Rising Stars: Meet Aorui Pi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aorui Pi.

Hi Aorui, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
Thank you for having me! My journey as a bilingual reporter began in college. Along with my friends at Syracuse University, I started a Mandarin multimedia channel on WeChat. Our goal was to share uplifting stories that would resonate with Chinese students. The response was incredible, garnering nearly 10,000 followers within the first two years. Our stories became must-reads for virtually every Chinese student on campus, inspiring me to start roundtable discussions. 

We chose topics of common concern or interest and invited students to Zoom in on a monthly basis to share their views. These sessions provided valuable insights that we shared with our audience. 

My sense of community responsibility deepened after the tragic shooting at the Atlanta Spa that took the lives of eight Asian women. As an Asian myself, I grappled with the reality and urgency of anti-Asian hate. I remembered the distribution of flyers on campus that insinuated Chinese students were government agents. I felt compelled to raise awareness. Working with my mentor at Syracuse University’s Center for International Services, we quickly organized a discussion group on anti-Asian hate. With campus-wide support, our meeting attracted nearly 200 attendees and featured heart-wrenching anecdotes of both community solidarity and encounters with racism. This experience reaffirmed my belief in using journalism to change. 

I subsequently wrote an article detailing my reflections on organizing the event and navigating life as a Chinese person in the U.S. while facing racism firsthand. 

Before that, my internship as a U.S. correspondent for a Chinese media outlet gave me the opportunity to cover protests, social movements, and the pandemic. But I lacked a clear professional direction. 

Through the WeChat channel, however, I discovered my passion for storytelling, and by leveraging my dual cultural understanding, I want to serve as a bridge to fill the void in cross-cultural communication. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Studying journalism is like diving into a bottomless pool of knowledge and experience. It’s not just about hitting the books; it’s about immersing yourself in the world around you, understanding people’s stories, and bringing them to life through words. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every day is a new adventure, a chance to discover something fascinating, connect with people, and share their stories with the world. 

But in the midst of all the excitement, I’m concerned about the safety of journalists. It’s something that weighs heavily on my mind, especially in this line of work, where you’re constantly navigating uncharted territory. Growing up, self-protection wasn’t really on the curriculum, but as a reporter, it’s become second nature to think about how to stay safe, both physically and mentally. 

I’ve attended many seminars and lectures on how to stay safe in various situations – from protests to parades to dealing with road rage. But despite all the preparation, the harsh realities of the world hit hard. Watching friends and colleagues thrust into dangerous situations, sometimes with tragic consequences, is a harsh reminder of the risks we face in pursuit of the truth. 

But even in the face of adversity, my passion for storytelling remains. It’s what drives me to keep pushing forward, to keep fighting for a better world. 

And while the challenges may seem daunting at times, I take comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. Together, we’re a community of storytellers bound by a shared passion and commitment to making a difference. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my current role, I work as a bilingual reporter for a Mandarin TV station here in Los Angeles. I also freelance as a writer and contribute to various platforms. One of my most notable gigs is contributing to a true crime podcast that averages 1.5 million views. I also write for major news outlets in Asia. 

What sets me apart in my field is my deep understanding of both American and Chinese culture. It’s not just about translating words; it’s about capturing the essence of each culture and understanding the subtle nuances that shape it. This skill is like a superpower in storytelling. It allows me to bridge two worlds and tell stories that resonate with audiences on both sides of the Pacific. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For people who are just starting out, I would say just go for it. Find something you’re passionate about, something you’ve put time and research into, and see how you can contribute to that. 

My own journey into storytelling wasn’t something I planned. It sort of found me. When I was living in the US, I often found myself explaining Chinese culture to others. People often asked me questions about China, and I realized that I wanted to offer both an objective view and share my personal experiences in a comprehensive way. That’s when I discovered my storytelling skills, and I was eager to hone them through professional training. 

Don’t be afraid to explore new avenues. When you share your passion, you’ll naturally attract like-minded communities that will support you along the way. I’ve seen this firsthand, from the overwhelming support I received during my college years to the continued encouragement I feel as a junior reporter in the newsroom. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that your work resonates with others. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @aurorapi.jpeg
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aorui-pi
• Twitter: @Polly_piaorui