Meet the Media – Ema Sasic

I always enjoy writing about up-and-coming people who are doing great things in Bakersfield. For our January Bakersfield Life issue, we highlighted several individuals from all ages, backgrounds and professions — health care workers, artists, students, etc. — and introduced them and their work to the community. It’s always so special to recognize someone and then see other community members reach out to them as well.

Since I write for a magazine, we have a different monthly theme that impacts the stories we pursue. For example, our April issue will be dedicated to home and garden. One story I’m going to tackle is how everyone went plant crazy this past year (I’m guilty of it too!).

I look for ideas that are unique and really open your eyes to the world around you. I also look for stories that might help someone going through a tough time in their life. If they see that others are experiencing something similar, it might help them to know that they’re not alone.

During the summer, when various protests and conversations regarding social justice were taking place, a local high school’s mascot, which at one point in its history looked like a Confederate soldier, was under scrutiny, and some alumni were hoping for a change. I did an in-depth story on its history and spoke to various administrators, teachers and former students, including one who wore the Confederate uniform during football games. I’m very proud of that piece because of all the work that I put into researching and interviewing, and it added to the larger conversation. The school currently has a committee dedicated to finding a new mascot.

I love movies and entertainment, so I would love to attend an award show, interview the nominees and winners and write a story about the night. I also would love to travel, immerse myself in a new culture, speak with locals and share the experience with readers.

Watching movies, trying a new recipe in the kitchen, spending time with my loved ones (as best as I can now), reading and thinking about my next trip.

Let me know why this story would be a good fit for our publication and if there is a local connection.

My parents and I are former Yugoslavian refugees, and we immigrated to the United States in the late 1990s. Growing up, I quickly realized how different my life was compared to others. Things were never easy for us in the beginning — my parents had to learn English and try to find employment — and I never really had a typical childhood. My upbringing made me realize that everyone has a story, and that’s what led me to pursue journalism. After graduating from Illinois State University, I moved to California and began working for The Bakersfield Californian, where I have been a copy editor, page designer, reporter and columnist. In August 2020, I became the editor of Bakersfield Life Magazine, our monthly lifestyle publication. Look out for our annual Best Of Guide coming in May where voters pick their favorite businesses, restaurants, services, etc. in Bakersfield and Kern County!