Mike Shum

...the Fung Library to conduct my research on press freedoms in Southern China as that is the project I applied with to the fellowship. And because I’m an fellow affiliate of Harvard’s Adams House I sometimes stop in for a cup of coffee and have a conversation with students.

I tend to walk to different parts of campus to do homework and research. The places I enjoy visiting before class are the Harvard Graduate School of Education or as many of those students like to call it “Huggsy”/HGSE. It’s a very cozy building with a food court and café. I also visit...

It's been a welcome reprieve but also a challenge to reorient the way I think and understand the work that I do. In a way it's evolved into a think tank or a fun brain trust to explore different ideas that I don't think I had the time or space to explore.

I think really bring yourself into the application. The what of what you do is no doubt essential for understanding your work but the who is key I think. They're really intentional about the dynamics and the souls of each cohort...in my opinion :)

...diligent and amazing that I didn’t want to let them down. So I suggest making sure those are taken care of as soon as possible first and then hustle to get the application by January 31st!!!

It’s not too late to start an application but ya gotta hurry. I admit I started mine and gave up three or four times before I landed on an application. What pushed me to complete were my recommenders. They were so...

...cohort is a welcome perspective in class discussions and I think they recognize that. So reframing how you think about your qualifications is my suggested strategy.

I think it’s important to trust in your ability and understand that it’s not about being qualified for Harvard per se so much as what kind of perspective can you offer to a Harvard classroom. I think the wealth of experience across the Nieman...

I was drawn to the Nieman Fellowship because of the opportunity to meet journalists from all over and from different fields. Being able to share space and learn at Harvard and MIT among peers was an opportunity I wanted to seek out. I also just sort of threw a Hail Mary hoping I'd get it :)

Hello! My name is Mike Shum @mikeshum.bsky.social and I am a documentary filmmaker who works primarily as a director, producer and cinematographer with PBS Frontline and Al Jazeera’s Witness program.

Welcome to our Q&A about the Nieman Fellowship! We're joined today with Nieman Fellows @ginansmith.bsky.social, @tywrites1.bsky.social, @Mikeshum.bsky.social and @jcollins.bsky.social.

Hello! Excited to join in the conversation

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Join us today at 1:30pm ET as current Nieman Fellows share their insights about the fellowship experience and application process. Have questions about studying at Harvard, relocating with family, or taking a year away from your newsroom? Our fellows have answers.

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