#MeetTheClass: Anna Lee, '26 M.S.

Where are you from and what program are you pursuing?

I’m originally from San Jose, CA, but I’ve called Boston my home for the past decade. I’m in the M.S. General Program (full-time), with an interest in arts, culture and climate reporting. 

What inspired you to attend Columbia Journalism School? 

Journalism helped me find value in my identity. It helped me discover pride in and advocacy for my background: a second-generation Taiwanese American, a queer woman, a student with disabilities. I came to the J-School to learn how best to report for others from marginalized communities — to bring attention and coverage to issues, stories and groups that remain underreported in mainstream outlets. 

After the J-School, what would you like to do? 

I’d like to continue working in New York, though I’ve always been inclined to reporting abroad. Among the most interesting stories I’ve edited are those that concern intercultural and international crossroads — and I always value learning from other worldviews and experiences. 

What is your favorite activity/location in NYC so far? 

My favorite activity is going on food crawls throughout the city – up next on my docket is a Chinese food crawl throughout Flushing. There’s seriously no shortage of unique cuisines and fusions in NYC, and food is one of the most fun ways to learn about a culture!