Alumna Amanda Warner (’12), released her first book: “Reformed: How a Life Sentence Became My Saving Grace.” Through writing, which Warner honed as a journalism major at Biola, she aims to tell stories of young people affected by the juvenile justice system and educate readers on key issues in both her book and journalistic work. The premise of her recent book is influenced by Warner’s desire for readers to be inspired by a story of redemption and hope.

Warner decided to pursue a journalism degree when she worked with her high school newspaper. She grew to appreciate the process of crafting an article. 

“I loved interviewing people and writing stories,” said Warner. “My high school journalism teacher told me often that I was a good writer so that made me think I could pursue it as a career option.”

When the time came to explore different colleges, Warner attended an overnight preview event on Biola’s campus hosted by the journalism department. Those who participated stayed the night with journalism students and toured Biola’s production center with professors. Warner was immediately interested in attending Biola after experiencing the university’s environment and the people she met. 

During her time at Biola, she especially appreciated the biblical education she received.  

“I was very grateful to learn about theology and spiritual formation in my Bible classes— they were foundational to my faith and helped me grow in ways I can’t describe,” said Warner. 

During her sophomore year, Warner was assigned to report on California’s budget cuts— an unexpected life changing project. She centered her research on the Division of Juvenile Justice in Los Angeles County and visited a youth prison in Norwalk. The inmates left an impression on her and she found herself returning frequently— volunteering two nights per week for five years. During that time, she witnessed the struggles of inmates within the system. 

“Our criminal justice system is incredibly broken and complicated, much more so than I think the average person realizes,” said Warner. “I felt I needed to get involved, to learn and listen,”

In her first year of volunteering, Warner heard countless heartbreaking stories. One night, a former inmate named Jojo joined the volunteer group and shared his story of living in darkness and finding God while incarcerated. 

“Jojo was a bit of hope in a bleak, bleak system,” said Warner. “His story illustrates that change is possible and that God is ultimately in control and able to transform people’s lives in powerful ways.”

Jojo’s story left an impression on Warner and felt others needed to hear his story. Warner’s new book “Reformed: How a Life Sentence Became My Saving Grace,” released on June 26 by Gatekeeper Press, tells Jojo’s story. Journalism professor Michael Longinow believes Warner's book allows an untold story to be heard.

“It's another example of our grads taking cross-cultural encounter into the depths of Los Angeles to tell the stories that need telling,” he said.

Warner shared how her biblical education at Biola informs which stories she chooses to write. Her education also helped her determine the purpose of writing Jojo’s story.
 
“It’s important for me to understand why I’m writing this book or article and what I’m trying to say from it,” said Warner. “I hope that overall my themes align with my values and beliefs, which were honed and solidified during my years at Biola.”
 
She hopes that telling Jojo’s story will do just that, encouraging others and delivering a message of hope and faith. When she is not working during the day as a web content specialist, she brainstorms new writing ideas and plans for more books to write.
 
For students pursuing journalism, she encourages them to continually learn. She states learning fictional writing style is important in expanding one’s own abilities to have a well-rounded piece. Warner also encourages students to have confidence in themselves and the work they do as journalists and writers.
 
“Believe in yourself and believe in your story because not everyone will,” said Warner. 
 
Written by Madisyn Steiner, media relations intern. For more information, please contact Media Relations at media.relations@biola.edu.