I AM KOREAN AMERICAN

Own Words

In my own words, huh? I’m a Korean/Irish half-breed who grew up in a military family and can’t say I come from anywhere. I like to tell people I’m a child of the world.

As far as identity goes, I’ve always felt caught between two worlds and have never felt I fully belonged in either. The older I get, these things bother me less, though. I concern myself more with liking how I identify myself as opposed to worrying about how others see me.

I always wanted to be an actress when I was young, but turned to journalism as a profession because I figured writing was a more marketable skill. I still act through local civic theatre and would do it full-time in a heartbeat if I could reliably make a living at it. I guess I’m not brave enough to sacrifice housing and food for my art.

I’ll now turn it over to your questions because I’ve run out of original thought.

Q: What kind of books do you like to read?
A: Good books. It’s funny, I got my MFA in creative writing 10 years ago, and then suffered from a sort of post traumatic stress disorder after I graduated. Grad school turned reading into a job instead of an enjoyment, and I’ve only recently been able to read anything other than trashy romance novels without breaking out in a cold sweat.

Q: What is your ideal meal?
A: Food isn’t a huge love of mine, but when I’m asked what I’d choose for my last meal, I always answer rice, kim-chi and broiled mackeral. Best. Meal. Ever.

Q: What makes you angry?
A: Stupidity.

Q: What are your quirks?
A: I think I probably have more quirks than not. I’m not afraid to make a fool of myself. I laugh really loudly in public (all the time, really), much to my Korean mother’s horror. I feel compelled to repeat movie quotes and song lyrics when I hear them. I think it’s a form of Tourette’s. I talk to myself in the mirror.

Q: And lastly, what is the most important thing you ever learned?
A: Probably to not let fear keep you from doing what you want to do. You only get one trip around this life. Don’t waste it by sitting in a corner and missing out on all the fun.