Mia Noel is a freshman at the University of Michigan pursuing a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. She is biracial: her mother is Korean and her father is American. Both cultures have had a significant impact on her life, and she finds her identity interwoven between these two societies. Despite being oceans apart, there are many similarities between American and Korean culture. One of these similarities lies in cuisine – specifically noodles. Mia has adored noodles ever since she grew teeth. Macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, alfredo, carbonara, jajangmyeon, naengmyeon, ramen… you name it, Mia has already devoured it. Noodles have been used in meals all over the world. Although varying in taste, texture, and size, Mia enjoys every single version. Her love for noodles led her to her love for jajangmyeon which has continued to help carve out the vague cultural identity that is being “wasian”. 

Her future goals involve pursuing product design, where she hopes to design food and beverage packaging and containers. Perhaps one day she will design packaging for her beloved noodle dishes.