My dad is a liar. When he announced that we would be spending the summer in India, I was ecstatic. As a lifelong fan of Dora the Explorer, I imagined the trip as an adventure trekking through jungles, discovering ancient ruins, and even meeting exotic wildlife. I imagined days of exploring the wonders of new lands and experiencing adventures I had only seen on TV. But when I arrived in India, my excitement quickly turned to disillusionment. Instead of exploring nature, I enrolled in one of the country’s most elite private schools.
My initial disappointment was huge. This was not the adventure I had eagerly looked forward to. Instead of heading out to the wild jungles I pictured in my mind, I was to face classrooms, textbooks, and a strict academic schedule. I resented my dad for taking me away from the summer I had dreamed of, trapping me in a world of rules and responsibilities. School was the last place I wanted to be, and I couldn’t understand why my dad had brought me here under the guise of a “fun” summer. Yet, as days turned into weeks, I began to view the experience from a different perspective. The school was demanding, but it offered an education that would have no rival. I was surrounded by bright, motivated fellow students, and the curriculum was challenging but had so much fun and made a lot of memories. Although I was still longing for the adventure I had fantasized about, I started to appreciate the opportunity being presented by this education. My dad’s role as a KBIZ ambassador between India and the USA meant that he was often busy, and our time together was limited. However, the weekends became our special time. We would explore India’s cultural landmarks, visiting places like the Taj Mahal, and the bustling markets of Delhi. These experiences, though different from the wild adventures I had initially imagined, were rich in their way. They allowed me to see a side of India that I would never have understood from a textbook or a documentary. I began to see the country not just as a place to visit, but as a place to learn from.
But amidst the historical sites and vibrant culture, there was a harsh reality that I could not ignore. One day, as we drove through a crowded city, I noticed children studying under makeshift tents on the side of the road. I perceived a harsh contrast to the privileged education I was receiving. It became clear to me that in India, the difference between rich and poor was almost immeasurable, and so many children were deprived of the opportunities that I took for granted. Thus, this impression went deep into my mind. As a member of the Korean diaspora, I have always been keenly aware of the importance of education. Korea’s transformation from a war-torn country to a global economic powerhouse is a story that has been ingrained in me since childhood. The key to Korea’s success lies in its investment in education. With a significant portion of its GDP dedicated to education, Korea has built a system that emphasizes rigorous learning and academic achievement. This commitment to education has empowered its people, enabling them to lift the nation out of poverty and into prosperity.
Reflecting on Korea’s journey, I couldn’t help but draw parallels with India. India, like Korea, is a country with great potential. Yet, the educational inequalities I witnessed made it clear that this potential could only be realized if access to quality education was expanded. The sight of those children studying under tents haunted me. I began to understand that education is not only a tool for personal development, but also a catalyst for social change. It is the foundation on which nations are built and the future is created. As I considered the disparities in education, I realized that my initial disappointment in my dad’s “lie” had given way to a much deeper understanding of the world around me. My dad’s decision to enroll me in that school was not just about giving me a summer of academic rigor; it was about exposing me to the realities of a world that I might not have otherwise seen. It was about showing me that the privilege of education comes with the responsibility to ensure that others have the same opportunities.
This was one of the experiences that shaped my aspirations for the future. As a Korean diaspora, I deeply empathize with the challenges and possibilities of navigating diverse cultural identities. This awareness fuels my motivation to use education to contribute to creating an equitable world. I have witnessed throughout my life how education can transform not only individuals but entire communities. In particular, my exposure to diverse cultural perspectives while living in Korea and the United States has further strengthened my belief in the importance of education in social development. Living in Korea, where academic achievement is highly valued, I have learned that a quality education can be one of the most powerful means of social mobility. However, I have also learned how inequality in educational opportunity can sometimes exacerbate inequality. My father’s work as an ambassador for KBIZ, and his international relationship-building-in particular, between India and the USA further influenced my perspective. His experiences taught me of the problems that countries like India face in education; quality education remains a privilege for many people there, rather than a right. Such disparities motivate me to fight for educational equality. I believe that by championing access to education, particularly in poorer communities, I can help bridge the gaps that exist within societies. Examples of this include creating a nonprofit project, where I gathered and distributed school supplies to children in need and this has been one of the more tangible ways for me to give back to that ideal. Additionally, one of the most meaningful ways I have acted on this belief is by mentoring the middle school student in my community. I had the opportunity to make a difference in this child’s life through guidance, encouragement, and academic support. Every student deserves an education, and even the smallest actions, like mentoring two or more students, can have a huge effect and contribute to the larger movement for educational equity. At the end, I was able to think outer the box, a frog out of the pond, learning to think outside the box of my own experiences and embracing a broader perspective that allowed me to find solutions for a more just and educated world.