Yiko, a "Libran" Radio Host

"I am a true Libra girl, I have all the typical traits. I like to think that I am a balanced individual and I try to look at both sides of an issue before making up my mind."

Only a mere 23 years of age, Yin Yixiong or as she is more commonly called, Yiko, is already a radio personality at the Tianjin Binhai Radio Station. She rides the airwaves every weekend as the compere of a radio program featuring locals and foreigners. "We mostly interview foreign students and teachers on a wide range of issues,'said Yiko, adding that the rest of the one-hour segment features a chat with young listeners.

Firstly, why the nickname Yiko?

"My Chinese name is Yin Yixiong, but it is difficult for my foreign friends to pronounce. And since learning Japanese, I found the Japanese girls¡¯names very interesting, so I decided on Yiko," she said with a grin.

Yiko, who started working at the station last year, said she found her way into Binhai "by accident"

"But I am truly blessed to have such an opportunity and I enjoy being able to chat with our listeners and meet new and interesting people everyday," she said.

Yiko spent her formative years at the Shiyan Middle School and later went on to Nankai University, to major in political science.

She has visited the States, Singapore and Switzerland and will go to Australia this August.

"I didn't always use to be so adventurous. I was brought up in a conservative household and my parents were strict disciplinarians," she said, adding she was born into a family of teachers. Her mother, three aunts and two uncles are all teachers.

"I am very close to both my parents. My mother is very caring and loving and took great care to show her love and affection," she said.

She said her father was her inspiration and taught her many lessons of life that he himself had gone through.

"He has taught me that only I, myself can work to ensure a good and happy life," she said.

Yiko said her parents have always been very supportive and encouraged her to see more of the world. She said she visited the States when she was 16 and that was when she began to explore her freedom and individuality.

"I learnt so much more. I was introverted before but I became more open-minded and very independent,"

It was a turning point in my life, I saw a whole new world, and I learned more, listened more, and felt more, "she said.
Her job at Binhai, is a great stepping stone, Yiko said, as it allowed her to talk to interesting people and also make a positive impact on the community at large.

She has a vibrant personality and has a following in the city and within the station. Colleagues describe her as a "rising star."

What are her ambitions, is it to continue at Binhai or a move to the bigger Central International Broadcasting Station?

"That's a difficult question. At the moment my goal is to improve myself. My colleague and I are working hard to prepare our interviews, record them and broadcast our program well."

She said once she felt she has mastered the art, in about 2 to 3 years, she would look to other pastures.

"I haven't really thought about it much. I may study abroad, look for another career or settle down." She said.

But I do have a bigger dream, she said. "I really want to go to Africa and help the many needy people there." "In fact, I think everyone should try to better themselves and their society." she said.
Catch Yiko every Saturday and Sunday at 1 to 2pm on the airwaves.