Journalism student unable to meet deadline seriously considers starting new life in Cuba

As the OIDJ deadline for stories approaches, high school senior Gabi Merchen weighs her options should she be unable to complete her stories on time.

Despite still having 2 business days to complete her final drafts, Merchen has already developed a contingency plan to be put in place in the event that her stories fall through. "Hopefully I'll finish my stories with time to spare and put out a quality new blog post every day," said Merchen. "But it's becoming clearer by the minute that, if I can't finish the stories, the only sensible response is to leave the country." Though the jungles of Cuba are a popular destination for young adults unable to finish academic projects, the OIDJ staff has discouraged such drastic measures. "I really hope she just finishes the stories on time," OIDJ organizer, Dorian Billops said. "I cannot have another kid defect to Cuba during the camp. It's so much paper work that I don't feel like doing." The jury is still out as to whether or not Merchen will actually be emigrating come the deadline. The exact time and legality of her departure have also yet to be determined. However we do know that a Hey Day ski ball injury in her right arm-caused by overzealous throwing-would certainly make the 330 mile swim to Cuba more difficult.