2011: done with college apps, cheer fourth place/all star 6th place, dance kaiac success, college acceptances/rejections, cheerleading worlds 2011 at orlando, senior year second semester, senioritis, prom/afterprom, grad/aftergrad, frisbee basketball with alumni, hanging out with mina/sean/peter, “DRIVE FASTER!!”, SOAR, meeting new people, sellery hall/frisby, tug-o-war, tanning by the lake, target run, OMG hii best friend!, halloween craziness, thanksgiving at chicago, our group text messages with 5 of us, coming back home to see friends and fam <3
great year and can’t wait wait for 2012 (:
New year resolutions? Be nicer! Stop cursing. GOOD grades, unlike this past year. Balance studying/social life more. Become more involved. Stop spending money. Love everyone. Smile (:
Posted in Uncategorized December 31, 2011
It’s been a while. I always forget about this blog, until I have so much free time on my hands. I should start writing more…especially since it’s the summer and I have nothing to do.
So I graduated a while again–it’s almost been about two months now (already?) I have three months of summer break (the longest it’s ever been) and at this point I have to say it: I AM OFFICIALY BORED. When I first graduated, I was mad excited to just have a three month summer of doing nothing. However, I began to realize there isn’t much to do in Korea, especially if you’ve been here for so long. At first, I met my friends everyday, finding new things to do. We went to the bowling alley, just talked at cafes, went to the officetel to play smash, house parties, went out a couple times, etcetc. But later, it started getting boring, especially after doing the same thing over and over again. I was looking for a job but considering minimum wage is 4 bucks here, I figured it wasn’t worth it. Plus, since it is my last summer to actually play, I figured I didn’t want time commitments. WRONG. I have nothing to do. I have a couple of dance performances here and there (one on television!), but even that doesn’t let the time pass. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I can not wait for college to start. I’m ecstatic to start a new life, new friends, a new place and town, new teachers, and a new school. I have to admit–one side of me is scared at the fact that I have to meet new people. I’ve only been to two school my entire life, and I haven’t adapted to a new environment for the longest time (I guess the closest would have to be when I visited the states last summer, but even so I knew people). My roomie and I already talked on facebook though, and we both are pretty similar so I’m crossing my fingers! I can’t wait for football season, to go room hopping, setting up my new room, eating good food (CHIPOTLE BABY!), and just finally being with new people. Plus, I’m going to a huge public school, so I’ll definitely have many opportunities to meet new people everyday.
I have a month of summer left, and sometimes I wish it would go by quicker. I spend way too much money; it is the city afterall. And sometimes, I wish I could go back to NC and see my friends for a month just to hang out. But I figure I’m not going to be in Korea for another year, so I should try to hang out with everyone one last time before I leave. We’re now all going our seperate ways, and after this summer, it’ll be time to move on with my life. It’s a new chapter in my life that I’m excited and scared at the same time. So I just have to wait one more month and we’ll see what happens! I’ll try to update this blog every now and then with my new college life.
Less than a month and I’m off to orientation ! : )
Posted in Freedom. July 25, 2011
About a month left until graduation. Done with my childhood and off to be a college student.
I have to admit, I am excited to finally move on with my life. Meeting new people, new experiences, and a life without parents. But at the same time, I’m going to miss every bit of my life here. This year has been crazy good, and it saddens me when I think about leaving my family, friends, and teachers.
Saying goodbye is never an easy thing to do, and I’m still not ready to say it yet. I need to cherish one more month of being a good, happy, and exciting high schooler.
Anyway, since I’m in the mood:
Shout outs to my best friend Elaine, who’s always been there for me since 6th grade. We may have fought a bit in middle school but no matter what, we are always there for each other. I know she has my back and I have hers, and whenever we’re together I can’t think that I am so grateful for having her in my life. We understand each other and know that nothing can get in the way of our friendship.
To Jane and Sejin–We’ve had a lot of ups and downs senior year but I am thankful for having good friends like you guys. I know that we’re not as close anymore (due to boyfriends) but lets end the year strong and keep in touch.
To Albert: Thank you is all I have to say. You have always listened to me complain 24/7 and being needy and ill-tempered. Thank you for dealing with me. We’ve had such good laughs and fights but every moment we got through it and stuck till now. You are such a good person and friend Joo.
To Rachel M, Kristie, Kristin, Daeun, Monica, Nana, Susan, Paul C., Daniel Lee, Daniel Kim, Jonathan, Jay, Joodi, Sarah, Sam, Noga, Ashlee, Soyeon, Jenn, anyone else I forgot: You guys have made my senior year amazing! I loved getting to know you guys this year, and I’m going to miss all our crazy moments in and outside of class. It wouldn’t have been the same without you guys, and I love you guys all in different ways.
To Lynn: My favorite underclassmen. Keep working your butt off but remember to take a break once in a while. Everything will get better soon and you know Elaine and I are always here for you. Love you.
To JenPark: My sister, I always miss you when you’re not here. You have made my high school life. You have permanently left a mark of who I am today and I am so happy for it. You have made me stronger as a person and more confident about myself. We have done the craziest, weirdest things together and I love that I can tell you anything in your jang-pan bed. Love you and miss you, sis.
To my teachers Ms. Patterson, Mr. LB, Mr. Wood, Mr. Hopkin, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Izzy, Mr. Joo. Thank you for dealing with me and teaching me about …everything. I will truly miss you and couldn’t ask for better teachers.
To my family for always being by my side and being there.
High school is finally over (in a month). Tears? Maybe. Happiness? Maybe. Relief? Maybe. Sadness? Maybe. All I do know that I am off to start a new adventure, a new life on my own.
Posted in Uncategorized April 20, 2011
I haven’t written for a while. It’s senior second semester, finally! But I’m keeping myself busy…I hate just staying at home and doing nothing.
Since I decided not to play soccer, I’ve been focusing on yearbook and journalism (getting everything ready before school ends). Also, I got into the national Korean cheer squad! But because they were forcing me to lose 5 kgs. and I was an alternate, I decided to quit. They undermined me a lot. As I was going out of the cheer practice place, this man came up to me and asked me to join the national dance team. I was hesitant at first because of the time commitment, but I decided to give it a shot. I went to the first practice and it was intense. INTENSE. I learned crazy hiphop choreography and pom cheerleading as well as ballet. 11:30-5:30 straight without eating ANYTHING…I thought my head was about to explode. I had to use my head to remember all the choreography (since I came late) and since I’m not as technically experienced, I had to focus on my body more. The youngest is 24, the oldest being 30, and me being 17 still…it’s definitely a challenge. The oldest always yells at me to do it correctly when I get something wrong, but as time goes on, I feel more attached to her–probably for helping me and trying to get me on track, although it scares me. They take care of me and WANT me to do well. So since then, I practice everyday, during lunches, in between classes, afterschool, and any other time I get (even while I’m walking) to catch up. I finally learned all the moves and am slowly trying to get the same feel as everyone else. Although difficult, I know it will pay off at Orlando, Florida April 27-May 1. I’m competing at the ICU Worlds cheer competition, where different nations compete against each other. Last year, South Korea got 3rd in hiphop, so we’re hoping to place again.
Anyway, going on, I got into college! U. of Minnesota, Indiana U, Pepperdine, U. of Washington, and U of Wisconsin Madison. I’m still waiting on UMich, Colgate, and NYU … but I’m thinking of just going to Madison for the cost. Plus, it has good academics and great school spirit. I thought I would never get into college and I’m surprised getting all these acceptance letters. My dad thinks I should’ve applied to higher colleges, but I’m still SO excited! I’m getting extremely sick of Korea, and can’t wait for a new experience and a new life. Where did everyone else get into?
So things I’m looking forward to: ICU worlds, college, a new life.
Lets see what happens in the future! (:
Posted in Uncategorized March 23, 2011
It’s that difficult time of the year, when things get tense around your friends. Everyone wants to ask the same question to one other, curious but nervously afraid. It’s college results time.
Living in Korea, college is vital for acceptance, reputation, and to get a job. College determines everything…at least here it is. Although I do go to an international school, about 97% of the student population is Korean. Everyone applies to the same colleges, the ones that are known in Korea as the top. People judge you if you get rejected, and look down upon you.
That’s why it’s hard for me to even talk to my best friend about college. They tense up if we’re applying to the same college, and they refuse to tell me what colleges they’re applying to–they’re afraid of rejection and embarrassment.
I applied early decision, and three other early actions/rolling admissions. I got rejected from my early decision school, and I was devastated for a while. I didn’t tell anyone, because they told me I was a “shoe-in.” I guess this just shows that college admissions is unpredictable. I got deferred from two of the colleges, and am still waiting back on one. I got deferred to a college that was my target and one a reach. I was shocked when I got deferred from both, but at least I have a second chance. At least I still have regular apps as well…
Even when I got deferred, my friends constantly asked me if I was okay. I was more stressed than ever, especially since all my friends were getting acceptance letters, posting on facebook “I got accepted!” However, I quickly got over myself and realized they didn’t reject me, they rejected me as the student. Maybe they figured I wasn’t a right fit for the university and that’s fine. I am bound to go somewhere, somewhere I’ll learn to love and enjoy. College doesn’t determine us, we determine what we make of college.
I have to admit–I am scared. I’m scared for the future. I’m scared for what’s going to happen these next few months. I’m s
cared that I won’t get accepted anywhere. I’m scared people will make fun of me. I’m scared that there’s even going to be more tension.
My friends have tutors or academies that help them write their college application essays, or pay someone to write them. It’s unfair, but I know that it only benefits me to do this all on my own from scratch.
But that doesn’t stop me from pursuing my goals and dreams. College applications are a stressful process, but soon enough, it’ll all be over. I’m a bit sad, because I didn’t get into my top 1 choice and I’m not going to the South, my home. However, I know that there will be opportunities and a new experience wherever I go now. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me, but as long as I keep working hard, good things will occur.
College isn’t everything. So for all those who got rejected or deferred like me, know that our lives aren‘t over. There are so many more opportunities out there for us, and moaning over our favorite school won’t help with anything. We must learn to cope with rejection; it’s the first of many in our lives.
Posted in Uncategorized December 30, 2010
“History is made up largely of big people doing big things. BUT…” -90210
Life doesn’t work that always work that way. Our lives are defined by the little moments that make a difference in our lives. I have never been able to teach someone blind/deaf/mute, and I have never outlawed segregation. My life may be ordinary in a way, but my life is defined by the small moments in life. A simple hug, going out to dinner with my family, smiling at strangers…
We may not change the entire world, but we can make a difference.
Write a book, a biography for that matter, about someone “ordinary.” You may realize that his/her life isn’t so ordinary after all. Maybe one day, the textbooks we read in class can be about the norm.
Posted in Uncategorized November 12, 2010
Wow, I can’t believe I’m already a SENIOR! And that I’ve been keeping this blog for the past four years. Hopefully, it’ll stick around in college too.
School started three days ago, and one word to describe it? HECTIC. I always thought senior year was supposed to be the chillest, most fun year out of all. However, for my friends, it means something different. First semester? SAT finish, college apps, essays, homework + tests, etc.
Yes, I’m worried too. I’m worried I won’t finish everything on time and I won’t get into the college of my dreams. But for me, that’s okay. College isn’t life; it’s just another aspect of school. I want to make the best year of my high school- a year filled with a bunch of memories. This year, I’ve tried something new. Every class and club I’m taking is something I LOVE. I love all my classes and like to learn in them.
Choir, Advanced Digital Journalism Independent Study, Yearbook, AP Macro/Micro Economics, AP Statistics, English, AP World History.
Clubs: Dance president, High School Student Council (X2 since I’m secretary!), Cheer Captain, Vollleyball, Yearbook Editor, Journalism, Singapore Thimun, etc.
Although it may seem like much, I’m not stressed out about it. They are all classes and clubs I am completely dedicated to, one’s that I’m so excited about! I’m not stressed about senior year, even though in Korea I should be. I disagree that it isn’t about working your butt off for college. It’s about working for your interest and for your learning, which is why I doubt I’ll slack off as much in second semester. I’m excited for what’s going to happen in the future and what’s going to happen next.
Posted in Uncategorized August 14, 2010
Enter your password to view comments. Posted in Uncategorized August 5, 2010
It’s been a while…the past month has been CRAZY. Literally.
AP season is over! My three AP’s are successfully (to an extent) finished. APUSH, AP PSYCH, APES GOODBYE.
This is where the problem lies. AP’s..otherwise known as advanced placement classes were created back in the 70′s to get a head start on college life…for the people that were ready to take college level courses and take an extra step to finish early. The definition of A.P today? Courses NECESSARY to get into college.
“Wow, a student took 10 AP’s and got ALL 5′s on them. He’s ready, we must accept him..” a college admission officer might say. But in reality, students are under constant pressure to take as many AP’s and to get the best possible score, even if it’s simply memorizing facts. We’re not learning; we’re simply trying to get into college. It’s not even for college–it’s for the admission process…to earn the name-worthy college spot.
A freshmen takes AP Art History. Is she allowed to get college credit for the class and skip it in college? Will she remember all that information in four years? The AP class is a class to learn facts as fast as possible and retain it for the AP exam. After that one exam, however, it’s all over. We throw away all our AP books in the garbage and repress the hard work and effort out of our brains. So, really, what’s the point?
Because everyone else does it. Because we get compared. Because we’re under pressure to do well. Because we want to go to a good college to be successful later in life.
When is this learning lie going to end? When are people going to realize that taking 20 AP exams isn’t what determines a student’s capacity to learn?
Eh…for now, I’m glad you’re gone AP.
Posted in School life. May 13, 2010
I haven’t written in a while. Junior year is getting tougher by minutes…Here’s a post I wrote in freshmen year but never got to upload.
BTW, MY CLUSTER MAP IS RENEWED. GOODBYE my 1000 viewers from 70+ countries. 
WHYY. anyway, here it goes:
America is a beautiful country full of…cars. So when I came to Korea, I was astonished at the fact that there were numerous ways of transportation. There was bus, car, metro (subway), taxi, etc. But since it was my first time in which I lived outside of the U.S., I always rode around in my parents’ cars.
Soon, one year later, I never rode cars. I always wandered around everyone by myself or with friends, playing and chilling. This all changed because of my friend, Jo. Her mom was EXTREMELY lenient, since she’s been here since 2nd grade. She always rode around alone, studied alone, and was always independent in everything she did. I soon became just like her too.
This has actually been helpful for me, and I know it will in the future. Yes, I’m terrified of rapists and other wrong people, but I still do it. I do it for myself and my future. I know later in college, I’m going to be facing the world alone. It’s a step ahead, so later, I won’t be as mortified.
My parents give me a monthy allowance, and this helps me to become less spoiled. I need to learn how to save money and use it on the things I truly need. Some parents are strict and never let their child go out anywhere. They need to know where, when, who, what, why, and how their child is doing. This tactic may work for now, but when the child becomes free in college, things may backfire. The child will more-likley drink or slack off, since there’s no guardians around. I think children should learn to be independent, but not TOO independent (i.e. not talking to anyone at all).
It’s scary thinking about all the bad people out in the world, but we can’t do anything about it. We have to face the world and do it ALONE. No guardian can babysit you forever.
Oh yeah, and probably being too independent from an elementary school student is not the best idea. They’re young then and could be kidnapped easily. Plus, they would probably want to play hide-and-sink or Miss Mary Mac (or Pokemon) with the family. Once puberty comes around, then it is the time to let them go, but not too much. Be aware of what they’re doing, but don’t watch their every move.
I know I’m just a 15-year-old kid saying this, but from what I’ve observed, almost all kids what to be left alone. Or at least not spied on. They’ll come back to you, don’t worry (I think).
Independence, we all need it. We need to be strong.
Hope to post another one soon for ya’ll! 
Posted in Uncategorized March 5, 2010
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