Where was I?
I was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea until the 8th grade of middle school. It was a “game time decision” made in the last minute, I chose to start my career in the United States in 2010, graduated San Marcos Academy in San Marcos, Texas. While in high school I had amazing opportunities and time to be part of many school organizations and activities, including Student council, School Ambassador, National Honors Society, Junior ROTC officer, and Varsity Football Team-Captain.
Education & Career Path
I received my undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University with a major in Decision Science, and Minors in Business Administration and Human Computer-Interaction. Most of my early times in undergrad, I had no interest in my primary major but only focused on getting the additional major in Business, just because I thought the business degree would lead me to higher salary jobs, which was the measurement of success for me.
Later, I focused on finding what I could professionally do and develop my career. I started to study HCI and UX research and design because I enjoyed working on projects where my ideas and creativity are inputs rather than solely theoretical approaches. Even until the last year of my college, I felt so lost that all the time I have put into academics was just a waste of money and time. I’ve always been stressed trying to figure out my life feeling like the world will end if I do not establish a successful career after college. As a result? I am still in doubt where I will end up, but I am making progress telling myself it’s okay to be unsure.
Being a first-generation Korean American having no “home” to settle in the United States, it gave me the freedom to choose my next destination after receiving my college diploma. With the knowledge I received from the best institution known for HCI and UX, I came back to Texas where I was in high school and felt the most comfort during my time in the United States, and to UT Austin to receive the best academic resource to expand my knowledge to thrive. Although the pandemic greatly decreased the opportunities I could be in the classroom, the variety of courses the iSchool of UT Austin offers has greatly helped me to build confidence and introduce myself to different academic fields to become an all-around person with great adaptability in different working environments with different people from different backgrounds.
As a free spirit - outgoing, openhearted and open-minded, I love new experiences especially human interactions when I get to spend time and get to know them. I care about people, and meaningful and emotional connections with others make me feel alive. I always learn from experience with good social awareness and adaptability, and make sure I do good on what I do. Big golf guy also looking for opportunities to connect my passion to my career.