I AM KOREAN AMERICAN

Own Words

So my full name is Kathryn Anna Myung Stenerson. Kathryn was my mom’s mother, Anna was my dad’s mother, and Myung was part of my birth mother’s name. I never liked my full name when I was growing up, but that probably has to do with the fact that it was a pain in the butt to write out. It also has to do with the fact that I wasn’t really proud of my Korean heritage.

On that note, I am Korean-American. I was born in Seoul, South Korea and I was adopted and came to the U.S. literally 5 ½ months later. Interesting fact, my arrival day is the birthday to my grandma Kathryn.

The thing people always are curious about when they meet me is the fact that I say I grew up on a farm in Minnesota. I know the first thing they are imagining is this Korean family…on a farm…in Minnesota. But once I tell them I was adopted, things are a lot clearer for them.

So, growing up in a small-er (not quite that small, but still too small for my liking) town in MN, there is not a lot of diversity. There were 12 Korean-American kids (all of which I know, and a few I baby sat), and maybe a handful of African American and Hispanic kids. That was it. So I knew what racism was when I was very little. It took me a while to learn the right way, how to be the bigger person, that it wasn’t my fault that people had such problems with people that looked different than them, but I finally figured out the right ways to deal with it. Not to say that I was always the bigger person in some situations but I defiantly know how to defend myself in a situation.

I suppose I have to thank my brother a little, because I always would hang out with him and his friends. So with hanging out with the guys, you got to be able to hold your own ground. I always say that I am more comfortable around guys than girls. And people say that’s always what girls say. But it’s true for me. I have about 3 close girlfriends, and that’s it.

Otherwise, I love to try anything I haven’t before. Random facts about me: I went to the National FFA competition in high school. I also had horses for 16 years, and actually did some shows and competitions for a few years. I was also in 4-H and showed a huge beef steer one year. I am a country girl at heart. But I also love beaches, and hope to one day live by the beach. I was in a sorority in college. I have my advanced SCUBA certification. I have been to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Guyana, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Italy and Greece.

I WANT to: Sky dive, bungee jump, visit all 50 states (I only have about 10 left), visit Africa/South Africa, Eastern Europe, Australia, and actually see Korea.

It took me a long time to actually be proud of my Korean heritage, but I totally embrace it now. I actually went to a Korean Culture Camp in the summer, but I didn’t actually like going to it until I decided to go back to the camp as a mentor (aka camp counselor). I love Korean food, and since I’ve been in Vegas, I found friends that love it too. Mostly because the guys are in the Air Force and have been stationed in Korea, so I know they love the food. But I have also been able to get my best friend out here addicted as well. We like to go get Bulgogi sushi rolls at 2 am on Saturdays. Best. Thing. Ever. I would love to be able to actually speak Korean one day. I know a lot or random words, and at one point I knew how to read Korean, I just had no idea what I was saying. But as most people know that speak another language, if you don’t use it, you lose it. I took 2 years of French and a year of Spanish. But I can’t do anything with it unless I’m constantly a! round people that are speaking it. Although, I know American Sign Language, my friend growing up for 5 years was deaf, so using sign language comes back really quick for me.

As far as my life now goes…I’m living in Las Vegas. I seriously love it here, probably because I like trying new things, and there is an abundance of things to do here. I graduate in May 09 from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s degree in University Studies. I have a minor in Hospitality & Tourism as well as Sociology. I want to some day be an event or wedding planner (which probably won’t happen anytime soon). But I am working on helping all my friends plan their weddings. Which I love to do, and they love the help. Other than that, I’m a 23 year old just trying to figure out this new chapter in my life.