Yoko Vue works for the Asian Pacific American Resource Center and is an Advocacy Head Coordinator for the Mid-West Asian American Student Union Spring Conference
What is your major and what made you decide to pursue it?
I've always enjoyed writing in different forms growing up and wasn't exposed to journalism until high school with a summer program called ThreeSixty Journalism at the University of St. Thomas. From there on I saw how reporters utilized writing to tell stories of those in the community. I believe that there is so much we don't know and it is through learning about other people's experiences and truths that we become open-minded and hold each other accountable. I knew that going into Journalism here at the Hubbard School would help with improving the necessary skills and gaining experiences to go enter the career field.
What has been your favorite part of your experience at the Hubbard School?
I've enjoyed the opportunities that the School has. Being able to learn about opportunities within the UMN and outside of it has helped with searching for internships, getting my work published, and thinking about what to do after graduating.
What journalism class or professor has had the biggest impact on you?
There have been two courses that have made an impact on me: Jour 3004: Information for Mass Communication and Jour 3771: Mass Media Ethics. Jour 3004 really allowed me to learn about the processing before writing a story - from creating a pitch to thinking about the audience as well as working on the skills needed to write a story. Jour 3771 really taught me to think about ethics when writing. Learning about this is so important in the work of a journalist.
What minors, internships, or activities are you pursuing outside of your Journalism major?
I was on board for the Hmong Minnesota Student Association at the Co-Advocacy Chair and an intern for Find Your Power (a non-profit organization). Currently, I work for the Asian Pacific American Resource Center and I am one of the Advocacy Head Coordinators for the Mid-West Asian American Student Union Spring Conference. As for minors, I hope to declare the Social Justice and Interdisciplinary Design minor. Most of my involvement has surrounded issues that I care for and could be an area that I focus on when writing but also a potential career path to go into.
What is your dream job?
I would want to write for Refinery29, a digital media, and entertainment company. A story that I really enjoyed from them is on Malala, What Happens When The World's Most Famous Teen Activist Grows Up?
What advice do you have for future Hubbard School students?
You have talent and you belong. Don't let others make you question your value.
What is one aspect of your major that surprised you/ you did not know about?
That the professors really want you to succeed.
What do you wish you had known about your career path before now?
I wish I knew that it was going to be a journey of finding who I am, too. I think that it has made me really think about what I want in life and what my purpose is.
