GO! Blue!!

Growing up in a world of uniformity. where everyone was very similar to me in terms of appearance, language, and moral outlook, I felt secure in my identity and comfortable in such a familiar environment. Moreover, with those around me mirroring my cultural background, it was easy for me to figure out my persona; however, that assurance was shattered when I started college in the United States.

Thrust into a world of diversity, I was surrounded by staff and students representing a kaleidoscope of ethnicities, languages, and socioeconomic statuses. At first, the unfamiliarity was overwhelming, as I became acutely aware of my assumptions, routines, and thought processes. However, as the initial wave of anxiety subsided, another one of sheer wonder took its place, bringing with it a strong desire to learn about the lives, viewpoints, and experiences of everyone around me.

Moreover, my living situation changed significantly after I moved in with an American student. Sharing aspects of our daily existence, such as habits, beliefs, and routines, we communicated on a deeper level, often realizing how much our culture influenced our daily decisions. Indeed, the contrast between her outgoing personality and my repressed upbringing led me to form a clearer understanding of my own culture.

Such connections have expanded my understanding of identity, and despite my maturation, I take pride in my Korean heritage, which I now see as just a small part of a larger, dynamic personality. Being more accepting, self-aware, and ready to take my place as a global citizen are all outcomes of my experiences with diversity.