I AM KOREAN AMERICAN

Own Words

Let me clear something up first. My middle name isn’t really Scott. It just stuck after an “eventful” night during my freshmen year, and helped differentiate me from the million other John Kim’s.

I am currently the President of USC’s Korean Student Association. I grew up in Cerritos, so being surrounded by Koreans and Asians was a part of my childhood. I didn’t realize how much of a minority we were until I came to college. That’s when my passion for being Korean American began to emerge. Being involved with Chongdae (scKcSA) and USC’s KSA, helped me realize how much being Korean American is something to be proud of and thankful for. Through these organizations I’ve made so many connections and friends. I can easily say that the friends I’ve made here will be there when I get married, when I get my first job, when I have my first child, when I officially become Dos Equis’ new official most interesting man in the world, and hopefully when I die. And for this, my love for USC KSA will never cease to exist.

Growing up as a 2nd generation Korean American, I realize how hard it is for us to break out of the typical dreams and goals our parents have for us. Our parents may have taught us to be humble and unselfish, but unfortunately their Korean ways have molded us into doctors and lawyers. Though there’s nothing wrong with being a doctor or a lawyer, we should always remember that this is our life to live. No one else’s.

Being a part of KSA at USC has opened up so many doors for me. I’ve had so many opportunities to meet new people, and find numerous different ways to get involved with my communities. For other Korean American students out there, please, please, please get involved with the Korean American community. There’s so much you can do. Fight for human rights in North Korea with organizations like LiNK and THiNK, support Kollaboration in your respective areas as they try to really push for involvement in the arts and media in the Asian community, support leadership conferences for Korean Americans like KASCON. The list goes on and on. You just have to look. Don’t be blinded by stereotypes of Korean smokers and alcoholics. Now is the time to be involved with Korean American community. We’re steadily becoming more and more influential in the world and being a part of something like this is something you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

I’ll end with a quote because I believe cliche’s are the ish. “What we do in life, echoes in eternity.” What did I tell you? THE ISH.