Neil Gaiman once stated, “The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” Since I was young, my parents taught me to play by the rules, attend school, and get a job. My parents never spoke about finding passion, nor did they force me into doing something that I wouldn't like. Being a first-generation American growing up with parents from a 3rd world country, you are led to believe that you have a lifetime debt to your parents because they risked their lives to give you more opportunities in a different country. For me, that's exactly how I felt for almost 17 years of my life I put an image of having the"American Dream" and a high-paying job above my interests, always seeking some sort of approval from them. I attended school and graduated with my high school and an associate degree to transfer to a STEM program at a University. When I was completing my initial courses, I knew deep down I wasn't making the right decision. I struggled with the concepts, and I knew that I wasn't truly happy. After months of doubt and stress, I realized that it was my life and I could chase after my dreams. I have always been fascinated by art, practicing since I was young, but began doing art professionally when I was 12 by watching tutorials online or attending art-related after-school programs. I grew up in a neighborhood that companies and businesses tend to overlook because they didn't see any profit from it, so having an art program/school is unheard of. I wish that I had the opportunity to attend an art school when I was younger to develop my skills, but my parents didn't have the time or money to afford classes that could cost up to $500. This is why I have chosen to major in business so that I can open an art studio in my neighborhood. I want to inspire those in my neighborhood, those who have been with me since day one. I believe that business comes from within, but I want to use my creativity and imagination to help others. Each day, I get to be thankful for being able to breathe, having the opportunity to do whatever I want, not having any fears. Many people have tried to persuade me to go into a career that makes the most money- and I understand the place they're coming from, that is why I don't want to blame them for my career journey- at the end of the day, it will always be up to me and what I want in life, and what I want is to provide others with opportunities to have the option to express their creativity, even if it means going through more obstacles to get to it.

“She’s a movie, movie star (Star)/ She knows it, she knows it.“ I remember staring at my cat, singing these lyrics, while she stared back in confusion. Maybe it was because I probably didn't pronounce any Korean word correctly to the song Movie Star by CIX. It was winter break of 2020, and my feline friend, Tony, and I were snuggled up in a blanket, trying to warm up. I had just stumbled upon a new group the night before, CIX, and I was obsessed with their discography. CIX stands for ‘Complete in X,’ the group consists of five members, Bae Jin-young, Kim Seunghun, Hyunsuk, BX, and Kim Yong-hee. I was honestly surprised that Tony wasn't running off to another room because she would usually leave the room anytime I would play other artists, but any time I would play CIX, she would come out of nowhere and snuggle up next to me. Those times were honestly the best, I was a freshman, I had my friends to keep me company, and I wanted to try many different things. However, it wasn't until one month later that things took a turn, and my beloved Tony left me. I was so devastated and heartbroken, mad at myself for not being able to help her. Alongside her death, the COVID-19 pandemic had hit our country, causing schools to shut down, and I slowly drifted away from my friends. I remember buying my first CIX album in 2022 after being a fan for two years. I moved to a different school in 2020, and because of virtual learning, I didn't know anyone. As a result, for almost a year, CIX music became a comfortable form of entertainment that I would listen to when I wanted to escape my reality. However, once schools opened back up, and although it was difficult at first, I began making friends. I was so happy that my best friend also loved K-pop, so we bonded and talked about K-pop artists, including CIX. However, CIX hasn't only impacted me. The five-member group has also participated in charities that have helped bring people together and help others in different countries. In 2021, CIX raised money for World Day Against Child Labor to help prevent children in poverty from being forced into labor. They also partook in World is One, a charity virtual concert, alongside other artists. This concert helped raise awareness for children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, in 2020, one of the members, Kim Seughun, donated to help those affected by the wild bushfires in Australia. Four years later, I still listen to their songs every time I can, even though it feels so bittersweet remembering the precious time I shared with my cat, but feeling sad knowing that I can't go back to a much simpler time in my life. However, their newer songs remind me that life moves on, like the lyrics from their 2021 song Stairway to Heaven, “Oh, that by the end of this journey/ I'll reach somewhere that resembles Heaven.” Everyone has their journey filled with obstacles, but hopefully, with enough prosperity, you'll persevere against all odds, and fulfill your journey.