I think I could call her muse. I don't have that many, but yes, she is one of the first. I think she is the first person who made me take my camera outside of my comfort zone into hers- her room, living room, her backyard, even her bathtub (laugh). I've been practicing photography and quality time for more than ten years, and that start was Hana. It was just spending time with her, seeing her outer and inner beauty that I could not put in words. And I really thank her for that, and it is indeed an excitement to capture in my film camera. Another dream that I have always just drew upon my imagination, coming true.
“I consider myself to encompass different colors in different situations. At home and with friends and family where I am comfortable I would most consider myself yellow, warm and bright. However when I am alone, I can be blue- cool, calm and subdued. When I am working on something I can be purple- confident, thoughtful and responsible and I can definitely be red sometimes when I experience strong feelings such as love and anger. I see myself as so many colors in different situations but I suppose others looking at me can associate me with the color light blue- quiet, kind and easy to be with.”
“I am lucky to have such a broad depth of understanding. Minsung calls it my worst and best trait but I think it's my best. My understanding has helped me come into terms of situations which have hurt me and that equals to less stress. My very open-mindness helps me to learn new things, to be more creative and have more ways to think. My desire to understand something or someone has broadened my mind and makes me more curious, and more knowledgeable.It helps in all facets of my life.”
“I appreciate the culture of Jeong (정) the most. This quality is embedded in me by my mom, my family, my growing up in korea and around korean people in America. This helps me to love and care easily, helps me to not be alone and vindictive, and just makes me a better person.”
“I’d like to be more disciplined than I am now. Even though I know I can do more and achieve more and be better, there are sometimes I do not meet that because I am not disciplined enough. I put off until tomorrow or when I have no choice but to do it and that makes me do things half-heartedly and I regret it.”
“Even after 11 years, it is still very much limiting and difficult. It frustrates me when I can’t do simple things that others can, it annoys me when I have to plan extra for when I go out or travel, it makes me self-conscious when I meet strangers or think about doing new things, and makes me sad when I imagine what could have been if I did not have a disability.
However without it I would have not known the extent of strangers, and really everyone around me’s kindness. The simple goodness and helpfulness, really the kind nature and the beauty of humanity that everyone possesses. I would have not known the extent that I can be so able, how resilient, cunning, and adaptable that I can be. I also believe that it has helped me to love and care more, to hold precious simple things, and find happiness in the smallest places.”
