Locally owned restaurant Othello's on Campus Corner entertains and feeds the citizens of Norman. Two years ago, James Nghiem and a few of his friends began a weekly set of stand-up comedy, the first of its kind in Norman. (photo by Victoria Stahl)

Grad Student Laughs His Way Through School

Every Tuesday night, Professional Writing Graduate student, James Nghiem performs at the local restaurant and music venue, Othello's, on Campus Corner. Ngheim, who graduates in May, has been telling jokes as a stand up-comedian for the past two years and has been seen by many locals.

Nghiem said he got serious about stand up comedy shortly over two years ago when a friend of his organized the first comedy night at Othello's. Since that first successful night of comedy, Nghiem and several other local young comedians have performed their comedy sets every Tuesday night. He says he hopes to one day be a professional comedian.

"I'm always working toward something, but I enjoy it too," said Nghiem. "So you're working toward this goal and it might never happen, but you do it no matter what and hopefully you get there."

Once he graduates, Nghiem said he wants to travel and expand his career, but until then, students can see him perform every Tuesday night at Othello's.

For more on James Nghiem's interview, press play.