The
true traveler gains invaluable experience and insight to perceive the world
through novel eyes while leaving behind a lasting impression in return. I have visited
various countries and explored most of the southeast region of the United
States, but I have never truly traveled until my first missionary trip to
Horconcitos, Honduras. During the summer of my sophomore year, I was presented
a fortuitous opportunity when my Korean church announced that it would conduct
its first international missionary trip ever. Since I’ve learned Spanish as a
requisite for the International Baccalaureate program, I offered my skills as a
Spanish-Korean translator to contribute on this trip. Being the first
international mission ever, many parents hesitated to have their children
involved on this trip. However, my parents allowed my younger brother and I to
participate; thereby, making us the only adolescents to embark on this mission.
On
arriving at our “luxury” lodgings, our initial impression of the bull ant-infested,
moldy cabin was far from amused. On the first night, we heard a blood-curling
scream from the next room and rushed to see the commotion. One of the women
woke up in the middle of the night to discover a fairly large toad on top of
her. The following morning, we discover to our misfortunate that there was no
running hot water. Despite the poor condition of the cabin, one couldn’t deny
the breath-taking surroundings of the pristine lake and massive mountains. My
appreciation for this country only deepened as I began to interact more with
the natives.
As
the official interpreter, I communicated frequently with the citizens and really
immersed myself into the Honduran culture. Naturally, the natives were wary of
the alien foreigners without building a rapport with them. By introducing a
part of the Korean culture and bridging the gap between two societies, I encouraged
the children to come approach us. I demonstrated origami and juggled apples for
their leisure. They finally let down their defenses when I brought out a soccer
ball. As soon as they glimpsed the ball, they all clamored shamelessly for a
game. It soon turned into a colossal game with 80 children split into two teams.
As I viewed my surroundings and their lack of possessions, I pondered about how
material possessions did not dictate their lives.
Since
the day of the soccer game, the neighborhood children began to trail me like ducklings
in hopes that I would provide more amusing surprises and delightful treats.
They helped advertise events sponsored by the church and increase the
attendance rate of those events. They facilitated gaining support from the
local community and guided us when we needed directions. Since the children
were continuously accompanying me, the church members would just seek me out to
talk to the children. The success of the mission trip was due to the
contributions of the local children and their families. It just goes to show
that no one is too young to make a difference.
Although
a majority of my time was spent with the youth, my duties as the only interpreter
would prove to keep me very occupied for the entire trip. I would converse with
the contractors who helped with the renovation of the church and provide
instructions. Meanwhile, the pastor collaborated with me to translate entire
sermons into Spanish. Although it is just translating, language is a crucial
factor in connecting two cultures. By applying my language skills, I hoped to
gradually lessen the gap between the individual societies. I organized an
international potluck with baleada, chorizo, ramen, and kimbap. By steadily
having them interact frequently, it gives them an opportunity to see through
each other eyes and comprehend differing perspectives.
We
returned to Florida triumphantly with amusing stories and defining
tribulations. At the news of our overall success, the church board of directors
decided to repeat the experience once more for the next year with a few
modifications. More adolescents form the youth group signed up since parents
accepted the safety of sending children with the church. Furthermore, there was
one more alteration. The board saw how the children contributed to the mission
and how much they mean. They announced that there would be a Vacation Bible
School in addition to the regular mission, which they granted supervision to
me.
While this trip broadened my horizons and gave me
precious memories, I realize that this experience is only a fraction of what
the world has to offer. Even more significant, this experience taught me the
value of true travel and languages. Since then, I took it upon myself to
include Italian and Japanese into my language repertoire as well. It enlightened
me on the tremendous possibilities that I could utilize with my language
skills. I fully intend to apply my language skills in a career in international
law. It helped me better myself as well as give back to various societies. This
motivates me to use my passion to learn more about the global network that
interconnects us all through international law.
Graduated from University of Florida May 2011
Final Overall GPA: 3.17
Final LSAT Score: 163
Accepted into: University of Florida Levin College of Law, American University Washington School of Law, University of Miami School of Law, New York Law School, Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, Florida State University College of Law, Brookyln Law School, Pace University School of Law
Waitlisted from: Emory Univeristy, College of William & Mary Law School, University of San Diego School of Law
Denied from: University of Pennsylvania, Washington & Lee University, University of California LA School of Law, Georgetown University Law Center, University of California Hastings College of Law, George Washington University Law School
LSAT Score Disparity
The first time I took the LSAT in
October 2010, I received a score of 153. I prepared for this exam by myself.
However, the second time I took the LSAT in October 2011, I received a score of
163. The 10 points score disparity is most likely due to the fact that I
enrolled in the Princeton Review LSAT course.
