Meet Jolene Chao, our newest staff writer!
“FUN FACTS!!!!
– I someday aspire to own a pet squirrel.
– 1⁄3 of my wardrobe is denim.
– Airports are my favorite places.
– I got a flat tire on my second in-car… but I’m a good driver now I promise!!
– I once went to Tapioca House 6 times in 3 consecutive weeks… yeah.
Hello hello! My name is Jolene Chao and I am a freshman journalism major at the University of Texas at Austin!
When I first heard about Austin Street Humans, I was intrigued. As an aspiring journalist, the concept of telling the stories of inner-city residents was both daunting and awesome at the same time. As of that moment, my journalism career had consisted of covering events, cultural topics, as well as spotlighting people with cool or quirky talents. But I had never thought about using my writing to tell the stories of those in tough situations. This was new territory that I had never dared to explore. So yes, the thought of it did frighten me. However, something about Austin Street Humans drew me in. Perhaps it was the unique journalism opportunity it offered me. Perhaps it was the chances I would get to interact with those in the inner-city. Perhaps it was the opportunity it created to love my neighbors. As a Christian, I saw this as a great way to reach out to and show the love of Christ to those who were maybe less fortunate. I felt that God was opening the door for me to engage in a ministry beyond campus, beyond where I felt comfortable. All I had to do was take His outstretched hand and trust that He would provide, trust that He knew what He was doing. Because I sure didn’t.
That being said, I do believe this is something that God has called me to. I have no idea what my future in this project is but I trust in God’s great plan. Through Austin Street Humans, I hope to expand my journalism repertoire (ooh big word) as well as share the struggles and stories of my inner-city neighbors in a fair and truthful way. I hope my writing does justice to everything they have been through, their personalities, their wishes and dreams. For me, this project is also a leap of faith so it is my hope that my trust in God will be strengthened during this entire process. Lastly, as stated before, I sincerely desire that through conversations, the people I meet would feel the love of Christ and come to know His abundant grace.”
Read Jolene’s first story here!