JULIE CHIN chin@kjrh.com
My fascination with the weather started early.
Age 5.
Thanks to a little girl named Dorothy, a pair of Ruby Red slippers and one nasty twister.
Years later I learned the tornado in the movie was just a special effect--but that didn't stop "The Wizard of Oz" from remaining one of my favorites, and weather, one of my passions.
My hometown of Scarsdale, New York is just 25 miles north of Manhattan. My parents still live there and I try to visit often. My family has lived in New York for generations. In fact, my Chinese heritage was born from Chinatown and Little Italy being so close together.
I graduated from the S.I. Newhouse School of Journalism at Syracuse University with honors and received my Meteorology certification through Mississippi State University, also with honors. I am a member of the NWA and have my AMS seal of approval..
When it comes to the weather, I'm serious about it. I've produced, reported and forecasted at several TV stations across the country. From dealing with the whipping winds and the massive flooding of coastal hurricanes during my time in New Bern at WCTI-TV, to booming spring thunderstorms and surprise tornadoes at WXII-TV in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to nasty Nor'easters at WBOY-TV in West Virginia, I've just about weathered it all.
One of my proudest achievements has been my work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In the summer of 2002 I had the honor of taking part in the launch of a new summer camp for children with M.D. I have also co-hosted the Jerry Lewis telethon and received National Recognition from M.D.A. on behalf of Jerry's Kids. My work with children continues here in Green Country. I am currently a "Big Sister" with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I also serve on the Board of the Adoption Center of Northeastern Oklahoma.
My only "child"-- is my 19 pound cat Jackson. He's part Siamese, and part "puppy"-- or at least so he seems to think. In my spare time, I love doing anything in the sunshine. I play tennis and have recently taken up golf. And, of course, I love the movies.
"The Wizard of Oz" inspired my love for the weather, but also for many things. That includes chasing rainbows, and shoes.
I even own my very own pair of Ruby Red Slippers.