After being scolded repeatedly by her teacher for incessant talking, Iman Jefferson, then 7 or 8 years old, came up with an alternative form of communication - pen and paper. She began writing detailed notes to her classmates, and Serena Hills Elementary School had its first glimpse of a writing genius.

A graduating senior at Lincoln University , Jefferson has written freelance stories for Chicago-based magazines N'digo and Savoy , and she has had an internship with Fox News in Chicago .

A native of Flossmoor , Ill. , Jefferson started as a staff writer for Lincoln University 's student newspaper, The Clarion. Jefferson said she was inspired to begin writing professionally to counteract the stereotypes of black people portrayed in the media, a subject she wrote about in the 2005 spring issue of Savoy .

"I think it's really disturbing how the media doesn't portray black people how they really are," Jefferson said. "We're not monolithic."

Jefferson said her favorite subjects to write about are fashion and beauty - both of which she relates to because she and her mother used to model.

"Writing for Vibe Vixen or Essence would be like my dream job," Jefferson said.

Upon graduating in August, Jefferson will serve as assistant news editor for N'digo.

CONSTANCE BAYNE