Born in Korea, but Despite

¶ … born in Korea, but despite ethnic Korean parents, moved to Shanghai, China, because of my father's business. Again, do to family issues, we moved around almost constantly -- Denver, Colorado, back to Korea, then to China again. This resulted in a rather unhappy childhood experience; never settled location, dubious friendships with other disenfranchised children, and exposure to crime and the underbelly of society. Somehow, intuitively, I knew though that the path I was on was not the right direction.

My parents helped me with the decision, and suggested I study in the United States -- both to get me away from my unsavory friends and to ensure a proper and robust educational experience. Fortunately, I was accepted to Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California. My initial reaction to the school was bliss, then cynicism. Here were students using free time to study; preparing for tests days ahead; taking academic requirements seriously; and even conversing about school work and ideas.

Truly, I did not belong in an environment in which students cared more about scholastic endeavor than fun time -- and now my own standards of behavior caused me to be ostracized. I ended my freshman year barely passing, but managed to slowly improve during my second year at Stevenson. Gradually, I noticed a change coming over me. Perhaps it was osmosis, perhaps I was simply maturing, but being surrounded by students who were bright, energetic, and engaged began to have a palpable effect on my own outlook and performance.

By my junior year I began to engage with other students. I enrolled in an honors class, joined the school's choral program, and even managed to be selected for the school's premier vocal group, the jazz choir. This acceptance and newfound belief in my abilities seemed to change my own outlook and view of the world.

I became an active member of the Red Cross Club, formed a band to perform at school shows, helped raise money for the Haitian flood relief, and auditioned and joined as many vocal groups as possible -- including the California All State Choir. I am now a senior and do not even recognize that freshman who flew into Pebble Beach from Asia. I am enrolled in three AP courses; English, Economics and Music Theory. I study because I want to, and glean intellectual satisfaction from my participation in these courses.

I am the lead tenor for the Jazz Choir, and lead guitarist for the Jazz Band. I enjoy physical challenges as well, and am one of the student leaders for the Rock Climbing Club. A few years ago, receiving a B. would have been a gift from heaven -- now it is a terrifying prospect. I have a group of friends that are academically like-minded, challenging, and genuinely nice people. They have helped me establish goal oriented behavior, a service attitude, and aided in my transformation out of despair. My.