The Writers’ Program is thrilled to add a new Program Representative to our team! Mijoe started at the beginning of the Winter term, and will be working as a Program Representative in the Writers’ Program, after previously filling in as a student advisor last year while other staff members were on leave. She’ll be doing a lot of important behind the scenes work to get classes for each term up and running, as well as assisting instructors and students with course issues. She also has tons of event experience and recent attendees of the Writers Studio have already met her in person!
Mijoe sat down with us so we can get to know her a little better.
Mijoe, tell us about yourself!
I am a Lebanese-Vietnamese writer-director who hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Like most overachieving people I graduated with two bachelors simultaneously, studying Directing and Public Relations. Over the past few years, I’ve been working in various facets of film festivals, more facets than anyone should—Ha! I am a foodie, an escape room enthusiast and I love me a great pop-up event. In terms of my writing, I weave coming-of-age comedies and first-generation experiences with humor, charm, and a dash of embarrassment.
What’s a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?
I love directing. In 2021, I directed “Tribe: The Story of the First Arab American Improv Team” at the Hollywood Fringe Festival which was nominated for a couple awards. It was definitely a challenge to have virtual and in-person theatre performances continue during the height of the delta variant with an ensemble cast. We all survived. I also digitally produced a couple podcasts for American Public Media.
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what 3 works of literature would you take with you?
The Complete Works of WS (Is that cheating?)
The Count of Monte Cristo (because I’m petty)
The ABC Murders (because I’m a Virgo)
Are you a writer? If yes, what are you currently writing?
I am working on my second original pilot and a half-hour comedy spec sample right now.
I’m the classic writer that juggles three things at the same time. I’m working on my original pilot, but I also dabble in writing scenes for actors, sketches and poems.
What excites you most about working in the Writers’ Program?
I’m the worst person to work for the Writers’ Program because I love human contact, crave it (and it’s been heavier since the pandemic!) Be it with students finding the perfect class for them, collaborating with our instructors and finding prospective ones, or growing my own skill set by taking more classes, I love interacting with others and working in a creative educational setting.
The WP is very excited to have Mijoe as a permanent member of our team!