What was your first job as a journalist?
My first published article was with Samsung and it details my journey at UCLA and how I navigated graduation during the pandemic.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No but I admire putting something permanent without a backspace button so I start my articles like a typewriter as I don't delete!
How is social media changing news?
Social media gives insight through the lens of everyday life - even if you're not a journalist, you have stories and news to tell!
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Miranda Priestly
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means staying true to the beat of your own drum and sharing news that can help others!
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
The
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer pitches over email!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use Grammarly, Google Suite, Microsoft Edge, Squarespace, and Shopify every day!
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram because I started on there and it's treated me really well!
Who do you wish followed you?
Michelle Yeoh - and not just because I think she looks exactly like my mom! She's such an incredible figure of Asian representation in media.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist to shine a light on incredible stories that go unnoticed. I want to speak up for the little guy!
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not, but I did blog throughout high school about my entrepreneurship journey which was full of ups and downs!
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Growing up, I was really insecure about my monolid eyes, and it was a full circle moment writing for Bustle praising monolid eye makeup!
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Write about things that make you passionate! You'll find a community that you feel comfortable with and you'll love what you do.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm avidly on my email especially at the start of a week. Don't send me DMs though as I don't open them for safety!
What's the best pitch you ever got?
It's currently AAPI heritage month and I was pitched to host a AAPI designer event in Houston - and I'm here now and loving it!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I was pitched to speak Mandarin
What's your favorite drink?
Boba of course!
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Somewhere new! I love exploring and getting the chance to try different experiences (even though I don't like flying, it's worth it!)
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Chiara Ferragni's Blonde Salad blog success inspired me to start writing too, and it's a bonus she actually featured me and I had no idea!
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I strive for Asian representation, and I've gotten comments that there is enough representation, and that very notion means we can improve!
