I AM KOREAN AMERICAN

Own Words

Born in Houston, TX, and then moving to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a baby and being surrounded by Americans, Europeans, and Arabs throughout my childhood hid the fact that I was half Korean for a very long time.

No one pointed out that I looked “different” so I just thought we all blended in an international world and in an international school even though I am 50% Korean and 50% (Lebanese, Greek, and Turkish mix).

I grew up speaking English, Arabic, and French and knew nothing about Korean culture. The only Korean/Asian thing I ever did was eat gimbap, but I have been to Korea a couple of times as a child! I always identified myself as an American. I never thought myself as an “Asian” and was “shocked” when one of my college friends asked me to join the Asian American Association and responded with: “I am not Asian.”

I never felt comfortable around Asians, I would just get an awkward “Hi” or a smile whenever I went to Korean markets or restaurants. I felt out of place around Asians, especially Koreans. A semester later I finally joined the Asian American Association and slowly started having Asian friends and finally felt like I belonged when I was there. The similarities, funny personalities, dance, music, and the good times brought us all together.

Korean music helped me deal with difficulties and that’s when I became more interested in anything and everything Korean. I love the food and I plan on going to Korea soon with my friends to eat street food, go sight-seeing, buy a cute cake, see family, go to all the cute cafes, learn more about Korea, and check out the party life there. Oh, and of course, we have to go to at least one K-pop concert.

I recently started teaching myself Korean and I hope I will be fluent very soon. K-drama and K-pop are definitely helping me!!! I am proud of my background because it helped shape who I am as a person today.

Proud to be a mixed Korean-American ^-^