I AM KOREAN AMERICAN

Own Words

My mom majored in modern dance and graced the stage with her movement while my dad was known for his controversial one hit wonder song. I was surrounded by the fine arts and encouraged to pursue it.

I was born in Korea but was raised in America. Didn’t become a citizen until my mom applied for citizenship and went through the whole process. I remember being in the huge stadium-like room where a whole bunch of people stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. I knew at that moment how hard it had been for my mom to live in America all this time, but finally getting to call herself an American, a Korean-American, was such an achievement.

After my parents divorced, it was up to my mom to raise my little brother and I on her own. She made a living teaching Korean-Traditional dance, performing at Korean events, etc. Her lack of English speaking skills forced me to be the translator for a lot of tough situations. Financially it was definitely difficult for us and I knew things that most parents would hide from their children. My mom didn’t hide anything from me, and she couldn’t.

A lot of the time I resented the Korean community because of the way they treated my family. Just because my mom made a living for doing something she LOVED, just because her marriage didn’t work out and had to turn out on a divorce, the pity they felt for her raising two children on her own.. it tore her apart.

But mom, look at us now.

My mom just re-married to a new man who hopefully will treat her and love her better.

My little brother just applied to colleges (and btw won homecoming king this year!)

And me? I’m able to attend UC Irvine as a theater major by supporting myself with work study & financial aid. America is beautiful that way.

I also write songs, perform at venues, and post up videos on YouTube and through that reach millions with what I love to do. Everything’s happened so fast but when I look back at my life, I realize that I’ve been trained to get to this point in my life.

Still now as a CHUNG I question whether or not I have the support of the Korean-American community, let alone the Korean community, as I pursue something so many fail to achieve (at least in worldly terms.) I can’t deny my heritage and everything I’ve learned from it. However, I will not let the stereotypes hold me back from going for what I feel as though I’m meant to do.

사랑해요 엄마 <3

http://www.youtube.com/jenniferjchung
http://www.youtube.com/jenchungenjoyslife
http://www.twitter.com/jenniferjchung
http://www.facebook.com/jenniferjchung