A business journalist honored and inspired by the stories she covers

Yuki Noguchi, a correspondent on NPR’s business news desk, spoke with Tracy Ross and Melanie Davis of WKMS at Murray State University about her career and her work.

He is an excerpt:

Ross: Do you have a favorite story you’ve done or a story you’re most proud of?

Noguchi: “You know, it’s funny, I love the stories like the Netflix break-ups. I [also] did a story about what is apparently the most common workplace etiquette problem, which is people stealing each other’s lunches. These are things that make me laugh, and I love those stories because I think that kind of levity is important. But I’ve also been deeply touched by the opioid story that you mentioned. I did a story about a group of inmates who were getting internships, who had gotten degrees in college, to try to bridge from their incarceration to employment. I was floored about how inspired I felt doing that piece. It wasn’t what I expected. I think there are stories where you find unexpected human dramas playing out. I don’t know if it’s pride exactly, I’m just so privileged to be exposed to that. When I was in Japan after the tsunami, it was a very difficult, desolate place. And yet again, the surprise was [that] people were so resilient and kind and brought the best of themselves. There’s this kind of honor, sometimes, to be in those moments. I think, for me, that’s what’s restorative. It renews my sense of purpose around journalism.”

Read more here.