Fast Facts: 

Department: Development
Hometown: Laguna Hills, CA    
College/University and Major: Graduate: Seoul National University, Graduate School of International Studies (International Cooperation) | Undergraduate: UC Berkeley (Near Eastern Studies, Linguistics)
Languages spoken: English, German, Korean (though those last two are pretty rudimentary)
Go-to source for interesting takes on what’s going on in the world: I usually use reddit to catch up on the news. Although certain topics (immigration, Islam, social justice) make it clear that reddit attracts a certain kind of less-than-savory audience, there are so many more cases of active engagement and productive discussion on the topics that I find incredibly valuable. Even the vitriolic replies serve a purpose in illustrating the gradient of responses to consider.
The last thing I Googled for work: "nonprofit organization donor membership levels"
Fun Fact: I can read Egyptian Hieroglyphics!

What drew you to the Pacific Council?

When we study international relations and politics in a classroom setting it is easy to simplify solutions as a matter of applying the proper theory and passing it off to policymakers. Naturally, the process of implementation and acceptance is more dynamic. There are various factors that need to be taken into consideration, especially with some of the multilayered issues we face today.

The Pacific Council stood out to me because I wanted to be part of a group that would take a broader, multifaceted approach. The Pacific Council actively works toward solving problems in this manner.

When did you first realize you had a passion for international affairs?

While my undergraduate focus was on ancient history and archaeology, I took a class senior year on Middle Eastern history from the Ottoman Empire to the present. We would often discuss the reoccurring unrest in this region. At the same time, news of North Korea’s third nuclear test was also being circulated. I understood it was easy for most people to ignore these events as background noise because they were distant and unlikely to affect them directly. 

Shortly after I graduated, the digital surveillance practices of several nations were disclosed. I was surprised to find that those eventually faded into the background as well. I came to the conclusion that while the availability of information connects us to international events, the overstimulation and unfiltered flow of news makes it easy for people to tune everything out. Instead, they only focus on what will affect them in the immediate future. I realized I cared about international affairs when I decided not to fall into that same trap.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done since starting at the Pacific Council?

The most interesting thing I have done is attending Development team meetings. The meetings are engaging because I get a chance to witness and participate in the process of strategizing fundraisers or marketing new programs for the Pacific Council’s members. While research on people and foundations as an isolated task can seem somewhat abstract, it really helps when coming up with new events. Even though many of us have fairly individualized tasks, the meetings are where I can see everyone’s efforts fall into place.

____________________

The Pacific Council’s Junior Fellowship program offers students and recent graduates the unique opportunity to work alongside our staff of non-profit and foreign policy professionals. Apply now to become a Summer 2016 Junior Fellow!