine recruit crawling through a tunnel on the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
A Marine recruit crawling through a tunnel on the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.

Recruits crawl through tunnels.

A Marine recruit from Lima Company crosses a rope bridge during the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
A Marine recruit from Lima Company crosses a rope bridge during the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.

Balance their way across rope bridges.

A Marine recruit from Lima Company crawls under barbed wire during the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.
Mike Damron
A Marine recruit from Lima Company crawls under barbed wire during the Bayonet Assault Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.

And crawl beneath barbed wire.

Marine recruits from Lima Company sparring with pugil sticks at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.
Mike Damron
Marine recruits from Lima Company sparring with pugil sticks at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 23, 2021.

The morning training ended with recruits practicing close-quarters combat using pugil sticks.

Designed to simulate fighting with a bayonet, each end of the stick is padded with a different color — red and black. The red end represents the bayonet.

A female Marine recruit takes aim at a target on the Bravo shooting range on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
A female Marine recruit takes aim at a target on the Bravo shooting range on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.

Rifle range pre-qualification

Six weeks into boot camp, the men and women of Lima Company have moved north from MCRD to Camp Pendleton to continue their training.

A combat marksmanship coach is evaluating a Marine recruit's shots on the Bravo shooting range on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
A combat marksmanship coach is evaluating a Marine recruit's shots on the Bravo shooting range on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.

This week, they are on the Bravo shooting range, training for their Marine Corps rifle prequalification. For the majority of recruits, this is their first experience with a firearm.

To learn how to become proficient, recruits are paired with a combat marksmanship coach.

A combat marksmanship coach watches as a recruit takes a shot on the Bravo shooting range on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
A combat marksmanship coach watches as a recruit takes a shot on the Bravo shooting range on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.

In previous weeks, before being allowed on the range, recruits were taught gun safety, to familiarize themselves with their weapon and the four standard Marine shooting positions — standing, kneeling, sitting and prone. On the course, they practice these shots from the 200-, 300- and 500-yard range.

A Marine recruit's Rifle Training Databook alongside some M-16 ammunition in a cap at the Bravo shooting range on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
A Marine recruit's Rifle Training Databook alongside some M-16 ammunition in a cap at the Bravo shooting range on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.

The point of the training is not only to get recruits comfortable with firing their weapons but also to improve their marksmanship. Recruits were each given a notebook to plot where they’re going to shoot, mark where the shot landed and make any necessary adjustments.

Drill instructor Staff Sgt. Carmen Medinaponce with Marine recruits at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 8, 2021.
Mike Damron
Drill instructor Staff Sgt. Carmen Medinaponce with Marine recruits at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, March 8, 2021.

Mid-point perspective: Drill instructors

At the mid-way point of training, KPBS sat down with three of the drill instructors of Platoon 3241, the all-female platoon of Lima Company, to get their perspective on how the training is going so far.

The drill instructors say the women of this recruiting class seem to know the microscope they are under and are more motivated and pushing themselves harder.

Drill instructor Sgt. Ikea Kaufman in one of the barracks at Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
Drill instructor Sgt. Ikea Kaufman in one of the barracks at Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.

“There is a big difference (between training male and female recruits). The female recruits … they’re quicker on their feet. They understand better. They move faster. They just give so much more and maybe, maybe it’s because this group of young ladies knows that they have something to prove. So they’re going at 1000% at all times.”

— Drill Instructor Sgt. Ikea Kaufman, one of the first female drill instructors to graduate from Drill Instructor Course at MCRD, San Diego.

Marine Corps recruits' patrol hats on footlockers inside a barrack at Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
Marine Corps recruits' patrol hats on footlockers inside a barrack at Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.

The 60-strong platoon has since had their numbers reduced by four because of injuries. One recruit was badly injured in a freak accident and another had COVID-19 and was not able to continue.

The final drill, initial and final physical fitness test trophies won by the all-female platoon of Lima Company, the first co-ed recruiting class at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, April 7, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
The final drill, initial and final physical fitness test trophies won by the all-female platoon of Lima Company, the first co-ed recruiting class at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, April 7, 2021.

After coming in last during their initial drill, the female platoon has been outperforming their male counterparts, taking first place on the final drill, initial physical fitness test (PFT) and final physical fitness test.

Senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Amber Staroscik on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Amber Staroscik on Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.

“I think that they’ve been pushed physically harder than I have (when I went through boot camp) because we feel like we have something to prove. And it’s created this higher bar so they don’t feel like they’re meeting this higher bar but in reality, they’re exceeding the bar.”

— Senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Amber Staroscik, who was brought in from Parris Island to oversee the first group of female recruits in San Diego.

Marine Corps drill instructor Sgt. Stephanie Fahl in the barracks at Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
Marine Corps drill instructor Sgt. Stephanie Fahl in the barracks at Camp Pendleton, April 7, 2021.

Halfway through boot camp and drill instructors have already seen a difference in the recruits.

“One girl, when she got here … she had a problem with conforming. She wouldn’t move quickly, wouldn’t really sound off for us. She gave attitude and after a while — and I’ve said this to my team — but she’s one of the most improved. Now the way she is, she takes initiative, which is great. She motivates other recruits. She’s always helping other recruits selflessly … she wasn’t doing any of that before.”

— Drill instructor Sgt. Stephanie Fahl, one of the first female drill instructors to graduate from Drill Instructor Course at MCRD, San Diego.

Pfc. Emily Sandoval crying as she receives her Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and title U.S. Marine from her drill instructor atop the Reaper, the highest point in Camp Pendleton, April 22, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
Pfc. Emily Sandoval crying as she receives her Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and title U.S. Marine from her drill instructor atop the Reaper, the highest point in Camp Pendleton, April 22, 2021.

The Crucible

The historic first class of female recruits had one more challenge to overcome before officially becoming a U.S. Marine — the Crucible and its feared Reaper, the highest point in Camp Pendleton.

The Crucible is a three-day, 54-hour grueling hike through the winding hills of Camp Pendleton. It’s the culmination of their 12 weeks of training in boot camp.

Female Marine recruits summiting the Reaper, the highest point in Camp Pendleton, and the last obstacle in their three-day, 54-hour Crucible, their last test before becoming Marines, April 22, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
Female Marine recruits summiting the Reaper, the highest point in Camp Pendleton, and the last obstacle in their three-day, 54-hour Crucible, their last test before becoming Marines, April 22, 2021.

Platoon 3241, the all-female platoon of Lima Company, was the first to crest the Reaper. Finishing hurt, hungry and exhausted, they were relieved to not have to climb another hill. Through the ordeal, recruits were allowed only six hours of sleep and two meals.

Marine recruits carrying their full gear and rifle during the Crucible, the last challenge before becoming Marines, April 22, 2021.
Marine recruits carrying their full gear and rifle during the Crucible, the last challenge before becoming Marines, April 22, 2021.

Of the 60 women who started boot camp, 53 completed the Crucible — about the same attrition rate as the men, Marine spokesman Capt. Martin Harris said. Some of the women who were dropped during the Crucible due to injuries may still graduate as Marines if their drill instructors feel they’ve met all the criteria.

Poway native Pvt. AnneMargret Frazier resting with her platoon after completing the Crucible challenge, April 22, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Poway native Pvt. AnneMargret Frazier resting with her platoon after completing the Crucible challenge, April 22, 2021.

“This is the most exceptional thing I’ve accomplished cuz it’s probably the most important thing. It’s just such a big accomplishment.”

— Pvt. AnneMargret Frazier, 19, a Poway native whose father is also a Marine.

Senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Amber Staroscik awarding the Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin to new Marines, April 22, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Amber Staroscik awarding the Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin to new Marines, April 22, 2021.

After cresting the Reaper, the newly minted Marines were given an Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin, the emblem of the Marine Corps, signifying they have earned the title Marine.

A Marine caresses the Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin she received for completing the Crucible, April 22, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
A Marine caresses the Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin she received for completing the Crucible, April 22, 2021.

As a test case for integrated boot camp in San Diego, this was a success, a Marine official said. Drill instructors said they see no reason not to continue integrated boot camps. For now, no other co-ed classes at MCRD San Diego have been announced.

The newly minted Marines will return to MCRD to prepare for their graduation in two weeks.

New Marines of Lima Company marching in formation during the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, May 6, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
New Marines of Lima Company marching in formation during the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, May 6, 2021.

Graduation

After 13 weeks of basic training, 397 men and women of Lima Company formally graduated from boot camp May 6.

While graduation is a momentous event, this one is a bit more poignant as it is the first class of women Marines to graduate from MCRD San Diego.

The women of Platoon 3241 standing at attention during the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 6, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
The women of Platoon 3241 standing at attention during the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 6, 2021.

With all the attention on them, these women had to prove women can succeed in boot camp with the men. Their drill instructors said they’ve exceeded what was expected of them.

The women of Platoon 3241 march as a unit one last time during graduation at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 6, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
The women of Platoon 3241 march as a unit one last time during graduation at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 6, 2021.

Sixty women started the program, 53 graduated as Marines. This is the same attrition rate as the men.

“As far as training goes, nothing had to be altered for them. And that’s the point that needs to be made.” — Senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Amber Staroscik.

Lucia Parra hugs her daughter, Anne Marie Parra, for the first time since she started basic training, May 6, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Lucia Parra hugs her daughter, Anne Marie Parra, for the first time since she started basic training, May 6, 2021.

This is the first time graduates have seen their families since February. During basic training, they could only write letters home.

Pvt. Mia O’Hara, 19, of Hayden, Idaho in tears as she hugs her mom after the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 6, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Pvt. Mia O’Hara, 19, of Hayden, Idaho in tears as she hugs her mom after the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 6, 2021.

There were tears.

Emily Zamudio getting emotional as she is surrounded by family after the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 6, 2021.
Alexander Nguyen
Emily Zamudio getting emotional as she is surrounded by family after the graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, May 6, 2021.

Overwhelming emotions of joy and happiness.

“It was all worth it. I was not expecting to cry this much.”— Pfc. Emily Zamudio

These graduates will now report to the School of Infantry to continue their Marine training.

As a North County multimedia producer, Alexander Nguyen creates content for all of KPBS' platforms, including the web and social media.

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