I was blessed to be raised in a Christian household that went to church almost every Sunday and made some of my best friends through church youth groups. When raised in a Christian household, a child can either choose to follow what their parents taught them or do things their own way. When I got older and started doing things on my own, I made the decision to continue dedicating my life to Christ by truly making my parents’ faith my own. I have enjoyed going to church with my family and sometimes by myself or with friends, participating in my church’s young adults group, and pursuing a passion of mine by volunteering on the photography team. This year has brought along some challenges and big decisions that continue to test my faith and push me to put my full trust in God. At the end of 2020, I began the process of transferring to a 4-year university. I knew I would be graduating in spring 2021, so I needed a plan. For years I had the dream to transfer to a university in South Korea. However, I felt a push last year to pursue a career in marketing. I enjoyed the classes I was taking in school and thought it would be a good fit. As I researched schools, I did not find a program I liked in South Korea, but I did find one I loved at Liberty University. I loved the academic program, but I loved, even more, the fact that I would be in a Christian environment where I would be encouraged to grow closer to God. Growing up I had heard of Liberty University, but I had always known it to be an expensive private school. As I did research, I discovered they offer a good amount of scholarships that would mean I would get around half of my school paid for. On New Year’s Eve 2020, I was overjoyed to be accepted into Liberty. It was an exciting thought that I would be moving out and going to a school where I would be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ. I began to do the fun things like picking a dorm, making a list of what I need to bring to campus, and searching for a roommate. January 2021 was a mix of excitement and anxiety. I had worked hard to finish community college debt-free, but I knew that would be much more difficult at Liberty. I had to complete a financial check-in which required me to make my first tuition payment that would continue every month. I knew that I would have the funds if I was responsible with money, worked more over the summer, and applied for scholarships. Since January, I have been working hard to cover the cost of my tuition payments each month, apply for scholarships every week, and am looking for a second job for the summer. I have also taken this time to grow closer with God because, in times like these, I need my faith to be strong. Every time I see scholarship results without my name, my faith is tested. I continue to trust God and his promise that He will provide. Something that has helped me put my faith in God through this season is tithing. Before this year, I tithed very infrequently. This year, I made a point to make God first in my finances. It is a little scary to see your money disappear that could be used for tuition, but it is so much more than that. I know my money is God’s money, and he will provide for my needs. I wanted to make my community college graduation cap a good reminder to trust God, so I painted “Where God guides, He provides Isaiah 58:11” on it. I love how it turned out and I love how I am reminded of God’s love whenever I see it. As the fall semester gets closer, it is beginning to feel more real. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to see Liberty’s campus through Liberty University’s College for a Weekend. My absolute favorite part was attending classes. The environment was so much different than other college classes I’ve experienced. I felt so much peace as the professors began the classes with prayer. I am so thrilled to be starting at Liberty this fall, and I am looking forward to seeing how God works as I am learning to trust that He provides.

I have been teaching myself Korean since 2017. By learning the language, I also learned about Korean culture. As I learned more, I began to think about what it would be like to live, and specifically study, in Korea. Since 2017 I have had a dream of studying at Korea University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities. As I continued high school and college, I researched their programs and although I did not find a bachelor’s degree program I was interested in transferring into, I found a study abroad program that fit me perfectly. I am transferring to Liberty University this fall for a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communication: Social Media Management with a minor in Graphic Design. Liberty University is partnered with ISA Veritas which offers a STEM, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts program through none other than Korea University. This program also includes mission opportunities such as serving with a ministry for suicide watch on Seoul’s “Bridge of Life,” which has seen many suicide attempts and has earned South Korea the highest suicide rate in the industrialized world. I was ecstatic to see Liberty University had a study abroad opportunity like this. Spending a semester in Korea learning, doing mission work, and immersing myself in the language and culture is my dream. Moving to a continent on the other side of the world is no small feat, but ISA Veritas’ staff is there to support me. When learning a foreign language, most people have dreams to visit a country that speaks the language. I had hoped to travel to Korea in 2020, but unfortunately, those plans had to be postponed. Through the years I have made Korean friends in person and online that have supported me in my efforts to learn the Korean language and I have learned a lot about Korean culture through them. Whenever I end up in Korea, I would love to meet up with one of my best friends who was an international student in the United States and meet friends I have only communicated with online. Along with learning Korean, I have a passion for photography. I have been taking pictures since 2015 when my dad taught me how to use a camera. In 2019 I started my own photography business which has introduced me to amazing clients and helped me develop entrepreneurial and photography skills. I am currently taking a photography class in college and also volunteer on my church’s photography team. I plan on taking photography with me wherever I go, whether that is a work-study position on the Liberty University photography team, or taking pictures abroad in South Korea. Photography is a way to express something physically there in a creative way someone else may not see it. I also love photos because they freeze time and allow you to look back at a certain moment you may have otherwise forgotten. Studying abroad in South Korea would grant me opportunities to do what I love: learn, practice Korean, and take pictures.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to take photos. Before I had my own phone or digital camera, I would borrow my dad’s camera and go on photoshoots with my younger sister. My passion for photography really grew after I had joined my dad on a trip to a photography store in 2015. I left the store with a camera of my own and the drive to learn what went into taking photos. My dad was excited to teach me, and I was eager to learn. Since that day 6 years ago, I haven’t stopped taking photos. Some of my favorite memories include driving around with my dad searching for a place to take photos. For me, photography is a way to express something physically there in a creative way someone else may not see it. I also love photos because they freeze time and allow you to look back at a certain moment you may have otherwise forgot happened. Whenever there are important events in my friends’ or family’s life, I make sure to capture them with either my camera or phone. Oftentimes photography is not about quality but rather the moment that you are preserving. In 2019, my friend asked me if I would take her senior photos. I was not expecting to be paid, but her mom insisted. After she posted a few of the photos, I started to get more inquiries and I realized I could turn my passion into a way to make a little extra income. Last year I dedicated time to make a website and market my business. I also invested in a new camera which was a huge step up from what I purchased in 2015. I love that through my business I can do what I love, meet new people, and capture their memories. I would love to shoot weddings one day because of how important and emotional this event is for people. Through my photos, I want the world to see how much effort I put into a shoot and how much passion I have for photography. On top of taking photos myself, I love teaching others that photography is so much more than pressing a button, just like my dad taught me and his dad taught him. One of my best friends had been inspired by me to purchase a camera and asked for my help teaching her how to use it. I absolutely love seeing what she creates. My sister has expressed interest in using my old camera as a way to dip her toes in the water. She has an eye for capturing creative images so I hope she discovers a love for photography. I am so thankful to have grown up in a household that appreciates photography. I hope that others can find an appreciation for the art.

I am currently in my last semester at Harrisburg Area Community College. I will graduate with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts this spring. When I began my time at community college, I did not know specifically what career I could see myself succeeding in. Throughout my time at college, I have developed an interest in marketing, specifically social media marketing. As someone who grew up with social media, I have experience marketing a positive image of myself and my photography business. Social media is becoming increasingly more popular in the business industry and is very effective for generating sales and customer satisfaction when used properly. As I have gained interest in the marketing industry, I have done research on certifications or degrees I could obtain to assist me in reaching my goals. Liberty University’s Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communication: Social Media Management looked appealing and affordable compared to other schools. After researching for months about the school and career itself, I am positive this is the path I want to take. I applied, was accepted, and am currently in the process of preparing for the fall semester. However, my finances are constantly on my mind. When I am not at work, I am applying for scholarships, summer jobs, or paid internships. My dad has always pushed me not to get loans for school, which I am trying my best to avoid. I have almost completed community college without debt, but I will need assistance for the next two years, as Liberty University is more costly. I believe that if it is truly meant for me to attend Liberty University, my costs not covered by Liberty’s scholarships will be covered through external scholarships or grants. However, to achieve my goal, I will need to continue the work necessary to graduate debt-free.

A song that inspires me is BTS' Answer: Love Myself. BTS has played such a large role in my future goals. I first started listening to their music in 2017 and have been studying the Korean language ever since. My playlist includes all Korean music - pop and r&b - with lyrics I find inspiring. By listening to this music, I am both studying the language and being motivated to be the best person I can be. Both BTS’ and Stray Kids’ music, in particular, have provided me comfort as their lyrics do not fit the typical K-pop stereotype.

I used to say I was only a cat person, but it all changed when I met Toby. He is a 5-year old Schnauzer mix whom I love so much. I created an Instagram account for him in 2017, which encouraged me to improve my photography (@toby.and.diogee). A photo of him in a lake even made it to a National Fine Arts competition. My family also has an 11-year old cat named Stewie but agreed Toby needed a dog sibling. We adopted Diogee in 2018, and I am currently trying to convince my parents to adopt a senior dog.