Her mind churns with heaps of information as she tries to cram words into perfect sync in light of a looming deadline. Words finally form sentences; a journalist is born.

Under the influence of her mother, Shirley Armbruster, Kira Armbruster,’ 06, has been writing for various papers since seventh grade.

“The BackTalk (a section in The Fresno Bee) editor was looking for teen writers,” Armbruster said. “I always kicked around the notion of writing, but was never definite about it. A few days later I decided I would give it a try.”

Mixed emotions filled Armbruster’s mind after she was accepted to the staff.

“I was really excited to get started but also nervous,” Armbruster said. ” I didn’t know what to expect, but my boss was very supportive and helpful, which made things better.”

Armbruster’s mom worked at The Fresno Bee for over 20 years; many thought this fact sealed the deal for Kira to get the job.

“When I was applying I had a lot of people telling me that I would get the job because my mom worked at The Fresno Bee,” Armbruster said. “This bugged me because I have always been under my mom’s shadow, in a sense, and wanted to get the job on my own.”

Armbruster has written two articles for The Fresno Bee: one surveying teen opinions about the election and another about first jobs.

“Writing is something that comes pretty easily for me,” Armbruster said. “And it’s nice that my mom has always been there to help me with my articles.”

Armbruster looks up to her mother because she is always there to help her with anything.

“She is one of the rare parents who can be a parent and also your best friend,” Armbruster said.

Aside from their writing bond, Armbruster and her mom spend a good deal of time together.

“We watch Gilmore Girls on the WB at 8 P.M.,” Armbruster said. “It’s something we both love, and it’s our special time when we stop doing other stuff. We hang out, laugh and enjoy watching our favorite characters go through life.”

Armbruster is commonly asked whether she plans to pursue a career in journalism.

“My answer to that question is no,” Armbruster said. “I really don’t like journalism that much; I don’t even watch the news or read the paper. High school journalism is kind of what I like to call the light stuff; that’s why I do it now.”

Armbruster’s commentary on ‘fitting in’ appeared on Nov. 21 and a concert review on Avril Lavigne, was printed on Nov. 28 in The Fresno Bee.