Introduction
Me at Museum of Ice Cream in New York City
I didn’t really know if an introduction was necessary or not. At first I thought, doesn’t the website kind of speak for itself? Maybe, maybe not. In the end, I thought it would be helpful not only to you but also to me to put in writing the reasonings behind why I made this website. To put it plainly, I’ve got a lot of thoughts. And I want to share them to whoever is willing to listen. The internet and social media has taught me many lessons, but one of them is that you never have to feel alone or lost (although it can be completely OK if you do) because millions of other people are probably (definitely) going through the same challenges, thinking the same thoughts, and wishing the same changes for themselves. As I am finishing up my undergraduate career at UVA, I realize that I have learned so much about myself in ways that I never could have imagined. And I imagine that others out there are feeling the same - I envision this page to be a place we can depend on, empower, and learn from each other each and every day.
I was born in Daegu, South Korea and came over to America when I was around 5. It was me, my mom, and my dad in the suburbs of St. Louis, MO, where the three of us found our communities in Korean catholic church and our neighborhood gatherings. This place was where I had my first crush, my first As, my first fight with my friends, and all other events that happen when you’re at that age. My little sister was also born during this time, but then we moved to Hershey, PA for my dad’s job. Both my parents are doctors, the kind that are super successful now but back then had to work hard to get their physician license in the United States. We all were working through the hardships that come with being a Korean immigrant family during this time, and I was also going through the hormonal craze of being a teenager. My little brother, who’s 15 years younger than me, was also born in Hershey. I like to mark eras of my life with when my siblings were born; maybe it’s an oldest sibling thing, or maybe it’s just me. From Hershey I went to Charlottesville, VA to spend the next four years at university, and here I found myself in some of the best and worst moments of my life. Some days felt like I was on top of the world, and others I couldn’t leave my bed. It was through these four years that I struggled with the idea of going down the traditional path of medicine that is typical of a Korean immigrant family, struggled with learning what good friendships and relationships meant in my life, and struggled with comparing myself to others repeatedly, 24/7.
This website, with my background and experiences, is going to be a collection of my random thoughts, lessons I have learned, and other stupid shit going on in my life. I am passionate about healthcare, sustainability, and equity, and I want to connect with others that are interested in these realms too. I also am passionate about fashion, good eats, arts, yoga, and other things good for the soul. If any of those listed resonate with you, join me in fostering a community that wants to thrive and learn from each other. I know I’m excited.
Best,
Jieon Jenny
