My Personal Statement

Volunteering with the Pacific American Volunteer Association (P.A.V.A.) has helped me feel connected to my homeland. P.A.V.A. is a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting environmental and international relationships between countries. I’ve been a member for two years; since then, I’ve visited Dokdo Island, danced in a flash mob on a Korean Coast Guard ship, and marched in the Hollywood parade as part of a Korean band. Through these activities, I learned to feel national pride.

P.A.V.A. enabled me to visit Korea for the first time since I immigrated to the U.S. when I was fifteen. We went to Dokdo Island in South Korea. Dokdo has an ongoing territory dispute with Japan, so I felt proud to meet the Korean Coast Guards who protect it. The trip took eight hours; however, we couldn’t enter Dokdo, so we only saw it from the ship. There are fifty-two people who live there: fifty are soldiers protecting it, and the only two citizens are lighthouse workers. Also, many Koreans haven’t yet visited it, so I valued the opportunity. My dad accompanied us, and we had many opportunities to talk about our feelings. His advice to me was to always try new things when the chance comes. So I learned to appreciate the special experience. I also learned how important it is to know about our homeland and roots.

While we were there, we performed a flash mob dance on the Korean Coast Guard ship. We used Korean and American flags to express that Dokdo is our land. We also sang the Korean National Anthem. Before the trip, we practiced in an auditorium. I felt that the time I spent dancing was valuable because there is no opportunity to dance in Dokdo. While we performed, I felt proud to show our support. Also, the natural environment and view of the island made me feel refreshed. I learned how a national problem is also personally important. Traveling to Dokdo helped me think more about my relationship to Korea.

I also participated in a Hollywood parade with P.A.V.A. There, I played the Bok, which is a Korean drum. Even though I was born in Korea, I didn’t know how to play any Korean instruments, but I challenged myself and practiced three hours every Saturday for five months. At first, I felt surprised to see Korean drums played in the U.S., but during the parade, I was proud to show our Korean culture. While we marched, I had an accident where my pants started to fall off! One of the parents put pins on my costume, so we ended it successfully. I also gained confidence because I performed in front of many people.

Before P.A.V.A, I wasn’t concerned about understanding my cultural identity, but since then, I’ve become eager to teach others about our culture. I matured and realized that the advice my father gave me on the Korean Coast Guard ship was right: try things when there is a chance because experiences are life’s teachers.