My life has been a series of new beginnings.
From California to Seoul, San Jose, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Boston, and now, Chicago, each place has shaped the way I see the world and who I am becoming.
Seoul, South Korea
Born in California but growing up pretty much my entire childhood in Seoul, I was always the kid who wanted to know what was beyond the horizon. I loved meeting new people, trying new things, and imagining different versions of the future. So when I turned thirteen, I made a difficult decision to leave home and begin studying in the United States, alone.
What started as a leap into the unknown became the defining experience of my life. Learning to navigate unfamiliar environments at a young age taught me independence, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that continue to shape who I am today.
Washington, D.c.
Like many students, my college journey did not unfold exactly as I had imagined. After a wonderful high school experience, I enrolled at Brandeis University intending to pursue business and explore a pre-law path. Over time, however, I realized I was searching for something different. I wanted an environment that encouraged interdisciplinary exploration, creative problem-solving, and the freedom to move across fields rather than remain within a single academic lane.
That realization ultimately led me to pursue a transfer—a decision that required both reflection and courage, but one that completely changed the trajectory of my college experience.
Chicago, IL
to Pomfret, CT
My first year in the United States was spent in San Jose, California, where I experienced life away from home for the first time. While the transition was not always easy, it pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. Wanting a more immersive experience, I later chose to attend a junior boarding school in Connecticut, followed by a senior boarding school in the Washington, D.C. area. Those experiences challenged me to become more independent, take initiative, and step outside my comfort zone.
Boston, MA
Transferring to Northwestern brought me to Chicago and to the kind of academic environment I had long been searching for—one that quickly became my second home. As part of a community that embraces interdisciplinary learning, I have been able to fully explore my curiosities, discover my passion at the intersection of communication and technology, and shape a unique academic path of my own.
Beyond academics, I have found mentors, collaborators, and communities that continue to challenge me to grow. Northwestern has given me the freedom to be both analytical and creative, technical and human-centered—and for the first time, to pursue all of those interests at once.
My journey
San jose, CA
My journey
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Looking back, every move, every school, and every unfamiliar beginning has shaped the person I am today. Living across different countries, cultures, and communities taught me that growth often happens when we are willing to step into uncertainty. While I still do not know exactly where my path will lead next, I know that curiosity will continue to guide it—just as it always has.