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Scholarships

from 2002 scholarship winner Diana Lee:

As a young child I was always reading, drawing and -- most frequently -- writing. The same holds true today. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Like many immigrants, my parents arrived from Korea in 1978 to provide a better future for my brothers. I was fortunate to have a choice in my career; my parents applauded my decision to major in journalism and English. At the University of Texas at Austin, I have worked on The Daily Texan, the student newspaper; Analecta, the official art and literary journal; and Asian Collections magazine. While forming Asians in Journalism on campus, I was surprised to discover so many Asian American journalism students and others interested in the field -- people I wouldn't have met otherwise.

The field of journalism is appealing because it makes people think. Journalists have the power to influence the public. Reporters learn something new every day. Copy editors get to read (and much more) on the job. However, newsrooms can always do better. The lack of minority journalists is a big problem; organizations such as AAJA have encouraged me to keep on writing and editing.

I am thankful for the scholarship AAJA has given me. The much-needed funding has allowed me to devote more time to extracurricular activities and studies in my last year. With this award, I also plan to attend this year's AAJA convention in San Diego.

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