By: Mackenzie Boos

Why did you decide on Western?

There is a connection between a music company in South Korea and here, so I auditioned two times in Korea. I then got a scholarship, so I could afford it.

What are you interested in that most people aren’t?

Salsa dance.

What is your favorite thing about campus?

Kemper Hall. I had two recitals in there and it was pretty cool. It is modern and pretty.

Who is a person you look up to?

Rico McNeela (conductor and music director of the St. Joseph symphony, also teaches violin and viola at Western). He pushes me a lot to do better and he has really encouraged me a lot.

Who is your favorite teacher on campus?

Dr. Chelsey Hamm (music theory teacher and assistant professor of music theory). She is really organized so I like that a lot.

What is the best thing about where you’re from?

I miss riding bicycles. We have a sidewalk and road for our highway and we don’t have that here which is pretty bad.

What is the worst song you’ve ever heard?

Korean pop songs, they’ve put English and Korean together so it doesn’t work very well.

What is your favorite day of the year & why?

Christmas. In Korea, we have snow, but I never got a white Christmas at home and now I do.

What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?

That I look like a goddess. My nickname on campus was Asian Goddess.

Who inspires you?

Yo-Yo Ma, the famous cellist. He made me come to the United States.

Who are the three most significant members in your life?

My whole family, my boyfriend and my best friend Seoyeon.

What is the title of the current chapter of your life?

Bright side. Because I came from the dark side, I go through a lot of adversity and  language barriers, as well as financial problems. It’s challenging as an international student.

What gives your life meaning?

As a Christian, we are a good example for people. Whenever they see me, I want them to see a good Christian.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Audition for graduate school.

What is your youngest/favorite childhood memory?

Holding my grandfather’s hands and walking to the hill. After that, I lost him so that’s a good memory.