Since then, I regained my confidence and participated proactively in my academic responsibilities and extracurricular opportunities. Part of my strength comes from my commitment to God, and I consider religion to be one of the most important influences in my life. I lead a bible study group and my choir section at Bethel Korean Church, performing in the annual Christmas and New Year's performances; I was elected

President of my high school Korean Club; and I lead marketing efforts as the marketing director in connection with the L.A. Korean Association's Korean festival. I have also captained several soccer teams, being voted MVP during a national tournament at the LA

Home Depot Center. While I certainly cherish all those experiences, they pale in comparison to the reward of having been able to perform volunteer work at the Irvine

Regional Hospital.

Through my church, I have also been fortunate enough to come across other foreigners who, much like myself, have had to overcome language barriers and achieve success in the United States. Their advice was encouraging to me, helping me to develop the necessary confidence to overcome the initial setbacks in an unfamiliar country....

My long-term goals are to pursue a degree in Business Economics leading to a career as a financial analyst. In that capacity, I hope to contribute to the betterment of my people as well as the U.S. economy by facilitating Korean investments in the U.S. And vice-versa.
My ultimate goal is to play an instrumental role in developing a mutually beneficial economic bridge between my country of origin and my adoptive homeland.

Moreover, I am committed to triumph over future obstacles to achieve any task necessary to achieve my goals. The University of Southern California is my first choice of academic institutions because of its strong reputation, particularly in my chosen field, as well as the strength of the Korean community already matriculated on its campus. I hope to assist other Koreans in the ways that I would have appreciated assistance at the memorable stage of my life where I could most have benefited from encouragement and assistance.

While it is now almost ten years since that memorable day in the immigration offices, the experience of being unable to respond in my own voice will always remain a motivating force, in my life as well as in my commitment to help others in similar circumstances.