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News Release

Last modified: Monday, April 21, 2008

IU student wins national video contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University School of Journalism graduate student Tian Ming has won a national student video contest for his entry describing his experiences with U.S. higher education as a Chinese national.

Ming's video, which can be viewed here, https://newsinfo.iu.edu/asset/page/normal/4810.html, tells the story of a Chinese student who starts a makeshift barber shop in his room -- the haircuts are free and students socialize as the barber works.

"I knew the winner's video would be published online. I thought, if my video was good enough, millions of people would have access to it and get to know Chinese people better," Ming said. "Some might even have a different view of Chinese people after watching it."

The U.S. Electronic Fairs for China and India, a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State, sponsored the contest. This was the first time that U.S. government agencies have teamed up with the academic community to promote U.S. education abroad.

The contest was open to all undergraduate and graduate Chinese and Indian nationals studying at U.S. colleges and universities. Videos could be no longer than three minutes and had to address one of a number of themes such as how students were paying for their studies or unique experiences they had encountered.

Ming's video is currently being viewed on Chinese television by millions of viewers.

"I spent many hours editing the video clips to develop the theme of 'one good turn deserves another.' Maybe the story can keep on moving under this spirit," he said.

Ming, originally from Beijing, is planning to return home this summer for an internship.

Ming can be reached at mingt@indiana.edu.

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