Texas Showcase - Kristina Chung

Interviewed by Tara Gillespie, Anthony Larmon, and Melissa Flath

With her multicultural background and ambitious work schedule, public relations major Krstina Chung is used to defying expectations.

You grew up in Houston and Jamaica. Why did you decide to go to college at UT-Austin?

Growing up, I was back and forth between the two places. I always wanted to go back to Jamaica, but I felt like I wouldn’t have been eligible for the same opportunities if I had gone to college there.

With your diverse background, do people sometimes wonder how to categorize you?

My last name is Chung but since I do not look Asian, people constantly question my identity. They are eager to understand how someone who is from Jamaica could have an Asian last name and look black but be mixed with Cuban, Indian and Chinese. I'm annoyed from hearing this question a million times growing up, so now I just say it's hard to explain and tell them to think of me as a melting pot. Everything went in and a Kristina came out.

You said you started out as a government major. Why did you switch to public relations?

I’ve always wanted to go to law school and I am still planning to, so being a public relations major makes me a more diverse applicant, considering most are government or history majors.

As PR majors, we’re all pretty busy. But you’re busier than most. How do you manage your time?

I work in the multicultural engagement center as co-director of programming and finance for Students for Equity and Diversity. I am also involved in the Intellectual Entrepreneurship program, in which I shadow a law student, and I am the president of Student Leaders Pursuing Law. Juggling all of that and studying for the LSAT means my life is pretty hectic. I write everything down and I am sad to say that my planner is my best friend; without it I would be so lost!

What type of law are you interested in? And what do you want to do after law school?

Currently I am interested in constitutional or sports and entertainment law. I know they are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but so many things fascinate me at the moment. I feel as though my PR skills will aid me in either field, but if I must be honest my dream would be to work in the White House as Obama’s press secretary. A girl can dream can’t she?