Ever since I was little, I often wondered, "Why am I doing what I do?" Even though I knew I was part of this big world, it was hard to see how my daily actions mattered. I wanted to explore and see new places, but living in my small hometown, I felt stuck. Life was good though. I was doing well in school, had great friends, and my family was always there for me.

​

Then, one day, my father asked me a critical question: "Do you want to study in another country or stay in Korea?" I was very young and didn’t know what was best for my future. But that question made me think a lot about what I genuinely wanted.

 

I began to yearn for an overseas education to enhance my English proficiency and immerse myself in diverse cultures. But it was a scary idea to do so. Studying in another country without your family is a big step. After months of contemplation and factoring in the differing academic calendars between Korea and the States which schools in the U.S. start in the fall, but in Korea, they start in the spring; it was time to make a decision.

​

When I decided on the exchange program, a one-year study abroad opportunity which was the most affordable option available back then, everything happened so quickly. Almost immediately, I was randomly paired with a host family and assigned to a local high school in Oregon, U.S. I only had three days to pack up and say farewells to my family and friends. Then, with a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiousness, I embarked on what would become a life-defining adventure. After my initial year in the exchange program, I chose to remain in the States to finish high school and applied to U.S. universities, where I continued my education.

​

In my time abroad of more than 10 years, I've crossed paths with diverse individuals, each with their own unique journey—some who came for higher studies, others for internships, and many through different exchange programs. These interactions enriched my perspective, teaching me the existence of various and perhaps more manageable ways to explore the world. Yet, as I reflect on my own trajectory, it's crystal clear: the choice I made at the early phase of my life was the cornerstone that shaped my true identity.