Experience

Life & Community

Volunteering is about giving, contributing, and supporting others—both individuals and the broader community. I believe that small acts of kindness and service can create a ripple effect, leading to positive change. Whether through mentoring, teaching, or research, I strive to make meaningful contributions that empower others and foster a better society. My approach to life is driven by a commitment to learning, sharing knowledge, and using my skills to solve real-world challenges, ensuring that my work has a lasting impact beyond myself.

Teaching refugees from Somalia, displaced by the Somali Civil War, at the Minnesota State Capitol. This experience was a meaningful opportunity to support and empower individuals through education, helping them adapt to a new environment while fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Volunteering – Spent seven years (2008–2014) working with individuals with Down syndrome, providing support, encouragement, and meaningful engagement to help them develop essential life skills and build confidence. This experience shaped my understanding of inclusivity, patience, and the importance of fostering a supportive community

Volunteering for Seniors (2009–2011)

During my college years, I volunteered at an assisted living facility, Villa St. Vincent, where I spent 474 hours engaging with residents. One of the most memorable experiences was meeting Marji, a senior resident who became a close friend despite the two-generation age difference. This taught me that friendships can transcend age, and we shared stories, life experiences, and wisdom. The time spent volunteering helped me grow as a person and reinforced the importance of intergenerational connections and mutual learning.

World Vision: Sponsoring Children (12 Years)

Since my student years, I have been supporting two children—one from Africa and one from India—through World Vision. Despite my limited allowance as a student, I prioritized making a difference in their lives. This experience taught me the true meaning of empathy and global responsibility.

Through their stories, I learned about the challenges they faced and the resilience they showed, which inspired me to reflect on the privileges I often took for granted. Sponsoring these children not only allowed me to contribute to their education and well-being but also deepened my understanding of global inequalities and the importance of fostering hope and opportunities for those in need. It was a humbling and rewarding journey that shaped my values of compassion, persistence, and the belief in creating a better future for others.

UNICEF and Halmonis at the House of Sharing (2017–Present)

Since 2017, I have been donating to UNICEF and the House of Sharing, supporting initiatives to help victims of injustice and preserve the truth of historical events. My contributions to UNICEF focus on aiding children in crisis, while my support for the Halmonis (grandmothers) at the House of Sharing reflects my commitment to raising awareness about their experiences and ensuring their voices are heard.

Through this journey, I’ve come to understand the profound impact that even small actions can have on addressing global challenges and creating meaningful change. Supporting these causes has strengthened my belief in the importance of standing up for justice, remembering history, and working towards a better, more compassionate world.

Habitat for Humanity: Annual Volunteer Participation

Each year, I actively participate in Habitat for Humanity volunteer camps across the United States, contributing to various construction projects aimed at supporting communities in need. One of the most impactful experiences was working on a construction site dedicated to building a school, where I collaborated with fellow volunteers to provide educational infrastructure for underserved areas. This hands-on involvement not only enhanced my construction skills but also deepened my understanding of community development and the importance of accessible education. Through these annual commitments, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of collective effort and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Spring Break Volunteering with STLF (University of Minnesota)

While attending the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, I participated in Students Today Leaders Forever (STLF), a student-led volunteer organization, every spring break. Alongside my friends, I traveled to various communities across the U.S. to engage in service projects, addressing local needs such as community development, education, and housing.

These trips were more than just volunteer work—they were opportunities to connect with diverse communities, collaborate with like-minded peers, and gain a deeper understanding of social issues. Each year, the experience reinforced my belief in the power of youth-driven leadership and the importance of giving back to society. STLF shaped not only my approach to volunteering but also my commitment to fostering positive change wherever I go. 🌍

Medical & Research Internships (July-Aug 2011, July-Aug 2012)

As an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota, I was admitted through the Joint Admission Program, which provided a pathway to medical school. Through this program, I had the opportunity to visit the Histology Lab at Mayo Clinic Rochester Campus as an undergraduate research intern.

During my summer breaks, I returned to Korea and completed internships at three of Korea’s top hospitals:
🏥 Asan Medical Center – Clinical Pharmacology
🏥 Severance Hospital – Rehabilitation Medicine
🏥 Samsung Medical Center – Neurology

At Asan Medical Center, I participated in a sub-internship program, where I ranked #1 out of 400 students and was awarded the Best Case Report Award, along with a prize and scholarship.

During this internship, I contributed to clinical pharmacology research, where we administered investigational drugs to healthy volunteers and analyzed their efficacy. My project focused on quantifying the effectiveness of a placebo (inactive drug) versus experimental drugs A and B. I compiled my findings into a concise research report, which was highly praised for its clarity and analytical depth.

📌 Key Achievement
Due to my ability to produce meaningful research results within a short period, I received recognition for my exceptional performance as an undergraduate student and was awarded the Best Case Report Award at Asan Medical Center.

🏆 Best Case Report Award – Asan Medical Center
📊 Ranked #1 out of 400 participants

Scholarship & Academic Recognition

I was selected as a Global Talent Scholar by the Governor of South Korea, receiving the Young Scientist Prize and a full scholarship throughout my undergraduate studies. As the top-ranked recipient (#1), I had the honor of delivering a speech as the student representative during the award ceremony.

📌 Key Achievement
🏆 Young Scientist Prize – South Korea Governor Scholarship (Nov 2011)
📊 Ranked #1 among recipients
🎤 Delivered a speech as the scholarship representative

🌍 Embracing Cultural Understanding & Friendship

I respect my friends' religions because I respect my friends. 💙

I had the opportunity to visit a prayer room, wear a hijab, and learn about my friends’ culture and traditions.
It was a truly meaningful experience that allowed me to appreciate their way of life, values, and beliefs.

Though I don’t follow a specific religion, I grew up occasionally attending church with my parents. Experiencing my friends’ traditions firsthand helped me understand them on a deeper level and strengthened our friendship even more.

Grateful for the moments that bring us closer together. 💫✨

A Glimpse into My Journey Through the Years

These photos capture moments from my teenage years to my twenties, showcasing the friendships, experiences, and milestones that have shaped me. Many of the pictures are from my younger years, including memories of special occasions where I’m dressed up, such as school events and celebrations.

I’ve always valued building meaningful connections and actively participating in my community. One of my proudest moments was being the first Asian student nominated for Homecoming Day and winning the title of Homecoming Princess (underclassman)—a reflection of my enthusiasm for bringing people together and making the most of every experience.

Through these photos, I hope to share the joy of celebrating life’s moments—big and small—with the people who mean the most to me.😊