Are You Proud of Being Korean?

So Kim

   I was born in Seoul, Korea and came to the United States with my family in 1985 when I was a year and a half old. Needless to say, I do not remember anything about being in Korea but I would like to visit the country sometime in the near future when time and money allows the opportunity. Before I started school, my grandmother would take care of me while my parents were at work. During that time she would teach me to read, write and speak Korean. After she passed away when I was in third grade, I did not have anyone to help me continue to read and write Korean so I lost my ability to do so. I still speak in Korean with my parents and grandparents, occasionally saying words in English for terms that I do not know in Korean. My mother did enroll me in a Korean class through our church when I was in first grade but I complained enough that she stopped making me go. I regret now that she did not push me further to continue learning more of the Korean language because now I wish I had the ability to be more fluent in my native language.  

   Before coming to Shippensburg, I never made much of an effort to learn more about the Korean culture and customs. Attending this college helped me to become proud of the Asian heritage and that is why I joined the Asian American Organization. I was surprised to find that this group had died down. With the help of two other people, we rebuilt the Asian American Organization and now it is a very active club. Our biggest event, the Asian Extravaganza, held every year in April, opens to the surrounding community with performances of different Asian cultures and food. Last year we had Korean martial arts and Korean fan dances as part of our entertainment.  

   The Asian American Organization helped me to meet other Korean students who share my interests. I am proud to say that now at Shippensburg University we are starting the Korean Club. This group is for students who are interested in learning to read, write, and speak in Korean, as well as watching Korean movies and cooking authentic Korean dishes. I am very excited about this club because this experience will help me teach others of the things I know about the Korean culture as well as learning from others knowledge.

   I will graduate in May with a degree in Elementary Education and a certification in Early Childhood Education.  I love children and know that my career will involve working with kids.  As I progress, I hope to learn more about my Korean culture and help others to be proud of whom they are.  I think it is especially important to guide children and help them be proud of their unique qualities and characteristics. 

   I am honored to receive this scholarship from the Central Pennsylvania Korean Association.  I promise to do my best to ensure that the Korean community continues to be proud of my accomplishments.