Give a little description of your background (where did you grow up, etc.).
I was born in Korea and my family immigrated to Canada when I was a one year old. I grew up in a small neighbourhood in the city of North Vancouver. There was barely an Asian population while growing up, so I felt as though I needed to act with a chip on my shoulder and stand up for myself at all times.
Are there any organizations/clubs you are involved in? Tell us about what you’re up to!
I’m involved in the intramural basketball league at my university. I’ve been playing basketball for 10 years now and I can’t get away from the game even when though my playing days are over. I was also apart of the UBC Canucks Club as the president last year. The club was devoted to fans of the Vancouver Canucks ice hockey team, and our goal was to raise money for various charities through exciting events and game screenings.
What’s the best thing about your school? Explain your mascot as well.
The best thing about my school is the beautiful campus. The buildings are captivating, there are a lot of enormous trees, and there is also a clear view of the ocean and mountains on the north side of the campus. Google “UBC Campus” if you have time!
As for our mascot, it is the Thunderbird. The Thunderbird is a mythical creature and according to Hume (1994), it is a creature that is able to grant supernatural blessing or engage in warfare with the earth’s most fierce beasts. Source: UBC Library
Your go-to food place:
If there was an In-n-Out or Shake Shack in my city, I would go everyday… no joke. But since there aren’t any, I would have to go with A&W.
What has been your favorite memory so far?
My favourite memory has to be in the summer of 2010 when I visited my home country, Korea, with my whole family. After spending a week at home in Seoul, we went on a road trip through various parts of the country like Haeundae and the DMZ. This is my fondest memory because this moment was when I started to realize and appreciate my amazing culture and develop a strong sense of pride in being a Korean.
Who has been an influential figure in your life?
I can’t choose one without the other, so I would have to say my mom and dad. They exemplify the true meaning of hard work and dedication. Now that I’m older, I’m mature enough to understand the sacrifices they made for me immigrating to a whole new country and it will forever influence me to strive for great things.
If you could sum up your life as a student in three words, they would be…
Procastination, Nocturnal, Growth
What’s your go-to selfie face? (A picture is obviously necessary.)
The “Clueless” face.
What song is representative of your life right now?
One Direction – “Don’t Forget Where You Belong”
As I’m nearing my graduation and moving on to the real world, the future is unknown and undetermined. This song reminds me to always stay grounded and remember to never forget who I am even if change is inevitable.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully residing in my favourite place of all time, California, and having an occupation that I am passionate for and genuinely enjoy.
What was the last book you read…for fun?
I was hoping to be asked this question. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! I actually just finished reading the 4th, 5th, and the 6th books all within a span of two weeks last month prior to finishing the last book. It was on my bucket list to read the 4th book since 14 years ago when I received it as a birthday gift, but I never got around to actually reading it. Once I started reading them last month, I just couldn’t put the books down. They are amazing! EXPECTO PATRONUM!
What does your typical day consist of?
Wake up, check my social media while half-awake, shower, then either get ready for school or work on some personal projects.
What does your typical night out consist of?
A chill dinner with my best bud, Sean, “The Duck-man-Jin”, and then hitting up bubble tea!
If you had to evacuate your dorm/apartment/house immediately, what one item would you grab on the way out?
The family photo album from the ’90s. Those pictures are priceless and they can be passed down for generations to come!
Who’s the person/people you can rely on for anything?
My two older sisters, Jen and Jane, hands down! We got each other’s back through thick and thin. Love em!
If you would like to participate in KoreAm U’s Student Spotlight feature, you can find more information here. Alumni, we have something for you too!
