Describe your background.
I am half-Korean, half-Caucasian. My mother is Korean and my father is Caucasian.
I live in Kentucky where Asians are strongly outnumbered by any other minority group. I have always had a passion for Korean/Asian culture but didn’t start really diving in to Korean/Asian culture until I lost my mom two years ago to cancer. Because of her absence I naturally started to miss all things Korean. Because of this I started searching for ways to surround myself with Korean/Asian culture again.
Through this desire I found myself collaborating with a group of other Asian individuals, who also had the same desire and saw the need for a way to unite and strengthen the local Asian community.
What issues going on in the world, and/or in the Korean American / Asian American community affect you the most?
I’m really worried about North Korea and the existence of labor camps. I have been lucky enough to have been in contact with Shin Dong-Hyuk, the only known survivor who was able to escape a labor camp in North Korea. His story is surprising and remarkable. I hope that one day we can unite the two countries and abolish these prison/labor camps that exist today in North Korea.
What has given you the most pleasure in the last year?
Last September I was able to visit my family in Korea for the first time since I was a baby. I was able to celebrate my 26th Birthday with them and Chuseok. It was awesome. I loved Korea and meeting my family for the first time! Thanksgiving two times a year?? Heck yes!
If you could go on a date with any Korean/Korean American/Asian American celebrity, who would it be and why?
Gong Yoo!!! My first Korean drama I ever watched was Big and it was love at first sight. So sexy! (Shh don’t tell my boyfriend.)
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl, I hate waking up early and I must have 8-9 hours of sleep every night or you won’t want to be around me. I need my beauty sleep.
What is your best and worst trait?
I’m very outgoing and kind of weird when you get to know me, but I can complain a lot … I think I get it from being an only child. (Still working to improve this, no one’s perfect right?)
What is your biggest fear or worry?
That I will become a lonely dog (I’m allergic to cats) lady. I hope to be married with kids one day.
Tell us something that you are proud of.
I was the first person from my immediate family to graduate from college right after high school.
What quality do you appreciate most in a friend?
Unconditional love and little weirdness 😉
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
World peace. Just kidding that’s great and all but personally I would like to see stricter laws enforced against those who abuse/neglect animals. It’s awful what people can do to innocent animals.
Would you rather be rich or famous?
Rich, so that I could travel the world and give back to those who really need help. When I last visited Korea it broke my heart to see so many homeless senior citizens. It would also be nice to not have to worry about money.
What does your typical day consist of?
Waking up, drinking an absurd amount of coffee and going to work.
What would be your ideal vacation?
I’d really like to visit Greece. So pretty and I love the beach!
What was the last good book you read?
I’m not much of a reader but the last book I read was The Defining Decade. I recommend it to anyone who has just graduated college or in the 2000-something decade.
What is one characteristic you received from your parents what you want to keep, and one you wish you could change?
I’m kind hearted like my mother but I can also be impatient like my dad. It’s true patience is a virtue.
What food do you absolutely HATE?
Italian food. It’s too heavy for me.
How do you show your love for others?
Words of affirmation and random acts of kindness.
If you could choose one song to describe your life, what would it be and why?
“One Moment In Time” by Whitney Houston, self-explanatory.
If you would like to participate in I Am KoreAm, you can find more information here. Students and alumni, be sure to also check out Student Spotlight and Alumni Catalogue.
