USC Film student – Yao

The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities, located in the heart of Los Angeles.

The USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism is an innovative, full-service school in a networked university that is in the most diverse and global city in the United States.

From its founding in 1971, USC Annenberg has been a leader in the communication revolution. Its location at the University of Southern California in the heart of Los Angeles puts it at the crossroads of media, entertainment, technology and globalization – an intersection with an unlimited number of possible paths.

Meet one of its favorite students, Yao!

ASIANCE: What University are you attending?

Yao: University of Southern California

ASIANCE: Why did you choose the school where you are currently studying?

Yao: Film school is the best in the world. I love film as well. But I cannot give up Annenberg because I really love this school. So, I chose to double major in both film and communication that I won’t be regretful if I quit any of them.

ASIANCE: What is your major?

Yao: Critical Studies and Communication (Entertainment concentration)

ASIANCE: What will you be doing after you graduate?

Yao: Mostly script development. I love reading scripts and trying to imagine what they are going be like when made into films.

ASIANCE: What clubs or extracurricular activities do you enjoy? If Asian specific, why did you choose to join?

Yao: Well, in my first year, as I’m from Beijing, my English sucks then. Therefore I didn’t really join in any activities or associations. But for now, I’ve joined two associations, one from the cinema school, and the other is from the communication school. I enjoy it a lot! I can communicate with a lot of other film students and communication students. We not only exchange our ideas about the student associations, but also learn from each other and cooperate to achieve one goal, which is fantastic!

Yao studying

ASIANCE: What is the hardest part of being a student?

Yao: For me, it’s balancing myself between the two completely different cultures and being myself, as well as being a good student. Earning a high GPA is one of my goals and to satisfy my mom. It’s important to have fun and enjoy myself. But sometimes it’s hard.

ASIANCE: What are you looking forward to the most about graduating?

Yao: Going to work and not relying on my family any more.

ASIANCE: What will you miss about not attending school?

Yao: I would have regretted my whole life had I not entered cinema school because that’s exactly what I dreamed of doing my whole life.

ASIANCE: Was there another school you wanted to attend?

Yao: Nope, never.

ASIANCE: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Yao: In the United States, maybe in New York or maybe still in Los Angeles.

ASIANCE: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Yao: I don’t know yet. Well, mostly in Beijing, but might be somewhere else. I love Beijing because that’s my hometown, but for me, anywhere is ok because I’m more like a multi cultural background.

ASIANCE: Any significant accomplishments you would like to add during your time in school?

Yao: I would like to learn drawing and painting. Hopefully after three years I can be a professional.

ASIANCE: What else in college?

Yao: I would like to learn French and Japanese and reach at least fluent level in speaking and reading.

ASIANCE: Looking back would you do anything differently?

Yao: Nope, I never regret anything I’ve done.

ASIANCE: Was there anything hard about being Asian at your school?

Yao: I just feel it’s hard to communicate with other white students, because of the culture gap. I mean, when they talk about anything such as the movies they saw or the music they listen to. I feel it’s hard to get involved.

ASIANCE: What advice would you give to girls who are looking at colleges right now?

Yao: Just be yourself! Believe in yourself and never do anything regretful.