Photo by Jayson Tanega

I would later move to an unlikely place to become a reporter; a small Pacific island called Saipan. It's where America's day begins. But Saipan was far and it was foreign. I didn't know a soul there. I was excited, and utterly freaked at the same time. I immediately bought a Lonely Planet travel guide.

The move turned out to be a defining moment in my life and young career. I knew then that I could succeed no matter where I go.

Since Saipan was so close to other interesting locales, I started traveling. At the end of my two year stint there, I had seen several of the islands in the Marianas. I've also visited Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Cairns and Bali. Bali is still my favorite.

I love languages, Tupperware and food, especially dim sum. I played the xylophone in band and am a certified scuba diver. I once waited eight hours to audition for Fear Factor and, no, I wasn't picked for the show. Since moving to Hawaii, I'm getting into gardening and have a small herb garden. I'm still hoping to stand up on a surfboard.

Tina Chau is a general assignment reporter for KGMB9 News. She joined KGMB9 in 2006.

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Twitter: @TinaChau

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