"Shine!”I can hear the excitement in people’s voices as they call my name. I cherish those moments when I can feel the sunlight in my name warm the hearts around me. It is significant because, in 2005, our family lived in an antique basement condo in Sosa, South Korea. The sun would be bright outside, but in our condo, the high stairway left our underground home in the dark. My father prayed that one day I would be able to live where sunlight would freely shine on me. Hence, he named me “Shine”. Moving to Hawaii, full of sunshine, was an answer to my dad’s prayer. However, as my name became more connected to my life, it was also casting its shadow —a heavy pressure to “shine” through any circumstances. My parents’ calling as Missionaries led me to Kona since 2007, and we moved occasionally; from houses to countries, to continents. I followed and did my best to smile through. I was held back in my education and was constantly aware of our need. I questioned why I applied for endless visas, translated documents for my parents and be subjected to such financial stresses. Being their only child, apt in English and Korean gave me many privileges, but also the responsibilities that felt overwhelming. …show more content…
In every moment of need, I realized God was watching over us, and our sacrifice and concerns slowly transformed into a desire for understanding. I’ve learned to disclose and reflect on my background: it was incomparable to any other luxurious life I would have had if I had the choice. I realized the privilege of being able to serve others freely was so basic yet exquisite. My multicultural experiences expanded my capacity within communication, translation, education, and my passion for dance and music in such diverse place of