[제 2회 드림에세이 수상작] James Ku -'The Permeation of American Society Throughout the Life of a Korean-American High School Student, or My American Story'

Grade: 11 / High School: Troy High School

Perhaps it wouldn’t be right to say that I am a “Korean-American High School Student”. Certainly there is no ambiguity regarding my status in the education system, but the term “Korean-American” may not be wholly applicable to me. Having always lived in America and traveled solely within its borders, I can’t say that I have had much first-hand experience with the cultures of other countries, much less that of Korea. For me, living in America is and always has been a fact of life. Living in America has shaped who I am today and showed me that dreams really can come true in America.

I was born on October 26, 1991 in Southern California. Growing up, I was easily assimilated into American society. I spoke speak English without an accent, I learned the Pledge of Allegiance by heart, and I lived by the customs and beliefs of America. Yet it would be wrong to say that these actions wholly represented my life as an American.

Rather, it was the encouragement to never lose faith in my dreams that characterized my experiences living in America. Even the more fantastic ones, such as my dream to be an astronaut or to play basketball in the NBA, were encouraged by the society that I lived in. Yes, such childhood dreams failed to become a reality, but not because American society had presented as being unachievable. Instead, American society taught me to look at the bigger picture: what would be best for the community, the country, the world, rather than dreaming only for my own interests.

American society has impressed upon my dreams the vision of putting community before self through the actions of the individuals raised in this society. It is not uncommon to hear about the tyrannical reigns of despots in other nations, brought up in different societies than that of America, who set their sights on a dream revolving around their own interests rather than those of their respective nations.

American society, on the other hand, begets individuals such as Bill Gates, who, upon realizing their dreams, give back a great deal to the communities which encouraged their successes. Within my own life I see that I was destined to be a part of a society where the focus is on the betterment of the whole rather than any singular individual. I can’t yet say that I have achieved any of my dreams to help American society. But the encouragement to do so is still a powerful force that emanates from every aspect of America, which I experience every single day.

Seeing the vibrant, joyous youth who will take their place in society after me reminds me why my dreams must be for the benefit of others; it is the people of the next generation who will take America to even greater heights than I could ever engineer on my own. This recurring ideology is what has made America such a great nation to live in; in this way, although they were born and raised in Korea, my parents reflect the American spirit through their constant dedication to me and their hopes that I will achieve more than they ever could. The realization of such dreams for the betterment of others rather than one’s self has allowed America to prosper; it is these same dreams that I hope to realize and carry on to the next generation of American citizens.