Unknowingly, my neglect for well-being has been quite remarkable. My dependence on ramen as the sole meal, all the while oblivious to the potential risks due to its high sodium and MSG levels. Little did I realize that my excessive intake of sodium would prove to be both a betrayer and a savior for my well-being. On the morning of March 23, 2023, I awoke to an excruciating agony in my stomach, likened almost to the pain of childbirth. Being an ardent devotee of television, my initial thoughts turned toward serious conditions like cancer or appendicitis. The male character in "Never Have I Ever" grasped his side stomach in agony. I could sympathize because I was experiencing a similar sensation and I was convinced that I had appendicitis due to the location of the pain. I hastily threw on some clothes and contemplated driving myself to Guam Regional Medical City, the closest yet most expensive hospital nearby. Unfortunately, I couldn't even manage to walk properly to my front door, so driving was completely out of the question. My dad was out in China to attend my uncle’s funeral and my mom was in Korea to visit her friends. Fortunately, I reached out to my aunt who lived nearby, and she quickly drove me to the hospital while I continuously vomited yellow acid in her Lexus (sorry Aunt Lani). After arriving at the hospital, I had to endure another hour of waiting before a doctor could examine my pain. The pain was so unbearable that I screamed and cried for help. I waited while vomiting in a barf bag and releasing cold sweat for hours. Finally, after a two-hour wait, I received the CAT scan and ultrasound and was informed that it wasn't cancer or appendicitis. It was a kidney stone. I was dumbfounded yet relieved to hear the news. I should not be surprised that my sodium-rich diet and little to no hydration may have contributed to the formation of kidney stones. Reflecting on the result of unhealthy eating, I realized the importance of body wellness. The hospital bill of $8,200, which was double my tuition made me realize that subjecting my kidney to sodium could accumulate more hefty hospital expenses and obstacles in continuing my college education. I soon drove to the nearest grocery store to buy cranberry juice which is scientifically proven to flush out kidney stones. I also threw away my packaged foods, most especially ramen. I made sure to stay ramen-free for the next few weeks and limit it to 1 package per month. Additionally, I hydrated myself to the point where I had to urinate every hour. While taking care of myself, I realized how little water I drank before and how that contributed to my hospital visit. Like most college students, I was lazy to make homecooked meals, but I tried my best to look up easy recipes even if it was just rice and eggs. I also bought fruits every week to add more nutrients, like grapes, bananas, and cranberries. Maintaining wellness not only helps me avoid expensive hospital visits but also supports my academic journey. I can improve my brain health and help myself concentrate on my issues with maximum focus. To this day, I make sure to take proactive measures to improve my health, such as following a low-sodium diet and engaging in regular exercise to help my concentration. In summary, concentrating on my wellness serves as a foundation for academic success. By avoiding sudden medical expenses, enhancing brain health, and maintaining overall well-being, I can achieve my educational goals.

Have you ever considered how the diverse threads of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage combine to create the colorful tapestry that is the AAPI culture? As an ethnic Korean living in Guåhan (Guam) and being raised amongst Chamorro customs, my culture is an integral part of who I am. Guam, a lovely island in the western Pacific Ocean, is widely known amongst geography enthusiasts as a cultural melting pot. An AAPI culture can include language, food, customs, and beliefs. As an Asian American, I am proud to speak three languages which are English, Korean, and Chinese. I have a strong fondness for Korean cuisine such as ddeokbokki, kimbap, and stir fried spicy octopus. Similarly, Chinese food has a special place in my heart, and I relish the flavors of mapo tofu, black bean noodles, and kang kong. However, I also cherish the local cuisine of my island, including the mouthwatering chicken kelaguen, kadun pika (spicy chicken stew), and shrimp patties. The ability to appreciate such diverse flavors and cultural influences is a hallmark of the AAPI experience, and I am grateful to be a part of it. Guam is widely known amongst geography enthusiasts as a cultural melting pot. As a leader in the Chamorro community, promoting cultural diversity and human development is crucial. One way to do this is by celebrating Chamorro holidays like Mes CHamoru and Liberation Day. To support my island's Mes Chamoru month, I hold popup shops as a small business owner. This allows me to connect with culturally-rooted customers and learn more about their values and beliefs. I can also actively celebrate with potlucks and attend Chamorro festivals, supporting traditional dancers. If you didn’t know, Chamorros cherish family and make sure to celebrate their special days together with potlucks. Different individuals bring their own fiesta plate and share with their families, usually one family member offers to use their house as a gathering. At the end of the potluck, everyone takes home a balutan, which means “wrapped” food in Chamorro. By celebrating all the special days, I can help ensure that the next generation of Guam remain connected to their cultural roots and heritage, while also promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity. In addition to cultural events, I can show respect for diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of community life, whether it is through social interactions or public events. In addition, I can prioritize education and personal growth, both for myself and the community. Eventually, I can help foster human development and build educated individuals for the future of the Chamorro community. As a leader, it is essential to listen to the concerns of the community and to work collaboratively to address any issues that arise. This approach can help build trust and respect within the community, and empower individuals to take an active role in shaping the future. By promoting cultural diversity and human development, prioritizing personal growth, and addressing community needs, I can help create a brighter future for my fellow Pacific Islanders.

As soon as I started college, I realized that I wanted to pursue my passion of crafting jewelry as a side hustle. It was a hobby that I enjoyed, and I thought I could turn it into a profitable venture. To get started, I activated an Instagram account and began posting pictures of my creations. I decided to name my business after my favorite flower that represents friendship, Freesia. I received a few orders during the first few months but things eventually slowed down. I spent almost $2,500 in my entire savings account to pay for my vendor fees and inventory. I was devastated about all the inventory left over and had no idea what to do next. Just when I was about to give up on my dream, I stumbled upon the concept of pop-up shops. Small businesses sell products at various locations, and I thought it would be a great way to get my name out there. I found a cozy café that agreed to let me set up for free. I had a few customers coming in and I made an effort to make small talk. To my relief, customers appreciated my work, and I thanked them for supporting my small business. That day turned out to be a huge success, and I made $200 in sales. I was so happy and motivated to keep going! From then on, I networked with other businesses to find more pop-up opportunities. I even partnered with local cafes, shopping centers, and schools to set up at their locations. I also started to experiment with different marketing strategies. I created business cards with my social media QR codes and a website. Making a website was expensive but I managed to purchase my own domain using freesiaguam.com. I also started offering custom orders, which proved to be a huge hit. Before I knew it, my side hustle had turned into a full-fledged business. Looking back, I am amazed at how far I've come in such a short amount of time. Prior to launching my business, I was an introvert who lacked a clear sense of personal ambition. Starting a business is never easy, but taking a chance and getting out there can lead to great rewards. As we are aware, a college education can come at a significant cost. At the age of 20, I decided to fund my own college education. With my father undergoing kidney surgery in China and my mother paying for her gastritis treatments, I knew that I had to support myself, at least financially. Despite considering abandoning my college education at times, I developed a newfound passion for my business studies. My professors were supportive, and I sought their guidance on ways I could improve my business. Last semester, I took a Business Essentials class with Dr. James Ji and he brought in guest speakers who gave guidance on how to manage a business. Through this class, I learned about the Guam Small Business Development Center (SBDC). This company helps small business owners receive support in marketing, managing, or legal matters. Whenever I require guidance in these areas, I seek assistance from the SBDC. My educational aspirations extend far beyond a degree. I aim to enhance my business acumen, particularly in marketing, employee management, and passive income generation. While I have never been particularly enthusiastic about academic pursuits, my business major has kindled a newfound passion for learning. I am determined to excel in my courses and network with my classmates. Additionally, I intend to absorb as much information to aid in the growth of my business.

What's not to love about a pretty girl in a white dress and croissant-looking hairdo? Princess Leia of Disney’s Star Wars saga is a beautiful strategic woman with a fearless exposé. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Princess Leia isn’t an original Disney princess like Cinderella or Aurora, but Disney bought Star Wars from Lucasfilm in 2012. Since she still fits in the Disney umbrella, I chose her as my favorite Disney character. When I think of princesses, I imagine colorful gowns, a tiara, and a royal prince but instead, Princess Leia has a blaster with a smuggler lover named Han Solo. Besides having a complicated story surrounding her birth, Leia is nothing like the princesses you see on TV. She was adopted by Senator Bail Prestor Organa and Queen Breha Organa, making her the princess of the Alderaanian monarchy. Even with her royal title, she is not afraid to face the most dangerous and evil siths of the galaxy. Just a blaster in her hand and she can shoot any Storm Trooper coming her way and protect her home planet. I love Star Wars more as an adult than when I was a child. Growing up, I always admired beautiful women with kick-butt personalities like Leia. She inspired me to be a leader and stand up to myself while protecting those I love. Most princesses on television are protected by others but she protects herself and her loved ones. Living under a double identity as the heir apparent to a monarch and leader of the Rebel Alliance, Leia can do it all. Under her adoptive parents, she was taught many important values about democracy, justice, and the strength to fight against evil. She is beautiful, fearless, and exerts confidence wherever she goes. This is one trait that stands out over all the Disney princesses.

When I was 7 years old, I rode an airplane going to Korea. The flight attendant asked me, my mom, and my sister if we wanted fried rice or omelets for breakfast. I chose fried rice while the other two got omelets. Despite it being airplane food, the fried rice was pretty good. There were a good amount of eggs, shrimp, onions, and carrots along with a savory flavor. I finished it within a short span and took a small nap. When I woke up, I suddenly got chills, an itchy head, and my lips swelled up badly. I cried so loud to the point where the whole plane heard me and a flight attendant came to check up on me. My mom asked her what was in the fried rice that she gave me and the flight attendant immediately responded with “the only allergen ingredient is shrimp, is she allergic to shellfish by any chance?” My mom immediately sighed and said “oh…. yes she is” and blamed herself for not double checking what I ate. We still had 3 more hours until we landed and I was in so much discomfort and pain that I could not describe. Thankfully, my head was less itchy and my lips’ swelling disappeared by the time we entered Incheon Airport. You would expect that I stopped eating shrimp from that day but it was the complete opposite. Without letting anyone know, I secretly ate shrimp from time to time because it was too delicious to give up. My allergy symptoms would show up every time but it became bearable and when I entered high school, the allergies were basically gone. When people ask me what’s my favorite food, I tell them “Shrimp and Spinach Gratin with Cheese.” Food allergies are proven to outgrow and it is possible to create immunity as one consumes it regularly, in most cases it is better with little by little consumption. Looking back, I realized how stubborn and risky that was of me. If I were to go back, I would consider the mild or life threatening outcomes such as death or swollen airways. However, I would still make the same decision otherwise I would not be able to enjoy my favorite food, so I say it was worth the risk. Now that I am in college and making choices for my career, I realized that my allergies helped me become a self-willed person who is willing to embrace chances. My dream is to become my own boss but I backed out several times because of people telling me the same old “it’s too risky” or “so many businesses fail.” I can now tell them “well guess what, I ate shrimp for years knowing the life threatening cons so what more risking my money to create a life I dream of?” Who knew that my food allergies would help me gain the confidence to push forward with my dream career. The Forbidden Foods Scholarship would help me pay for my expensive business and government regulation textbooks for the next two semesters. In addition, I can let others know about my story and how it influenced my choices. My university’s business department is full of students who share impactful stories about why they choose to become leaders. With this scholarship, I can reveal my story as well. I am 99.99% sure that no one else in my school chose the business program because of food allergies.

A Regina I once knew Regina was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010. She has three triplet daughters, a loving husband, and a solid accounting career. Among four of her siblings, she had the prettiest face, nicest body, and a tall figure, which is the reason why she became one the most popular models in Norfolk, Virginia. Regina had the perfect (or steady rather) life until August 15, 2010, when she was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer. Hard to believe that was 12 years ago already, time really flies. Her sisters say she is the most health conscious person they know. She takes multivitamins everyday for essentials, ginkgo biloba for memory support, and biotin for her silky hair. For every meal, her family ate lots of pork and beef while she refused with the typical “I CARE WHAT GOES INTO MY BODY” and set aside a salad for herself. Which is why all her family members were shocked when they heard of her illness. How did such a healthy and beautiful Regina get such an illness? No one seems to know. Except for her youngest triplet, Alice. “My mom’s life may look perfect in everyone’s eyes but she is never happy. She made loads of money but she was abused by her boss, her beautiful daughters (including myself) don’t live with her but they still ask for living expenses, dad treats her well but he is unemployed so she works overtime to support a family of five.” People only see the tree but not the roots, which is why everyone thinks she lives a happy and healthy life. Regina was also confused of why she got lung cancer when she cared for her body more than anyone. She took care of her eating habits and her outer appearance but she never took care of herself as a person, especially her mental health. She never did anything she liked or ate what she craved, her modeling career was also forced by her money hungry mother. Which is why the stressed, overworked, and unhappy Regina became ill later on. Studies show that depression can account for many diseases or cancer, especially for overworked adults. A healthy lifestyle isn’t always about eating plants or exercising, but also being happy with how you live. Prioritizing my happiness and mental health is far more important than stopping myself from eating what I want. If I force myself into a perfect lifestyle because I want to appear ideal in front of others, I could end up like Regina. If I hadn’t known Regina, I never would have thought about living the way I am. Going to college, working my dream job, eating ramen every three days, going on dates, and hanging out with my friends at our favorite coffee shop. I am in my best state, living my best life, therefore I am healthy.

“The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind,” T.T Munger once said. I religiously chased after financial literacy since I was 16 years old and my strategy was to simply save, save, and save. During my high school years, I sold my personal items on Facebook Marketplace and Instagram to earn a couple bucks. I accumulated (about $300) to open up my first bank account on my 17th birthday. Cash earned from allowance and online sales went straight to my checkings and I set aside 10% of my earnings a week for personal expenses. Once I graduated high school, I started working at a coffee shop in Guam. My starting pay was $8.75 plus tips. My paychecks went to my checkings and my tips were set aside until I opened a savings account. I still continued my side hustle of selling my items online. After I saved $5000 during half of the year, I opened a 0.02% interest savings account at 18 years old. The following year, I opened a CD with a higher interest rate and started with $2,000. The act of saving helped me become more financially smart and self accomplished. I started off with $300 at 16 years old and saving for the next three years allowed me to possess five figures in assets before the age of 20. Financial literacy is the most important aspect of my life. I continue to invest in my education to help earn and double my value. Saving has become part of my lifestyle and I am prepared to make room for investing in stocks and my future business. Until I save enough for future investments, I will continue my thrifty mindset.

If I had $1,000 right now, I would save it and pay it to University of Guam's bursar's office in December. My reason for this is because my father pays my tuition every Fall and Spring but I secretly take winter intercession classes during December-January. I work part time at GNC and I save my paychecks to pay for my intercession classes. Last year, I signed up for Environmental Biology during December to earn credits faster but the cost came down to $989. I could not gather the courage to ask my father because he had been laid off from his job. I told him I was working longer shifts when actually, I was taking classes and paying nearly $1,000 on my own. This Fall semester is the most costly it is been because I added three more credits than I usually do. As this semester piles up more tuition payments, so do my intercession classes. For this incoming intercession semester, I plan to take two classes which is about $1,999 but I only saved up $950 to contribute. With this scholarship, I can pay for my classes in full without asking my work for extra shifts during Christmas time.

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique? This technique is the best time management system used during my high school and college years. In the late 1980s, Francesco Cirillo developed a simple study process which is practiced like this: study for 25 minutes, take a 5 minute break, repeat it 4 times, then give yourself a longer break of 15-30 minutes. When I used this method during high school, I didn't know there was a name for it until I took my Freshmen Seminar class in college. For someone who is distracted easily, this is perhaps the best method for keeping track of time. Retaining information in your head is difficult especially if you don't give yourself a break, ultimately leading to a burnout and lack of motivation. If you want a good cherry on top, eat a few snacks or drink your favorite coffee (mine is white mocha) during the breaks.

An average college student wants or feels the need to gain a college education. However, many individuals fail to complete their degree due to a lack of will. Growing up with Korean Chinese immigrant parents meant that countless sacrifices were made, not by me but from my mother and father. My mother, with only a high school diploma and no work experience, and my father, an elementary school graduate, have exceeded their educational attainments in the real world. My mother started a restaurant business in 2008 but unfortunately, the global financial crisis led to her bankruptcy. Not too long after, my parents filed for divorce. Her failed business led her to borrow a great amount of bank loans which she had to pay back by working as a passenger service agent at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport. As a result, I had to live with my father who was making an average wage as a carpenter. Despite his lack of education and job experience, he specialized in labor work and construction. Thanks to his financial support, I was able to attend 2 private, Catholic schools and I never had to worry about school payments or my daily necessities. Being raised under my household made me realize that I wanted to be a first-generation college student and become the educated woman that my parents expect of me. However, their expectations do not completely make up the reason for me attending college. I plan to acquire a bachelor’s degree in business administration to educate myself on making my dream successful. My dream is to create Guam’s first jewelry chain specializing in sustainable jewelry for women with alloy sensitivity. My intention is far from following trends but rather finding people such as myself who are sensitive to hypoallergenic metals from fashion jewelry. At this time, I am working on a few projects to test out what designs are compatible with 316L or 304 Stainless Steel. I have been wearing my creations for almost 3 years and I cannot wait to launch them online. Through my business, consumers will benefit from comfortably wearing safely sourced materials with zero green hue marks on their skin. Taking on this career path seems secure and exciting, especially because I enjoy a little adventure in my life. So far, I am enjoying my college life, but I do get anxious from time to time. After the increase in COVID-19 cases in Guam, I am worried about the possibility of spending my first year in college online again. Meeting new people, creating connections with different individuals, and exploring the large campus was quite compelling. I work part-time as a sales associate, so I am also afraid of falling behind on my studies. I get up in the morning and go to my first class, head straight to work and close my shift by evening time. This gives me about 4-5 hours to complete my assignments and head to sleep. I try my best to manage my time wisely, especially now that I am a college student. Responsibilities pile up along with my ambitions so I try to keep a positive and open mind. Hopefully, I can look back and enjoy the outcome of my arduous work.

Everyone wants or feels the need to gain a college education. However, many individuals fail to complete their degree due to a lack of will. Growing up with Korean Chinese immigrant parents meant that countless sacrifices were made, not by me but from my mother and father. My mother, with only a high school diploma and no work experience, and my father, an elementary school graduate, have exceeded their educational attainments in the real world. My mother started a restaurant business in 2008 but unfortunately, the global financial crisis led to her bankruptcy. Not too long after, my parents filed for divorce. Her failed business led her to borrow a great amount of bank loans which she had to pay back by working as a passenger service agent at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport. As a result, I had to live with my father who was making an average wage as a carpenter. Despite his lack of education and job experience, he specialized in labor work and construction. Thanks to his financial support, I was able to attend 2 private, Catholic schools and I never had to worry about school payments or my daily necessities. Being raised under my household made me realize that I wanted to be a first-generation college student and become the educated woman that my parents expect of me. However, their expectations do not completely make up the reason for me attending college. My dream is to become a Transportation Security Administration officer at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport. My mother has inspired me to take on this road. Attending the University of Guam and obtaining a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice will help me achieve this goal. My main goal from this job is to obtain financial security and be responsible enough to take care of myself and my future family. Taking on this career path seems secure and exciting, especially because I enjoy a little adventure in my life. College will also give me an insight into the real world and what to expect after graduation. So far, I am enjoying my college life, but I do get anxious from time to time. After the increase in COVID-19 cases in Guam, I am worried about the possibility of spending my first year in college online again. Meeting new people, creating connections with different individuals, and exploring the large campus was quite compelling. I work part-time as a sales associate, so I am also afraid of falling behind on my studies. I get up in the morning and go to my first class, head straight to work and close my shift by evening time. This gives me about 4-5 hours to complete my assignments and head to sleep. I try my best to manage my time wisely, especially now that I am a college student. Responsibilities pile up along with my ambitions so I try to keep a positive and open mind. Hopefully, I can look back and enjoy the outcome of my arduous work.

Cuddled up in my blanket and lying down like a couch potato, I browse on Netflix for an entertaining show before my free 1 month trial ends. "Hmmmm....Gossip Girl? No, The Umbrella Academy? Nah, 13 Reasons Why? Nope." After scrolling and scrolling and scrolling, I settled for a TV Series with only 1 season. Netflix's description goes as "Girlboss: Rebellious and broke, Sophia stumbles into creating an online business and learns how to be the boss." Although the description caught my attention due to my dreams of becoming an online business owner, the first episode was introduced with a young woman thrifting, which is my favorite hobby. After getting fired from her job, she thrifted a metallic, vintage jacket for only $12 and sold it on eBay for over $600. This method of reselling is what we call "flipping" which is similar to my other hobby of selling secondhand items on instagram (but of course I barely make more than $20/month due to the COVID-19 situation). Most successful entrepreneurs know how to change failure into an opportunity and that is exactly what Sofia Amoruso did. At first, her eBay flipping was going well until she stumbled upon hate comments and the inability of creating profit through non-trendy clothes. Her consumers decreased drastically and people berated her for "scamming" them and altering the clothing designs. In addition, she struggled to pay her rent, bills, and health insurance so she temporarily got another side job to pay off her necessities. Despite the many calamities, she overcame failure and decided to take a risk. Buying a commercial property and starting her own clothing company. She hired a few staff including an Ivy League graduate to create her online website. The story did not progress to her huge success but I was still awed by her determination and courage to largely invest in her dreams. Although Sophia is a character in Girlboss, she is based off the actual CEO of Nasty Gal and her story before she found her multi-million dollar company. I could not help but compare our uncanny similarities in our lifestyles and dreams. I often get criticism for selling pre-owned items and people expect it to be a "side hustle" because I can never make a living out of that alone. I know very well how difficult it is to be a reseller or small business owner but I would never choose to work for the money. No one has ever set high expectations for Sophia Amoruso but she believed in Nasty Gal and she chose herself over anyone else, which is one of the lessons I learned from her. The Sophia in Girlboss is depicted as the real-life Sophia so both of them are considered my role model. Girlboss is the most underrated Netflix show in my opinion but I am honored to come across a masterpiece that would change my life and remind me that there are other people in the world who have the same aspirations as myself.

Over time, my language has evolved into various forms and the impact of it varies depending on socializations in my surroundings. My English language is affected by technology in terms of slang and acronyms in SMS language. This type of language is structured informally and used by many individuals including youths of this generation. Nevertheless, I would like to introduce you to a very 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 different world where two languages are intermixed. Starting from our ancestors in the Tang Dynasty, every individual in my family has been identified as a Chinese citizen with a Korean ethnic background who resides in Jilin, China. The Korean Language is their mother-tongue and a dialect similar to those of North Koreans, otherwise known as, China Joseon Language. Their language is used when communicating with those of the same Joseonjok cultural background. After a few centuries, their language altered as a result of Chinese influence and pitch dialect. In my perspective, it is appropriate to say that Korean is one of the local dialects in China. Growing up, I was an avid fan of Korean dramas so I adapted the standardized language accentuated by the characters. In retrospect, I realize that I slowly perceived the difference between my parents’ and my version of Korean. They tend to simplify Chinese diphthongs in loanwords into single vowels while I use English adaptations in the Native Korean Language. Here is an after-school scenario where my friend and I use some abbreviations in SMS dialogue. “Wyd? Wat’s da hw?” I ask. She replies “Nm, idk.” If this was in proper English, it would be translated to “What are you doing? Do you remember what was the homework assigned today?” and my friend would reply “I’m not doing much, also I don’t know what the homework is.” My brain can automatically interpret those acronyms unlike my family’s distinctive language. On a sunny day at the park, I demand “eomma, buy me a strawberry ice cream eo-? No popsicles! Or no ice cream!” My mom responds “Ah-? Strawberry Bīngqílín or xuě gāo? Make up your mind.” Her lines seemed so out of this world to me. We are speaking the same language yet we fail to communicate properly. I began to notice that my family’s variant of their unique language retains “o” and “y” pronunciations which have been simplified into “we” and “yi” in standard Korean. Unlike the Korea terminal speech of “nida” or “saeyo,” The Chinese Joseon Language uses a consistent “neda” and oftentimes, “shim-kka.” As I entered my adolescence years, my parents picked up the standard Korean language and I felt less burdened to speak in their dialect. During my pre-teen years, I started to use Chinese words or idioms unconsciously. Even today, I answer the phone with “wai?” which means hello in Chinese instead of “yeoboseyo?” in Korean. In addition, I call my mom “ma” as opposed to “eomma.” I suppose I began using these words to relate or connect with my family as a language of affection. To me, it is a whole different tongue but I somehow have the ability to phonetically translate the phrases in a similar grammar. The entire verbal structure is neither Korean nor Chinese but I love the identity and familiarity of it. This unique language is only to be found in a small portion of China and I am content to have knowledge of where I trace my origins.