Lauren Mack

11Apr08

Thanks to winning a NYWICI scholarship, the past three years have been beyond my wildest dreams. From interviewing Chinese athletes to interviewing the man who is bringing hypnotism to China to eating at some of the hottest restaurants in Beijing, I’ve been busy enjoying the best job in the world.

As a journalist in Beijing, China, I’ve had the chance to go places and see things I never thought would be possible before winning my scholarship. My work has appeared in Newsweek International, Time Out Beijing, City Weekend and tbj Home (the latter two are English language magazines in China). I’ve also worked on several tour books including Explorer Beijing, Time Out Beijing and Zagat Beijing. In addition to work experience, I have been privileged to witness history in the making as China prepares for the 2008 Olympic Games.

In February, I moved to Taipei, Taiwan, where I continue to freelance. I am working on several projects including a web site for Taipei that will be launched in the early summer. I am also taking Chinese classes to improve my Mandarin. Living abroad is a wonderful gift and I have NYWICI to thank for it. Every day I get to discover new things. My job allows me to talk to people I would not normally get a chance to meet.

Not a day goes by when I don’t think about NYWICI and the impact it has made on my professional and personal life. Winning the scholarship gave me more confidence, afforded me the opportunity to pursue internships (which later helped me get jobs), and introduced me to a family of talented, confident, friendly and beautiful women who are all at the top (or on the way to the top) of their fields.

Winning the money was great (it helped lower the amount of loans I now have), but being awarded a NYWICI scholarship is not just about the money. You become a part of a sisterhood of women who nurture and encourage you every step of the way. By winning the award, I felt gratified to know women whom I admired and who believed in me and my goals. Winning reminded me to never give up on my dreams and goals no matter how big or small.

 

I owe my success to the scholarship committee and all those who support NYWICI and make these scholarships possible. Without you, my full potential and dreams would not have been realized. My hope is to do work that makes NYWICI proud and inspires others.

Filed under: 1   |  Leave a Comment