I also started becoming a huge fan of k-pop (Korean pop music) and Korean dramas; I discovered movies and TV shows from other Asian countries as well, such as the Philippines, Thailand, China, Taiwan and Japan. Rather than watching mainstream American TV shows, I found these other forms of entertainment to be more fascinating and relatable. There were not many Asian American people in Hollywood, so I had to make up for the lack of representation by resorting to familiar faces that I could find online (thank goodness for English subtitles which made it possible!!). I shared these shows and music with my Asian American friends and cousins, so that we could all have something to talk about; in fact, I take great pride in being the person that introduced k-pop to my friend group in middle school.
I no longer keep up with k-pop and Korean dramas as much as I did in middle school, but I still have a burning desire to explore other cultures and parts of the world. During high school, I came to realize that I thrive best when I travel to or live in new and diverse places; I went to four different high schools in three different states: North Carolina, New York and New Hampshire. During my senior year of high school and after living in various environments, I had a better understanding of how I wanted to live and what type of people I wanted to surround myself with.
Currently, I am a 3rd year student at Guilford College. In college, I am involved in community service and I volunteer for more than 280 hours every year as required by a scholarship program that I am a part of. I mainly serve the refugee and immigrant community (including youths and elders) whom I tutor and mentor.
