PERSONAL

I was born in Seoul and grew up surrounded by the warmest love from my parents, siblings, and grandparents. Their kindness, especially my grandparents’ warmth, sparked my passion for gerontology and social work since childhood. 

South Korea is my home country, and Seoul remains my dearest home: I love its food, its culture, its rhythm, and its soul. It is the place that shaped my childhood and young adulthood.

In my 20s, I embraced my love for travel and exploration. With my parents’ encouragement to think big, seek new experiences, and broaden my perspective, I stepped outside my comfort zone.

As an exchange student, I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia. I also traveled extensively to countries including Spain, Portugal, Brunei, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and more. Later, I pursued my master’s degree in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, United States, before returning to Seoul for work. These experiences collectively broadened my horizons and deepened my global perspective.

St. Louis has become my second home—it’s where I earned my MSW and met my husband. Today, we are back here in our 30s, both pursuing PhDs in social work at Brown School. He is not only my colleague and collaborator but also my lifelong partner and soulmate. 

Together, we try to enjoy the small joys of life beyond work, reminding ourselves that a PhD is a journey, not a destination.