McKenzi Thi Murphy '21
Journalism and Women's and Gender Studies double major
Theatre minor  

Where are you originally from?
I was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, but have lived almost my entire life on the East End of Long Island. 

On her majors and minor: 
Journalism major: I’d previously enjoyed running my high school paper and thought journalism would be a good fit for me as I liked causing a bit of a stir with my writing. Four years later, and I’m definitely not going into journalism.

Women’s and Gender Studies major: I chose this major because I knew its program would most interest me. I’ve adored all the classes I’ve taken within it, and have even taken additional electives just because I could. The knowledge I have gleaned from these classes is some of the most valuable in my education.

Theatre minor: I love theatre to an almost unhealthy degree. Since I was a young child, I’ve adored the performing arts, and when everything shut down last March, it was devastating. Back in 2019, I saw 20 Broadway shows. A record at the time. I hope I can break that record as theatre reopens in 2022.

Favorite class: 
Most of my WST classes have been excellent. I took a fantastic class on media representations of immigration that tied both of my majors together so well, and definitely articulated my issues with so-called “objectivity” in journalism better than I could have without it. Back in my sophomore year, I took a class called “Sexual Citizens: Sex, Publics, and Space in the U.S.,” all about the developing sexualities within America in the 19th and 20th centuries. We learned about the intersections of race, gender, queerness, etc. There was a whole section on early theatre’s queer beginnings. I loved it.

Interests and accomplishments:
I love theatre, as I said already. My greatest accomplishment would be seeing 60 Broadway shows in my lifetime thus far (imagine how many I’ll have seen by the time I die). This is something I know I’m immensely privileged to be able to say I’ve done. Theatre, especially Broadway, must become a more equitable, accessible, diverse place. Not an elitist institution. 

Greatest achievement:
My JRN 490 capstone project, definitely. I may not like journalism, but I chose to write my piece on what I love: theatre. Specifically, the digitization of theatre during a global pandemic. Writing that ended up being almost therapeutic for me. A way to cope with the world. You can check it out here! 

Plans for post-graduation:
NYU’s graduate program for publishing. 

Advice for future Seawolves?
Get your assignments done and submitted at least a day in advance. I’ve tried not to ever submit anything last minute, and have a pretty excellent track record there. Get it done. 

Fun fact:
I also collect earrings: I have 276 pairs. I’m very proud of this.