Intern Spotlight
Grace Thwin
Fall '17 Intern
Lowell
Class of 2021
If you could live in only one city for the rest of your life, where would you live? Why?
From the cuisine to the fashion to the scenery and the entertainment, Seoul is the city I dream to live in. I'd live in Seoul, South Korea because it is the home of my love, K-pop. It's where music, shows, film and the best concerts are held. I also love other aspects of South Korean culture that can be found in Seoul.
Who inspires you to be the person you are today?
I grew up watching my parents work breathless to provide for me and my future. Moving from an underdeveloped country to America-- where dreams come true-- without being able to speak English well was a risky decision for my parents. However, they courageously fought through the obstacles by working hard. I learned that having the opportunity to get an education in a country as developed as America was priceless and that you really can't get anywhere without hard work or ambition. My parents are the biggest inspirations in my life and are the reasons why I value my education so much.
List the three things you would bring with you onto a deserted island and why.
I would bring a boat, a radio, and a flare gun. I'd use the radio to communicate humans for help. The boat would be for leaving the island if I needed to. I don't know how to navigate a boat, though, which might be a problem. Finally, I'd use the flare gun to quickly get attention from humans that I can see but cannot see me.
What is the one thing people misunderstand about you?
People pass by me in the halls every weekday and say, "Good Morning!" to me, but I barely ever respond audibly. People think I don't like them or I'm being rude. In reality, I'm just unable to speak much in the morning. I'm probably still half-asleep, so please don't be upset if I don't respond or barely respond to morning greetings. :)
What are some big challenges you had to overcome? How did you overcome these challenges?
Seventh and early eighth grade were the saddest times of my life because I was having trouble finding an ambition for the future or a reason to live. It was also when I started getting into K-pop, when I realized that I hadn't achieved anything substantial in my life while other teenagers were already succesful and internationally famous. Doing my best in school wasn't enough for me, but I didn't have any money to pursue the dreams I wanted to. I decided to apply to a good high school and do my best in my education but also be ambitious and run for my dreams any way I could. Since starting high school, I've joined so many clubs and met so many inspiring new people who have helped me regain my happiness and taught me great things.
Beside necessities, what is the one thing you cannot live one day without?
I'd say I couldn't live a day without my ability to see (Although technically... I could). After gradually getting worse and worse vision, I really value my sight. I can't imagine how terrifying it would be to never really be sure about where you are or what is coming at you. Also, I could never see the beautiful faces of K-pop idols anymore! Not to mention breakdancing would be extremely difficult, as I wouldn't be able to balance while doing freezes.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
I don't really watch movies, so I'll say my favorite variety show of all time. I really like the Chinese version of "Running Man," because the players are very funny. They work really well together and never fail to make hilarious content. I also think the producers and writers who design the games are geniuses because there are twists that I'd never expect.
Where do you see yourself in the future? Jobs? Dreams?
My unreachable dream is to go live in Korea. I'd like to work closely with idols with a job in entertainment or media production. A more realistic vision of my future would be to graduate from university and get a job that I don't love but like. I'd continue to pursue my unreachable dream and dance on the side.
How has HIM affected your life so far?
HIM has actually taught me very very useful organization and planning skills. I've also learned to manage my time and relationships a little better. I was able to use these new skills while organizing a bonding for my dance team, and everyone complimented my skills! On the other hand, I've also spent a lot of time on HIM this past term, and I hope to be able to still be a part of the community without having to sacrifice my commitment to school, family, or dance.
