I experienced culture shock upon my arrival in the United States. The customs and beliefs familiar to me from my childhood in Ecuador were very different and often conflicted with those of my new community. On my very first day in junior high, I realized that teenagers in the United States are highly individualistic and have a great deal of freedom to make decisions about their own lives and futures. Coming from a South American country, the concept of individualism was very perplexing and confusing to me. I had been taught that showing respect, acceptance and submissiveness towards your parents was the right way to behave. In America, however, my new friends considered these ideas to be obsolete and "uncool." I found it very difficult to adopt their point of view, and I struggled constantly in my mind to understand why something that seemed right to me was viewed as completely erroneous by others. After many months of feeling disoriented and alienated from my new surroundings, I finally came to understand that acceptance and tolerance are extremely important principles for coexistence between people from different cultures. Learning about just one new culture enables you to understand many different cultures. It was a very educational and beneficial experience to come to the United States as it gave me the opportunity to interact with people of different cultures and to learn from them. Now, after four years, I have become an entirely new person. Cultural adaptation has taken place in me so gradually that it has happened without my even realizing it. I have gained so much from American culture. Rather than being an Ecuadorian girl rooted in her ancestral foundations, I have become a bearer of American/Ecuadorian culture, a fusion of the separate cultures that have collided within me.

Take one part of creativity, intellect and the arts; combine them with a love of dance, fashion and travel; add a dash of fun, passion and the desire to make a difference; let it all sit for seventeen years; and–Viola! –you have discovered the flavor of Christine, though most know this dish as simply outrageous. As a senior at the High School of Fashion Industries, I have learned everything necessary to transform an idea into a finished garment. For me, however, it’s from my classmates that I have learned the most by being exposed to their cultural heritages. I have explored Hispanic, African, Chinese, European and Middle Eastern cultures, and now I am learning more about Korean culture as well through participation in this program. My true home is New York City as I spend more time at school than in my home on Staten Island where I live with my family and my pets. Each day is a learning experience for me which complicates the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I aspire to do anything that will help others. As of today, a career as a city planner is one possibility I have in mind. Whatever I do, I am sure that Project Bridge will be an experience that I will never forget.

Hello, my name is Samuel Darguin and I came from Port-au-Prince, Haiti to New York City when I was three years old. I attended P.S. 329, an elementary school in Brooklyn, and then a private junior high school called Most Precious Blood. I started High School at St. Edmund's Preparatory High School where I joined the wrestling and track teams. In my sophomore year I was elected vice president of the student council. I also served as editor of the school newspaper, president of the foreign language club, president of the multicultural club, and school mascot. I was also designated Most Valuable Player in Wrestling. Then, at the end of my sophomore year, my parents bought a house and my family moved to Queens. The hardest part of moving was leaving my school community and friends, but I was enrolled at Hillcrest High School where I was accepted into the Pre-Medicine Program. The big difference between St. Edmund's and Hillcrest was that St. Edmund's was a school of just about 600 students whereas Hillcrest has a student body of over 3,000. It was a huge adjustment but I was confident that everything would work out for the best. Once again, at Hillcrest, I became involved in school activities: I did volunteer work in the social studies department as well as the emergency room at Mary Immaculate Hospital; joined the Mock Trial Team; and became a member of the future voters of America. By the end of my junior year I decided to run for student government and was elected student organization president. In this capacity I am involved in activities in school as well as outside of school. This year I served as captain of the blood drive at Hillcrest and am proud of our success in collecting over 67 pints of blood. Outside of school I am a peer educator at the Forest Hills Community House and a member of the youth choir of Bethany Baptist Church in Jamaica, Queens.

My name is Ammon Ford and I was born and raised in a mid-sized suburban community about 60 miles south of Salt Lake City. My upbringing was a little like the Brady Bunch. The suburban home, the pet dog, a happy family with all nine children, good friends; it was as comfortable as could be. At the age of 15, I suddenly woke up from this idyllic comfort after an abrupt move to the big, far off city of New York. I didn't know what to expect, in truth, I had not even thought about what it would be like. New York seemed so foreign that I could hardly imagine what I would face there. When I arrived I began attending Long Island City High School, one of the most diverse public high schools in New York City. I was scared and timid. Besides being the new kid, I had never been around so many people from so many cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Eventually I realized that people are just people, no matter where they are from or how they speak. After I had adjusted to the culture shock, I realized that an awakening was exactly what I needed. I have continued to grow and develop and have become an intricate part of my school's student body; participating in the student council, the school newspaper, the debate team and many other facets of student life. Life is a magazine: You may read it, write it, or leave it sitting on the table. But no matter your choice, a new edition will come every week, whether you are ready for it or not. As for me, I will always be writing.

Yoboseyo! My name is Kelly Maby and I am ecstatic about being able to participate in Project Bridge. I am a fifth-generation American and reside with my mother and younger brother in Queens. I attend Richmond Hills High School, where our motto is, “Our Diversity is our Strength.” Being accepted to Project Bridge was a life-defining moment for me, as it is so unlike anything I have done before and an opportunity that had always filled my dreams yet never seemed to encompass reality. It is bringing me into uncharted waters that will surely influence my future and later emerge as a pivotal point in my past. Some of the activities I am involved in beyond those linked with Project Bridge are participating in my school’s swim team as well as Key Club, Violins-For-Peace and Gym Leaders. I also am active in my church youth group and lend my voice to the choir. Every year, my family and I volunteer at the local Special Olympics and during the winter and summer, I am a volunteer counselor for the differently-abled. My other interests include collecting mermaids, gardening, listening to a plethora of music, traveling, spending time in Manhattan and reading all types of literature.

Hi, my name is Gurwinder Singh, but you can call me "G." I am 17 years old and I am a senior at Flushing High School. My 18th birthday is coming soon, so I'm excited. I am originally from Punjab, India. My family and I moved to New York ten years ago and we live in Queens. I speak Hindi, Punjabi, some Spanish (not very much), and, of course, English. My hobbies are drawing, web design, dance and anything else that is fun. I am an open-minded person. Sometimes I get bored with life in New York City. When I feel this way, I realize that I want to go to different places and just explore and learn more about different things.

My name is Siu Bun Tang, but everyone calls me Alfred. I came to America seven years ago from Hong Kong, China. I am a senior at Forest Hills High School. I enjoy helping the community in Forest Hills with my friends. We have so much fun working together and we have the opportunity to get to know each other better through teamwork. I am also very grateful to participate in an internship at the Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. I have learned about the Jewish heritage and its history through the many artifacts on display in the museum. I also have been a museum educator for the children who visit in the summer. My experience in the museum has made me want to learn more about different cultures, such as Korea’s.

My name is Daniela Vasquez, I'm sixteen and crazy about languages. I was born in Manhattan on June 30, 1987, but my family is from the Dominican Republic. I attend the Bronx High School of Science. My favorite classes, of course, are my language classes. I also love watching foreign films and gymnastics. Later on in life I hope to become a doctor and travel around the world to underdeveloped countries to provide medical services. I love talking, maybe a little too much, and music is my life. For the most part I listen to foreign pop music and rock. Being part of Project Bridge is an amazing experience and I am terribly excited about the trip to Korea. It was only two or three days before the deadline when I first heard about the Project Bridge program. My Italian teacher saw me in the hallway on the way to one of my classes and urged me to apply. I anxiously completed the application, checking at least twelve times to see if I had all the required documentation. "Okay, I think I'm ready to send it," I said to myself as I put it in an envelope, "Wait, did I check for...?" Finally I sent it and week after week I bit my nails thinking, "I didn't get in." It was a Tuesday when I got the call. I was doing my homework. I picked up the phone and heard: "Hello this is Rebecca from The Korea Society and I want to offer you a spot..." I started jumping up and down, but I managed to say "Sure, yeah, that would be great. I would love to participate." All the while I was struggling to hold back from screaming, "Oh, my goodness, I got in! YAY!!!" I immediately picked up my cell phone, called my sister and screamed "I GOT IN!!! I’M GOING TO KOREA!!" Okay so that is my story, I hope you guys enjoyed it. I know I did.

To be sixteen is to be on the verge of an exciting adventure or a tumble away from childhood, depending on how you perceive it. I feel I? on the verge of something, perhaps the discovery of possibilities. Currently, I am a junior at Gabrielino High School. As for the future, I have yet to define my aspirations. All I know is that I want to do great things. Being indecisive, however, I can barely decide which item to order in a restaurant; much less make life-changing decisions. I am a very passionate person. At school, I love playing volleyball and swimming. In my spare time, I hungrily devour novels, almond jello and satellite movies. At the same time, I can be the worst hypocrite. Sometimes, I do things that I know I shouldn? do. Most of the time, I end up contradicting myself. I tend to have a lot on my mind, and I dream vividly when I sleep. When I was young, I had a heart-pounding dream that my father-in-disguise was chasing me; when he finally caught up with me, he turned into a giant grasshopper and hosted a masquerade ball. Recently, I dreamt that I was a gang member and was shot by a rival gang in the Albertson's parking lot. Even though I travel a lot, I don't know many people outside of Gabrielino High School. I guess I never really gave myself the opportunity to meet new people. But even though I may seem shy or reluctant, I love being around people and experiencing new things.

My name is Alejandra Gillette-Teran and I am a junior at Downtown Magnets High School. I am in the fashion magnet. So, of course, I enjoy designing and shopping. I am currently making sketches for my senior fashion show next year. My favorite colors are black and green. I also really like to listen to music and go to concerts. Some of my favorite bands are Incubus, the Strokes, Radiohead and Coldplay. Some of my favorite television shows are Gilmore Girls and Friends. The reason I am participating in Project Bridge is that I really enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures, especially their art, architecture, style of dress and food. I have been to Japan and also have traveled throughout Europe. I would like to be an art historian or clothing buyer after graduating from college.

Hello, my name is Eddy Lam. I attend Gabrielino High School, which is located in the city of San Gabriel, County of Los Angeles. I am a guy who loves to play games whenever I have time, such as Starcraft Brood War. I also play basketball with friends during the weekend. In summer, I take classes for advanced credit at local universities. Currently, I am doing R.O.P. (Regional Occupation Program) on Saturdays. I am also taking some honors classes and hope to take SAT prep classes as well. How do I find time for all of these activities and still leave time for TV and games? Well, I somehow manage to strike a balance. If you get to know me, you?l find that I am really friendly. I rarely make fun of people or play practical jokes on them. One thing that I do not like to do is scream at other people, especially right to their face. I think it is not right for whatever reason. It's very impolite, and it doesn? help to get them to do what we want them to do. I know a lot of people who hate slow learners, but I'm not like that! I accept people for whom they are, and I am more focused on whether or not they are kindhearted. In the classroom, while studying serious subjects such as math, English or science, I am usually very quiet since I just immerse myself in learning. But in fun classes, such as electives, I am very talkative. So you shouldn? be surprised if you find me laughing very hard in one period while being very quiet in others.

Who am I? Oh, just a junior at Gabrielino High trying to make his way to a decent college. Ah ha! On the contrary, mi amigo, I am a walking incongruity. I have memorized nearly every line from Austin Powers, yet I still get a thrill from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I bang my head to the heavy sounds of Foo Fighters, yet I still snap my fingers to Justin Timberlake. I have read every Harry Potter novel three times, yet I still cherish John Steinbeck. You see, the most important underlying theme in all of what I do is that I love to laugh. A moment that brings people together in laughter is a moment I want to share. Laughter binds all humans at the hips. A laugh is understood across the globe. A Korean laugh is not misunderstood by an American. And an American laugh is most certainly understood by a Korean. No matter what the background all humans can laugh. We, as humans, should celebrate this great common trait, for a laugh is a truly powerful weapon?t can brighten up anyone's day. Such laughter is something that I search for everyday of my life.

Hello everyone! My name is Sophia Sou. I am a sophomore at Gabrielino High School in the city of San Gabriel. I live with both of my parents and I have one younger brother. At the moment, I am still searching and trying to decide on the career I would like to pursue. I am the type of person who wants to try to take advantage of whatever life has to offer me. I know that the world is huge and full of possibilities and I think that? what is keeping me from rushing into what will be a lifelong decision. However, I do have faith that when the day finally comes I will know what is best for me as a productive and enjoyable profession. If one thing is certain, however, it is that my family will always be my first priority since they have made me who I am today. At school I am an average student who is pretty much just like everyone else. I? not overly popular but not too nerdy either. I am on the Speech and Debate Team. And, no, I do not consider myself a good public speaker, which is why I am on the team. I need practice to become a great speaker. During my free time I like to take pictures. Outside of school, I am a member of a photo club. Landscape pictures are my passion. I just love the peaceful, natural vision and feeling that I get from nature. One of the things I enjoy doing is meeting people and trying to be helpful to them. I believe that the more people I get to know, the better person I will become and the more I will be able to contribute to society. Through my observations of others, I believe I will be able to form a better understanding of the world in which I live.

I have black hair, ten fingers, ping-pong ball eyes, and a big nose to match; it is me, Michael Trinh, and I am very excited to one of the participants selected for Project Bridge. I am Vietnamese and I am part of a family of four, which includes my mother, father and sister. I was born and raised in California. I am usually garrulous and boisterous when I am around fun people and my best friend. I listen to others and I am an in-depth thinker. I like mathematics and chemistry because I tend to do well in these two fields. Among my interesting or quirky facets is an ability to double joint some of my fingers and all of my toes; and I also am able to wiggle my ears. I play the violin either solo or along with others in an orchestra. I also hold a brown belt in the Korean martial art of Hapkido. I have a taste for terror, cultivated by watching and reading horror movies and books, and I enjoy reading fantasy books as well. Visiting theme parks such as Disneyland, Great America and Universal Studios in Hollywood is very exciting to me. Some of my favorite foods include spaghetti, burritos, pizza, mashed potatoes, steak and beef noodle soup. Leaving aside the subject of food, I would note that my favorite colors are red and green. I like red for its resemblance to fire and green for its natural freshness. Intertwining the two colors suggests Christmas, which is my favorite holiday. Ultimately, I plan to be a pharmacist and I am taking chemistry classes with this goal in mind. I have a knack for chemistry deep within me that I hope will bloom and flourish to enable me to discover cures for diseases.

Me!! Although many people may see me as a person who is too involved with school and homework to actually go out and do something with my life, in fact, I love to have fun. (No, I do not consider doing math problems or reciting the properties of chemical reactions in photosynthesis exactly funny.) Something I really enjoy is music. From rock music to classical music to video game music, anything that's soothing, touching, intense, or heartfelt, I'll listen to it. Ever since I was young, I remember I was infatuated with the opening theme song to the Reading Rainbow. I watched the show everyday, and everyday I would sing along. My mom told me that I even had the theme song memorized, and sang it even when the show wasn't on. (Too bad I can't remember all the lyrics now.) The Reading Rainbow theme song, though, wasn't the only music I enjoyed. The first time I saw an orchestra perform was on TV when I was very young. I had heard orchestras playing on the radio as background music for television shows countless times, but I had never seen an orchestra actually playing until then. Well, I just could not tear myself away from the TV. The emotion and power expressed by the movements of the string players were amazing to me. They were full of intensity and yet flowing with grace. That was when I truly discovered classical music. Now I play the viola for my school orchestra, and I hope to learn to play the cello as well. I also play in the percussion section of the school band. Over the many years that I have been exposed to different styles of music, I have come to believe that the music in my life is what makes me unique and special. I am attached to music the way a piece of gum gets stuck to the bottom of a shoe. Music isn't the only thing that makes me who I am as a person, but it is the most influential. So don't be afraid to talk music with me; I'm all ears.

I am sixteen years old (Oh yeah!!!), and my gender is female (if you don't know by now). I'm in the 10th grade. One word to describe me: strange??? Hobbies I enjoy: art, DDR, hanging out, doing something I've never done before, anything fun and enjoyable? Things that makes me happy: people, talking, food!!!!, friends, almost everything but homework?!!!! Things that tick me off: backstabbing, lying to one's face, two-hour lectures about something that could be said in five minutes, people who demand respect without earning it. Things that make me freak out: when a lot of people stare at me, when people make looggies. Stuff you should know: never try to wake me up forcefully (you might regret it), don't mess with the height!!!, don't criticize me for no reason or when you can't do any better, don't talk behind my back. I don't know what else to write so if you have any questions just ask and I'll be happy to answer you. Unless it is very uncomfortable and unnerving then ummmmmm it might take a while for me to give you an answer. Hee Hee.

I spent the first two months of my life outside the United States, due to my father's temporary job assignment in Monrovia, Liberia. My interest in other cultures has continued over the years. I taught my first group of students in Seoul, Korea, where I worked at a hagwon with students aged 3 - 16. I travel almost each summer as well. A few of the highlights in my travels have been Turkey, Israel, Iceland, Thailand, and Nepal. I have been teaching English as a second language at John Bowne High School for the last six years, where I serve as an advisor to the Chinese and Korean clubs. I also have coordinated our annual "International Extravaganza," which showcases dances and songs from world cultures. When I am not acting as if I am an employee of the United Nations, I act in plays, run marathons, swing dance and ski.

Sara Yaffee worked as a guidance counselor in the New York City Public School System for five years before transitioning into an administrative role at Bard High School Early College. She completed her B.A. in psychology at Gettysburg College and then continued her graduate studies at New York University where she received a Master's in counseling psychology in 1999 and an M.S.W. in 2001. In 2002, she completed her M.S. Ed in administration/supervision from Pace University. In addition, Sara holds a counseling practice in the New York City metro area where she works with adults who have anxiety, depression, eating disorders and conflicts in their interpersonal relationships. She conducts individual, couple, family and group counseling while also taking a particular interest in multi-cultural and adolescent counseling. Sara has traveled extensively having spent time in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Greece, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Belize and all of Western Europe. She brings to Project Bridge her understanding of youth and culture.

Lecia founded Diversity Matters, an independent consulting group, in 2000 to encourage individuals and groups to value and celebrate diverse life experiences. She also serves as the director of special projects for the National Conference for Community and Justice/Los Angeles, where she enjoys working with high school students and teachers. Lecia taught 5th grade for five years prior to making diversity issues her lifework. Lecia is proud of her only child, Daniel, who serves in the US Army. She lives with her two cats, Monie and Izzy, in South Pasadena.

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Lisa is the younger of two daughters. Family and culture are two very important values in her life, and she attributes many of her achievements to strong role modeling from her relatives. Both her parents were interned in Japanese Concentration Camps during WWII, and then her father was drafted out of the camps to serve in the segregated 442nd Army combat unit. These atrocities have motivated her to work personally and professionally on projects to promote the understanding of cross-cultural differences. As an organization development consultant, Lisa has been providing training and consulting services to youth and adults in both corporate and community settings for over 10 years. She specializes in change management, with an emphasis on leadership styles, teambuilding, and workplace diversity. In addition to program development, Lisa also creates and implements customized needs assessments and program evaluations for her clients. Lisa holds a Ph.D. in organizational psychology from Alliant International University. She earned an M.A. in psychology from Pepperdine University, and a B.S. in biology from Santa Clara University. Currently, Lisa serves on the board of directors for the Asian Business Association of Los Angeles. Some of Lisa's favorite joys in life include: creative culinary experimentation, watching sunsets at the beach, training in karate, reading Harry Potter, learning about a wide variety of topics, and gathering with friends over a meal.

Rebecca Brabant joined The Korea Society in 2003 after graduating from Scripps College. Rebecca received a B.A. in anthropology and Asian studies with a focus on China. She has an extensive background in East Asia, having traveled in the region for over 16 years and resided in Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Harbin, China. During 2002, Rebecca took a yearlong leave of absence from college to pursue an academic scholarship at Hei Long Jiang University in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin. She is proficient in Mandarin Chinese, Korean and Spanish.

Jungho Kwak was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. After moving to New York City in 1983, he completed his undergraduate work at the Parsons School of Design in New York. He received a B.F.A. in 1991. In recent years, he has worked as a freelance photographer and has exhibited his photographs in Indonesia and The Netherlands. Jungho has accompanied groups of students and teachers on study tours to Korea under the auspices of The Korea Society for the last several years.

The first workshop for Project Bridge 2003-04 in New York provided an opportunity for the students, group leaders and program coordinators to get to know one another and begin to develop an awareness and appreciation for the diverse array of cultural and ethnic traditions represented in the group. The workshop also included an overview of the schedule of the program and expected outcomes.

The Los Angeles Incident of April 29, 1992, known in Korean as Sa-I-Gu, was the pivotal event that led to the establishment of the Project Bridge program. The Workshop began with a screening of Sa-I-Gu, a 1993 documentary film by the Korean-American filmmaker Dai Sil Kim-Gibson. During the discussion after the screening, the group explored the underlying causes of the Incident and its continuing relevance to the objectives of the Project Bridge program. Background reading on the state of inter-ethnic relations in Los Angeles since 1992 was assigned for a follow up workshop.

Suh Byung-Sul, a New York-based opera singer, spoke about the challenges he encountered as a recent Korean immigrant to the United States in pursuing his career. His presentation offered interesting insights into some of the cultural differences between Korea and the United States. Suh also sang selected excerpts from his repertoire for the group and discussed his views on opera.

David Ryu, a specialist on inter-ethnic relations from Los Angeles, led a discussion of the lingering aftermath of Sa-I-Gu with a focus on the underlying issues of race, discrimination and prejudice. Ryu skillfully engaged the group in a series of role-playing exercises designed to highlight the situations that give rise to inter-ethnic conflict and to suggest effective strategies for its peaceful resolution. Ryu also spoke about his work to foster better inter-ethnic relations in Los Angeles under the auspices of the 4.29 (Sa-I-Gu) Center, a project of the Korean American Coalition that was launched with the support of The Korea Society and the Martin Luther King Legacy Association.

The group spent a weekend together at Camp Bernie, a YMCA facility in Northwestern New Jersey. The program included a combination of community-building exercises, including both indoor and outdoor sports activities, a series of guided discussions on topics related to Korea, the screening of a Korean film, and a 3-hour intensive introduction to Korean language.

Each student participant gave a 15-minute oral presentation based on an independent research project. The presentations covered a diverse array of topics including the division of Korea, traditional Korean music, the history of the Korean government, Korean immigration to the United States, the modernization of Korea, religions in contemporary Korea, the Comfort Women issue, and the Korean educational system.

This workshop introduced the group to some of the day-to-day preoccupations of their peers in Korea with a specific focus on the topics of education and pop culture in Korea. HanNa Kim, a former Project Bridge coordinator, drew on her experience as an instructor at an alternative high school in Seoul to explain how its program of study differed from the course of study offered at an average Korean high school. June Mee Kim, who is a doctoral candidate in Asian American studies at Harvard University, gave a brief introduction to popular culture in South Korea. She stressed the importance of understanding why reoccurring themes exist and why there may be similarities between popular culture in Korea and popular culture in the United States.

The basic tenets of Korean Buddhism and its liturgical practices were explained by a former monk of Haein Temple, one of the premiere Buddhist monasteries in Korea. The presentation got underway with the screening of a film on Haein Temple, which gave the group their first systematic exposure to images of rural Korea. The monk also explained the importance attached in the Korean Buddhist tradition to disciplinary practices such as bowing and meditation.

The program coordinators reviewed the itinerary of the study tour, explained its ground rules and offered practical tips on logistical issues. The session ended with a refresher drill on common Korean phrases.

Two weeks after the study tour, the group reconvened at The Korea Society to reflect on their shared experiences and to prepare for their community presentation. They discussed their most memorable experiences in Korea, explained the insights they had gained about themselves, and outlined their goals for the future. The workshop ended with an evaluation session.

The community presentation was the final component of the 2003-2004 Project Bridge program. It brought to an end the group's eight-month commitment to the program. Friends, family, classmates and teachers were invited to participate in the community presentation. Each student chose one aspect of the study tour and spoke about what tit had taught them. The group took questions from the audience. The workshop came to an end with a closing ceremony in which the group leaders presented each student with a certificate of completion from The Korea Society as well as an award that reflected a unique aspect of the students' personal makeup.

THE KOREA SOCIETY is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization with individual and corportate members that is dedicated soley to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding and cooperation between the people of The United States and Korea.

The Pacific Century Institute was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster education, policy dialogue and research concerning the whole Pacific Rim region.

Project Bridge
2003 - 04 Sponsors