The Giving Tree in Mason Korea
My journey at Mason Korea had a rough start at the age of 19, when I became financially responsible for my education and living expenses. College life itself wasn't hard; rather, it was young adulthood. I struggled to become financially independent, and had to work multiple jobs alongside my studies. I used installment plans every semester, and even took a semester off to work and save money to enroll in the next. I walked four hours to and from work to cut transportation costs - it was one scorching hot summer on my walk to work, when I came to question the value of my sacrifices and whether it was all worth it. That is when I decided to make my education truly worth the price I was paying. My education didn't cost $20,000 a year - it also cost me my time, my health, and a whole lot of grit. On the other hand, starting work at a young age had its benefits - I learned from people of all ages and walks of life, and gained valuable insights. I made a conscious choice to never do anything for money alone. Instead, I decided to put more value into my work - making money while exploring my passions, building my career, and contributing to my community. Why choose between money and values when I can do both?
I began by becoming a Resident Advisor and recieved the Community Service Scholarship, with free housing. My job was to create a safe and happy environment for students while serving as a bridge between IGC, Mason Korea, and my peers. I gained a better understanding of my community, and living on campus helped me stay connected to school, despite having to work all the time. During my sophomore year, Mason Korea expanded its scholarship options, giving me the opportunity to apply for the Stay Mason Scholarship. This scholarship became a lifeline for me during a challenging period following Covid-19. It not only supported me but also helped my family during a time of job instability. I continued doing the activities I loved, such as my research fellowship at PACSC Asia, where I worked with North Korean diaspora and facilitated peacebuilding workshops. I also worked as a tutor at the academic resources center and took classes with my friends. In addition to unforeseen financial difficulties, I had long-standing financial burdens that often forced me to prioritize work over education. Balancing work and studies was overwhelming, leading to failing grades and incomplete coursework. This negative cycle persisted for years until I applied for the Patriot Access Scholarship. This scholarship allowed me to reduce my work hours and focus more on my studies. As a result, my grades improved, and I spent more time being involved on campus and taking on leadership positions, such as serving as the Editor-in-Chief for The Voice and participating in SDG youth mentoring programs. With the scholarship, I had continued access to all the opportunities and benefits of being a Patriot. Lastly, I was honored to receive the Sam Machour Scholarship and had the privilege of hearing his story when he visited Mason Korea. His experience reminded me of the importance of taking full responsibility for my education, to recognize it as a valuable privilege. It inspired me to use my own resources and experiences to motivate and give back to others. Despite being a young and broke college student, I had the time, good work ethic, and goal to make a positive impact.
I planned to take a year and a half off from school to earn money for my tuition and living expenses to prepare for my transition to Fairfax. During this time, I was looking for more meaningful work when I came across a job that would take me to Malawi, Africa, that involved assisting in the management of a university and hospital in the country. I began working as a project coordinator at Seoul office, and later spent a month living in Malawi, where I acted as an interpreter for meetings with various stakeholders such as university and hospital management, the mayor of Lilongwe, parliament members, ministers, and even the president, H.E. Lazarus Chakwera. Through engaging with individuals from different levels of society, I gained insights into the diverse views they held on various issues, and learned how to foster meaningful dialogue. Living in Malawi provided me with a new perspective beyond my surroundings in Korea. I witnessed poverty on a different scale, such as when we passed out bread to village children during Sunday service, knowing that they had walked up to 10 kilometers for just a few slices. Moreover, the devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy, which struck the southern region just days before our arrival, resulted in significant humanitarian losses. It was evident that only a few communities had protection against such disasters, leaving the most vulnerable groups to suffer when hit. However, I was surprised by the remarkable resilience of Malawi people. Despite living in constant risks, they demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt quickly and maintain strong bonds within their community. They had life skills and practical knowledge to deal with a number of challenging situations. My time in Malawi completely transformed my perspective on disasters and emergencies. I realized that my struggles were not life-threatening. I recognized my privilege of working hard to achieve the life I desired and make a positive impact. The people of Malawi taught me the power of resilience and resourcefulness. They instilled in me the importance of community and the value of giving back.
Reflecting on my journey and where I am today, I am reminded of all the people who helped me get here. My professors, mentors, the scholarship committee, CDC, family, friends, and countless supporters - I know they helped me because they believed that I would make a positive impact. I am incredibly grateful for my Mason Korea family, who had faith in my ability to overcome challenges, continue my schooling, and dare to dream big. The love and support I received built the confidence I had when I gave a presentation to the President of Malawi – at the age of 23! Looking ahead, I envision the next five years of my life dedicated to working, finishing my degree in Fairfax, attending law school, and becoming a mediator. My goal is to mediate conflicts in development projects and humanitarian crises by engaging with stakeholders and facilitating dialogue to address their grievances and needs.
I hope that by sharing my story, other students in our Mason Korea family, particularly those who share my struggles, can see that they can make their dreams a reality. I wanted to extend this incredible opportunity to my brother, and convinced him to join our school – and he is now an economics major! Sharing my experiences will have to suffice for now, but I look forward to continuing my contributions in the years to come. I am excited to see what lies ahead and how I can make a bigger, positive difference in the lives of others. Choosing Mason Korea and not giving up on my education, and reaching out was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to our generous donors. Your support helps students like me realize our potential to give back. Thank you for believing in us, and thank you for giving. You have planted a giving tree at our school, one that fosters the growth of countless seeds that will continue to give back.
September 06, 2023