User:Wpzhiyilee

I'm Tina Lee, at American University.

My name is Tina and I am from China. I was born in Henan province, the place where the ShaoLin temple located. My undergraduate major is Computer Science. The reason why I choose that major at that time is because computer engineering can get a high income in China. But after the four years' study I found the field I really love is Journalism. So I decided to change my major, it was really a hard process because I do not have much knowledge and experience in Journalism but I am still brave enough to chase what I love. So after graduation I gave up a well paid job in CS and interned at China Central Television as a journalist without salary. Being a journalist is really a hard job in China. We worked seven days a week and would stand in front of the government department for the whole night in order to get the first breaking news.



However, everything in this field attracts me and motives me to step forward. After one year's internship I think it is time for me to pursue a master degree. So I came to AU to receive the advanced professional training here.

I like travelling, and I travel a lot. Last year, I quit my job and spent half the year travelling. My family didn't support me because they regard my travelling as a meaningless behavior. But I still started my trip with my backpack. I went to Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand alone. In Nepal, I worked for a local charitable organization as a volunteer and stayed in an orphanage every single day. I ate there, I slept there and I tried my best to got involved into the local community. Every morning I woke up at 5:00 am, preparing breakfast for the little orphans. I taught them Chinese in English at daytime and played with them after class. The experience in Nepal means a lot to me, I know how lucky I am because I've helped others.

In Nepal, another special thing I did is hiking in Himalaya where the average altitude is 3500 kilometers. It's very dangerous there and I almost got caught in a land slide, but someone gave me a hand and saved my life. God has blessed me so much -- I am still alive now so I can sit here to type these words. As we know, when someone is near death and survives their life must be changed. When I came down from the mountain, I thanked god and made a call to my mum, say hello to her and then I begin to appreciate everything I have because in Himalaya I was so close to death. I know from Himalaya that the most awesome thing in the world is life.

All my experiences are valuable to me -- they've helped me grow up. I think I will be a good journalist with my special experiences.