A turning point in my life was when my parents decided to relocate from Korea to the United States. During that time, I was living happily with my family and was content to go to the local elementary school. Even though I was still not a teenager back then, I could not help but feel resentment over the fact that I would have to start over in a foreign land where I knew no one except my sister and parents. It was difficult for me to leave my friends and accept the fact that I needed to adapt to a whole new world where the culture is so different. I was afraid of the facts that (1) I had to learn how to speak a different language that I knew nothing of and (2) that the idea of trying out and being exposed to different aspects of the American culture did not appeal to my young mind back then. I was young and knew no better than to complain about struggling with the English language and trying to belong in this place where the culture is so strange and unusual to me. Looking back at all the apprehensions I felt back then, I now knew that my fears had no real grounds.
I came from a vastly different background so it was hard for me to fit in with my classmates back in high school. Everywhere I look, I can see how different I was from my classmates and this has made me feel insecure. I had a few close friends, but I never was the kind that would hang out with the crowd and go to parties. It was hard for me to relate with my peers, and though I sometimes wish that I had more friends and went out more, I also know that if I did, I wouldn’t be as good with digital art as I am now. Because I didn’t go out often, I used my free time to draw. Eventually, I learned about various software that would enable me to create graphics. I experimented with these software and even taught myself to create web layouts and tweak CSS and HTML codes. I have even started offering my designs to my acquaintances who had websites that needed a new look.
Today, I am no longer the same boy that I was eight years ago. I now feel that my openness to all things new is what I have going for me to apply to your university. I am grateful that my parents had the strength and courage to sacrifice their own comfort and stability just to give my sister and me these chances that I now vow not to throw away.
Because of our limited financial constraints, I had to enroll first at our community college. Eventually, I learned that my experience in community college greatly influenced my perception toward school. I no longer look at going to school as a requirement or chore, but rather as a gift I have been blessed with. In college, I finally learned how to socialize more, especially with those who are not originally from the US or are second-generation immigrants. In fact, I am a member of a club that promotes Korean culture in our community college. I also work a part-time job to help fund my education and I’m glad that although this takes up a considerable amount of my time, my grades have actually improved. I’m very thankful that I have been given a job as a graphic design apprentice of a a very experienced graphic designer. This job that has rekindled my passion for the visual arts. I can say that all the experiences and learnings my mentor taught me has made me more confident and more secure about myself and my potential. Having this new outlook definitely helps me in class as I can see how theories apply to the real world. This makes me excited to study the different aspects of graphic design at ______ University.
I hope to be given the chance to learn and study in your campus. I’m looking forward to more delightful experiences and learning much from the rest of the class of 200- as I bring my enthusiasm, dedication, and bi-cultural heritage to the school.
Photo Credit : www.steveconover.info
