Finding her voice in the media

During her sophomore year, Liu Fang, a student from Taiwan studying at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, Hubei, made a significant decision: she changed her major from math to journalism.

Although her university is recognized for its STEM programs, Liu felt inspired to take a different path.

The turning point came when Liu participated in a school event that required attendees to plan, film, and edit a short video centered on life at HUST. That was her first experience with video production.

Inspired by HUST's nickname as the "University in the Forest "due to its lush greenery, Liu decided to create a campus vlog titled Green at HUST. The video not only showcased the campus environment but also conveyed the vibrant spirit of the students through the metaphor of green.

Despite lacking formal training, Liu managed to sketch a storyboard and film in various locations around campus.

"Before, while I had many ideas, I would often put them off," Liu said. "But when I was filming and editing a video, I acted on my ideas right away. That made me feel accomplished and confirmed my love for this work."

Now 21, Liu is studying at HUST's School of Journalism and Information Communication. "As I began my studies, my interest in video production gradually evolved into a deeper understanding of what the journalism industry is all about," she said.

Still, Liu often questioned whether she was truly suited for the media industry. Would her love for it endure once it became her job? This was a recurring concern for her.

To find answers, Liu interned for a month at a local media outlet this summer, starting her journey as an emerging journalist. However, this advancement came with its own set of challenges.

Early in her internship, Liu was fortunate to have the opportunity to report on several events.

Throughout the month, she gained valuable experience with each reporting task, continually applying what she learned in the classroom to the real world