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Joy Lim Nakrin, Emmy-nominated anchor and reporter for NECN and NBC10 Boston, stopped by my studio for this week’s #FriendsOfTheStudio feature! Photos by Diana Levine. Behind-the-scenes cinematography by Mark Gilday Jr.

“I'm a licensed attorney working as a television newscaster. It is an unusual combination because it's not exactly what I planned in life. I initially set out to be an attorney, but soon realized that journalism suited my strengths and matched my passions. My path was a winding one. After finishing law school in 2005, I pursued a modeling contract in Asia for one year. (I had been modeling on the side during law school.) During that time, I began guest hosting on television shows in Malaysia and Singapore, and ultimately became a sportscaster at ESPN Asia. That led me to the television news career that I am in today.”

“I'm a newscaster at NBC10 Boston and New England Cable News. I cover everything from politics to crime to human interest stories. I anchor in studio and also report on the field. I love the variety of what we cover, and I am honored and privileged to share the stories of our community.”

“I was a philosophy major undergraduate, then went to Duke University School of Law to pursue my Juris Doctorate. I became a licensed attorney with the Massachusetts bar in 2006. What drew me to law is the same thing that drew me to journalism. I've always had a strong sense of justice and fairness. Over time, I came to realize that my passion for storytelling and for presenting both sides of every story made me best suited to become a journalist.“

“One of the most impactful projects I've been part of is a series I did on human trafficking. I interviewed two brave survivors, who shared their painful journeys, and ultimately their courageous triumph. What they endured has always haunted me, but their strength has forever inspired me.”

“When I set out on my legal career, I had no idea that I would ultimately become a journalist. During that time, I learned to read and process large amounts of information, to write clearly and concisely, to think on my feet, to speak publicly, and to analyze from multiple angles. When I eventually became a journalist, I found that the skills directly transferred and helped me become an even stronger storyteller.”

“I have lived and worked in several places around the country and world. I grew up in rural North Carolina, attended college in greater Philadelphia, went to law school back in North Carolina at Duke, then moved to Asia where I spent time in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, before then moving to Connecticut to begin a career in local television news. My next stop was Minneapolis, and then in 2013 I ultimately landed in Boston, the city that my family has long called home. These experiences have broaden my world view, and have helped me appreciate a variety of cultures and perspectives. I truly feel blessed.”

“Having grown up on a horse farm in rural North Carolina, animals have always been part of my life. When I started to learn about the 1.5 million shelter animals euthanized each year in the US, and the 5 million pigs living in cruel confinements before slaughter, I started to change my lifestyle. I gave up eating any red meat 17 years ago. I vowed that any animals in my life would be adopted, because I wanted to save lives. I currently have three rescue dogs. But if I had the time and space, I would rescue many more dogs, cats and animals in need. I support our local MSPCA and the other wonderful organizations advocating for animals in need.”

“I truly love sharing stories that educate and inspire. I love the opportunities I've had to meet people from all walks of life… From survivors of horrific crimes, to politicians, celebrities and athletes... To ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I have found strength and inspiration in the amazing people who have touched my life.”

“Sometimes the stories that we cover can be grim and heartbreaking. One of the hardest parts of the job is to request an interview from someone you know has just suffered a terrible trauma of loss… To look into their eyes and see their pain, yet ask them to share their story. We could be asking them to talk about the sudden loss of a spouse or a child, or their own trauma of surviving a horrific crime. I try to always put the person before the story. I always want people I interview to feel comfortable, respected, and heard. As passionate as I am about sharing stories, no story is worth more than human dignity.“

“Although I grew up in rural North Carolina, my family moved here in 1998 when I went off to college. As much of my family immigrated from the Philippines, they largely followed one another and resettled together here in Boston. Here, they found a wonderful, inclusive community that embraced them and made them feel at home. I think that is much of what Boston offers to the world… Diversity, inclusion, and a sense of community.“

“My hope is to make an impact on the community I serve. I hope to tell stories that need to be told, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to uncover issues that should no longer be ignored. My hope is to increase understanding by helping people learn about each other.”

About Diana Levine:

Diana Levine is a Boston-based advertising and editorial photographer. She photographs portraits out of her studio based in the Boston suburbs for magazines, brands, and agencies. Her clients include Boston Magazine, Boston Globe Magazine, Rolling Stone, Billboard, MTV, Converse, and The Clinton Foundation.

Diana has photographed many notable personalities, such as President Obama, President Clinton, Kim Kardashian, Alicia Keys, Chelsea Clinton, New Kids on the Block, John Legend, Hanson, Elvis Costello, One Direction, Patti LaBelle, Ludacris, Julian Edelman from the Patriots, Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, and more. Her work is available at dianalevine.com and you can follow her on Instagram at @dianalevine.