Podcaster

And there’s no need to look at a screen.” She also felt that hearing her voicewas important in conveying her thoughts. “My voicewould amplifymy authenticity,” she reasoned.

Attah is also a fanof themedium. Her favorite podcasts includeEmma Chamberlain’s “Anything Goes” and “ShortWave” fromNPR.

The premier episode of “ALittle Perspective,” titled “First!”, was released in July and examined the cultural differences between thosewho identify as “African American” and thosewhocall themselves “Black American.” Attah, whowas born to Ghannian parents, discussed the historic and cultural distinctions and similarities between these two groups. “I received feedback fromone peer about that episode,” she said. “And this student said it had improved theirwork as a student activist.”

Another episode explored academic burnout in teens. “I surveyed 100 high-schoolers in the area to get their take on the topic. I had posted it on Instagramand asked people to pass it around to students at different schools,” saidAttah, who uses social media to engage her listeners. She also credits sources includingTheNewYork Times, theNational Library of Medicine andNPRwhen researching her show topics.

“ALittle Perspective” has also covered the lack of arts funding in public schools, the perils versus advantages of advancements in technology and the drawbacks of online school during the pandemic. In “The Power of theVote” episode, Attah challenged the “I can’t” mentality, the attitude that an individual citizen is powerless in making meaningful changes in government. “You can’t complain about issues in this country and not use your right to elect thosewhoyou feelwould fix them,” she asserted in the episode.

Throughout the podcast, Attah conveys a confidence andworldliness of someonemuch older than her 16 years. But the youthful lilt in her speech reminds the listener of her age and connectsAttahwith her target teen audience. Perhaps most refreshing is the unpolished, unedited quality of “ALittle Perspective,” during whichAttah stays tightly focused on her topic without sounding rehearsed. Listening to these early recordings, it’s not hard to imagine that before long, we’ll look back on these as our very first exposure to an influential American voice.

So far, Attah has not received any negative reviews of herwork, but when she does, she’ll be ready. “I ammy biggest critic. If Iwas met with [criticism], Iwouldn’t be offended. I ameager to see where I can improve.”

BrookeHenderson, a student atCraigNewmark Graduate School of Journalism inNewYork City, has served as amentor to Attah.“We’re always hearing fromthe adult side on these issues,” saidHenderson. “I’m so impressed with someone her age growing up with the mentality that everyone impacts everyone. It’s refreshing.”

Henderson has helped Attah by sending her some of the podcasting resources her fellowjournalism students have access to, aswell as connecting her with established podcasters includingMaddie Sofia, host of “ShortWave.”

“For her to be doing this so early will uplift her in the future. As a black woman, it’s important for her to be learning that she can do anything. Anything she’s interested in, she can do,” addedHenderson.

Attah credits her parents for instilling the drive to see her project through, despite obstacles. “They’ve shownmea lot about commitment, just like when Iwas little and took piano lessons,” she said.

“Back when Iwas making my earlier episodes, I wanted to take a break. Iwasn’t getting enough downloads, I thought. But they toldmethat I needed to be grateful even if Iwas only reaching one person. They said to keep at it and I would be successful.”

And to other teenagers who have something important to say, she offers this advice: “We have an abundance of time right now. It’s important to use the time to do research and educate yourself. Seek insight fromyour peers, use social media to spread theword and just go for it! The longer youwait, the less likely it is that you’ll do it.”

“ALittle Perspective” is available fromthe usual podcast apps and by visiting Alittleperspective. buzzsprout.com.