Describe a personal characteristic or quality that will help the Admissions Committee to know you better.

I have an old and fading photograph of my dad and his family on the wall next to my front door. They had just fled to the United States from a war-torn Korea. The warm glow of the afternoon sun and the smiles on the faces of my dad and his three brothers conjure up feelings of hope and family. Like many Korean immigrants coming to America, my parents had a humble beginning. Despite leaving everything they knew behind, they are all smiling and happy, grateful to be alive and excited about the opportunity for a brighter future. The photo is a simple reminder of my heritage and it inspires me every day. My family’s ability to endure tremendous hardships and to ultimately find success and happiness reassures me in my own life. It has made me a driven and motivated individual that creates my own opportunities and strives for the best. Since an early age, these qualities were inspired by my family’s resilience and dedication to hard work. They have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to believe in myself especially in the midst of adversity. Their support has been a constant in my life and the reasons behind these values have always been very clear to me.

Growing up in San Diego, California, my brother and I were surrounded by office buildings that my Dad had designed as an architect for a prominent local firm. Every time a new building was completed, my father would drive us to the construction site and explain to us what inspired each intricate detail. My brother and I would proudly pose in front of his buildings while my Dad took pictures. As workers passed by, we would make sure to tell them that our Dad had “drawn” the building. As a child, nothing impressed me more than watching a building my Dad had conceived on paper turn into a small model and eventually a huge structure of metal, glass, and concrete. Years later, as an investment banker, I was even fortunate enough to work in one of my father’s buildings. Just as I had as a child, I proudly told everyone that my Dad had designed the building we were working in. Scattered throughout the city, these prominent landmarks still stimulate my imagination. Watching my father’s blueprints turn into a concrete reality gave me the confidence that my own dreams could become a reality as well.

As much as I appreciate my family’s love and support, I needed to blaze my own path in this world, just as my elders had done before me. After contemplating where I wanted to go to college, I decided that I wanted a change and I packed my bags for New York University in New York City. Despite having leaned so much on my family for support, my first few months away from home, gave me a level of confidence and the opportunity to distinguish myself from my identity as brother, son, and grandson.