4/6/2024 Collective Intelligence vs. Mob Mentality
Collective Intelligence is the collaboration of ideas, sharing of opinions, and push towards diversity. In contrast, mob mentality is the direct rejection of these crucial principles. Rather, mob mentality refers to the tendency to be influenced and accepting of other people's ideas and opinions without question, instead of creating one's own through gathering knowledge from experience and forming personal judgments on what is true and false.
The difference between collective intelligence and mob mentality can be seen with one of Plato's works, "The Allegory of The Cave", which is a philosophical dive into the importance of perspective and questioning the beliefs around us. Through his quoting of Socrates, he conveys to the reader the importance of seeking the truth, even when another idea seems more compelling or comfortable. The story begins by describing a cave shrouded in darkness, where three prisoners, not once exposed to the world above, know only the shadows of the objects the guards are holding out of their sight. When one prisoner gets a chance to leave and see the reality above, one that is bright and bountiful of life, this world expands. His previous vision of the world is disregarded and he sees his reality for what it is through the acceptance of his previous ignorance. His willingness to acknowledge the truth despite being exposed to falsehoods before that point is the very essence of collective intelligence. His sense of moral duty compels him to go back to the cave to inform the remaining two prisoners of his findings, he bestows upon them the wonders of the world above only to be rejected. The prisoners want to continue to believe only what is in front of them, clinging to what is already known out of fear that they may have been mistaken. Their unwillingness, a direct contrast from the prisoner who was able to leave the cave, demonstrates the consequences of mob mentality. Not only will they miss out on the beauties of the world above, but they will also be forever stuck in a constant cycle without growth or change.
The moral of this story is that we must see beyond the influences in front of us. This is especially important now in the digital era, where social media and biased news are constantly being pushed in front of us, to the point where it becomes difficult to determine which narrative is real. Ultimately, the media we consume is not always factual, and oftentimes the act of being influenced goes unnoticed. To prevent this, we have to spread awareness about the harmful effects of a conformity mindset and be accepting of new, unfamiliar ideas, no matter how uncomfortable they may feel. The reason why is because it enables us to grow as a society and see things to their full potential. If communities, schools, and workplaces adopt the ideals of collective intelligence, new innovations and ways to problem-solve will be able to have impacts not just locally, but globally as well.
4/20/2024 Timeless; the connectivity of food
Food is not complicated. Our relationship with food may be complicated, but food itself isn't. Fundamentally, food provides energy to the body, allowing us to function through our day-to-day life. But that is not all what food is. It is a means of connection, a way to connect past to present, generation to generation, person to person.
Life is eternally changing. Memories are made and forgotten. But food, as a whole, does not change. Recipes can change and alter over time as people add their own preferences and invent new ways of enhancing flavors, but the foundation of that recipe stays the same. This is because food is timeless. This is because food is an element of culture that connects us to our past and our ancestors, who have lived during different circumstances as us and yet we continue to be connected to through shared traditions.
One dish that is essential to Korean street food is tteokbokki. Many people refer to tteokbokki as their comfort food, the signature taste of both savory and sweet that can relieve the stress of a long day. In general, despite the many variations of tteokbokki, it is quite simple to make. To begin, you start by making the broth, which can be made by soaking anchovies and kelp into boiling water, with the addition of gochujang, soy suace, tuna oil, and gochugaru. Then, you add in the rice cakes, fish cakes, green onion, and, other personal preferences. In my case, sausage is a staple of tteokboki, a result of the preferences of my mom and aunt, which enhances the savory flavor. This abundance of ingredients come together to make a spicy, flavorful dish in just 30 minutes.
This simple dish can then lead to wholesome moments of conversations between families and friends, enhancing a relationship and creating stronger connections. So much can be said over one meal, even more so when the dish is a comfort food like tteokbokki. The combination of comfort and flavor can blossom into something beautiful, something like shared laughter or crying. That is because with food comes human connection.
Tteokbokki to me and many others is nostalgic, and will continue to be nostalgic in the future as I grow and change. That is because the dish will always be familiar, a symbol of my roots that will never change. In other words, comfort. The future is uncertain, and life is not guaranteed. But food can connect us to the past, to people, and to stories that make us who we are. In other words, food is essentially a time capsule that communicates a story of who we are and where we come from, allowing generations of history and traditions to continue.
5/4/2024 The fragility of human evolution
Humans and zombies are direct opposites. Humans are living beings, with the capability to form original thoughts and decide their own choices. Zombies are dead creatures, who have the same selfish desires as one another, unable to identify change or the events happening around them. They cannot adapt, evolve, or influence. Instead, they exist in a constant state of stalemate in which their only opponent is themselves. In other words, no growth, no progression. However, that comparison can be increasingly challenged as time goes on us. The line between human and zombie is starting or in some cases have already blurred, raising the idea that humans aren't so different from zombies, the stereotypical monster constantly seen in movies and books, as we think.
The idea of a comfortable life with no worries and hardships is appealing. So appealing that many people fall into the trap of living life on easy mode, dismissing opportunities that may be uncomfortable or difficult for the sake of predictability, and continuing to live the same way everyday. However, the extent to which they are damaging their future is not fully understood. Maybe acknowledged partially, but never acted upon. This mindset is dangerous because the world is constantly changing, and if the willingness to change is not present, it is inevitable to fall behind.
In a society that is relentless, brutal to those who are deemed as "failures", it is especially challenging to meet the standards put on us. So how can we succeed in an environment that is so unforgiving? How can we avoid succumbing to the pressures put on us when the easier, more appealing option of giving up is right in front of our eyes? The answer is simple. Ambition and effort. Ambition to make a change and know how things change in a world that is ignorant and blind. That ambition should then be applied to actual actions, because what are thoughts without actions? It is better to do and fail, then to try nothing at all. Otherwise, the world will continue to decline until there is nothing that can be done to save it.
5/18/2024 Tomorrow is an Assumption, Today is an Opportunity
What do we live for? Are we a product of our environment that we were born into? Or are we the outcome of our own decisions? We are what we make ourselves to be, the direct result of the way in which we respond to the outside world around us. No one else will root for you as much as you should for yourself. As humans, it is guaranteed that we will lack in certain areas that other people don't, but every person is unique. Every person has their own strengths. Unfortunately, some people don't make it far enough to find out what they are.
To be normal is to be accepted by the general public. If you stand out in any way, you are unwelcome to have a place in society. However, is that true? In some cases, yes. But in most cases, that ideology is a mindset that has been created by those filled with self-doubt and fear for how they will be perceived by others. Many people who have the odds against them, such as a mental or physical disability, have been able to achieve access on their own accord.
A notable example is Temple Grandin. A renowned professor in the field of animal behavior and facility design, Grandin has spoken openly about her experiences having autism. Mainly, she speaks about being ostracized by her peers and socially isolated, both factors that could push a person to quit on their dreams. However, through her own perseverance, she was able to become bigger than the limiting environment around her. Now, she is considered one of the leading experts in discovering humane ways of handling animals. Not only that, but she has also spread awareness about what it feels to live with autism, not only reaching those unaware but also those with the same conditions as herself. She is an example that to succeed is to empower. In overcoming difficulties other people can see that, with the right willingness and drive, anything is possible. Which is nothing short from the truth.
5/18/2024 Snowpiercer
A society is trapped on a train. If they leave, they will not survive. The train is divided based on class, with the wealthy and privileged in the front cars that are luxurious and warm, while the poor and unfortunate are in the rear cars, which are dark and cold. In this society, rules are in place so that each passenger receives their favorite meal each day. However as the food gets passed down the cars, the rich become increasingly selfish, taking more food for themselves and leaving the less privileged people with nothing to eat. This creates aggravation within the lower cars, causing a person named Gillian to propose that any person, regardless of their existing class, can rise to the front cars if they contribute the most to society. This causes passengers to adopt a survivalist instinct, fighting each other to receive the most amount of food and comfort for themselves instead of finding a solution together. This level of competition in the train is overwhelming, blinding people from caring or thinking about the misfortunes of others.
Although the story Snowpiercer is fictional, the core ideas and events that occur can be applied to current society, and the future that will inevitably come if no changes are made. Similar to the story, our society is divided based on class. Some people are able to live comfortably in warm homes and eat consistent meals without worry, while others have to fight for scraps and count on the possibility that things will get better. Rarely do people extend their fortune to others they do not know, instead we compete and compete until one person gives up and another succeeds. If this continues, our society will not advance but rather decline, where greed, privilege, and selfishness dictate our actions. The gap between the wealthy and the poor will continue to widen, and the opportunities for normal citizens to have a better life will decrease. Our society should be based on principles of equality and justice, however that cannot exist in the current reality we live in.
6/1/2024 Two Generations, One Table
I'm sitting across from my grandma in the middle of a mall food court. It is loud and chaotic, but we are silent, at peace with just each other's presence. The smell of grease fills my nose and the weight of the picture we paint does not escape my mind. Two different generations, born in different countries, are sitting across from each other because one of them decided to take a chance at a better life. I am the representation of that better life.
About 50 years ago my grandparents left Busan, Korea to come to America with the hope that their life would look up. They flew across the Pacific Ocean to an unknown land, knowing neither the language or culture; only the idea that their dreams would be answered. I, a person who has not once experienced such a situation, who struggles even in language classes at schools, cannot begin to comprehend how they were able to create a place for themselves in society with a foreign language, customs, and people. But I know what fueled them, what drove them to achieve their dreams and desires; hope.
My grandparent's story and many other immigrants are not too different from the nature of swallows. In fact, at the core, they are not different at all. The wing of a bird symbolizes freedom, hope, and the ability to become greater than what you started out as. Swallows, the tiny birds that do not even weigh 3 ounces, fly 8000 miles from Southern Africa to Great Britain each year to have access to food in order to sustain themselves for the season. On average, they fly for 6 weeks without stopping, only if the chance of food arises in front of them. This journey is a risk, as if there is no place to rest or food to eat, they could die. They only have to keep going with the belief that they will be able to persevere. Like the swallows, my grandparents never gave up, not until they reached their destination and not until their children were living a life they wanted for themselves. They worked long hours, rarely taking breaks, their one goal of living and extending a satisfied life to the generations below them constantly on their minds.
Their hope and perseverance is why I am here now. Why I will work hard as they worked hard for me. And in times of frustration and stress, when the idea of giving up is right within reach, I will remember what my grandparents and parents have done for me. How, like the swallows, they never gave up so neither will I.
6/15/2024 Leaders in the Modern World
Everyone is born into the same world. A world that is undoubtedly flawed, filled with unjust systems and selfish people that care about nothing but themselves. People don't truly grasp this truth until they actually go out into the world, separate from the shelter of their parents and separate from their past ignorance of the issues occurring around them. Instead, when we first come into the world our mindset is one of naivety, as we are unknowing about the reality of life and unready for the hardships we will inevitably face. But one thing humans are known for is adapting. Adapting and evolving. When the environment around us is blocking growth, the desire for change is within us. It is part of human nature to want change. Why, when we are bored of something, we move onto the next best thing. However, it is also human nature to give up. Every person, at some point in their life, has called quits on a certain project or task that they deemed was just too challenging. But where people differ is if they gain momentum when they fail or if they slow down. Whether they are ready to lose and accept their defeat, and then ready to get back up and succeed. Everything that happens in life is part of the bigger process, we just have to be willing to acknowledge that. This goes in hand with one's vision in life. A person's vision does not have to align with the reality around them, it can and should be something that compels them to strive for more. A vision should align with the bigger purpose of personal growth and becoming more than what is set out for us, which will in turn elicit change around us. Because the world is flawed and therefore needs to experience change. Otherwise, everyone in it, privileged or unfortunate, will be stuck in the same reality forever.
Chung Ju-yung, the creator of the South Korean company Hyundai, is known for both his achievements as an entrepreneur and his contributions to South Korea during times of war and global conflicts. His success story provides inspiration to many that are struggling in life, proposing the idea that anything can be overcome as long as you keep on trying. Growing up in a poor village and having to work 17 hours daily to survive, he lacked the privilege of having opportunities waiting in front of him. However, with no education or support system, he took the risk of leaving his family to find opportunities elsewhere; even when he failed, he tried again and again, until he became the richest man in South Korea.
The story of Chung Ju-yung that inspires many is not so much about his wealth or status that he eventually obtained, but his stubbornness to never accept the fate that was given to him. He is proof that success is not exclusively a product from factors of environment or existing circumstances, but instead a result of a mindset. If we believe, enough to the point where we have the courage to try to succeed, we can also create our own story like Chung Ju-yung did for himself.
Another notable person is Steve Jobs, a household name in the institution of technology. The co-founder of Apple, leader of life-changing inventions, and the once owner of Pixar Animation Studios, Steve Jobs has changed the trajectory of the modern world. However, his success cannot be truly appreciated without knowing his full story. Growing up as an orphan with adoptive parents that were hesitant to accept him, he led a life consisting of fascination for building electronics. When he got to college, he made the decision, which may be considered unconventional to society, of dropping out because he knew it wasn't the right fit for him. He took that risk, believed in himself and his abilities, and became one of the most significant figures in entrepreneurship and business.
Steve Jobs is a prime example that taking risks are OK, sometimes even essential to living a fulfilled life. We do not have to conform to the standards of society or listen to people who tell us what we should be. We can acknowledge that systems are flawed and even create change in the world, as Steve Jobs did with his inventions and leadership.
That leads to the point that all things start somewhere. However, they do not start aimlessly by chance or luck. Haben Girma, the first deaf-blind woman to graduate from Harvard Law School, has continuously advocated for disability rights. Despite not being able to hear or see, she has achieved more than the "normal person", not just learning how to live with her disabilities but to break the stereotypes put on her and excel past the limitations of her surroundings. She has also continuously changed the ways people with disabilities are viewed so that others like her are given equal and fair chances.
Her story shows that even though humans are not perfect, with enough ambition and effort anything can happen. The common practice of waiting for something to happen or for the perfect time to arrive is wasted potential. Like Haben Girma, we should all take chances and have faith in ourselves that we can achieve what we set our minds to. Otherwise, we won't be able to see past our doubts and fears that comprise the constant loop many people live in.
These three people have changed their fate that was given to them when they entered the world, and, while doing so, have changed the world around them. They created their own opportunities, taking their misfortunes and using it to their own advantage. Chung Ju-Yung created infrastructure and affordable cars for the citizens of South Korea, Steve Jobs completely altered the way the world runs, and Haben Girma continues to create opportunities for people who have similar challenges as herself. Each day is a opportunity, a part of the bigger process. Every struggling moment is a chance to grow, to become more resilient and tougher than we were before. Know your future, know your capabilities, and know yourself. Don't be blinded by other influences because everything leads back to you.
Thus, at the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is how you choose to live your life. The ability to create a mindset is the strongest power given to humankind and one that is completely in our control. The way you walk into a situation and the attitude you have directly influences your experience and even your future. We only have the present moment in our control so we always have to make the most of our current situations. The idea that our future will be handed to us or that the perfect time will arrive for something to be done should never, in any circumstances, be entertained because these unrealistic expectations will never happen. Instead of taking for granted what we already have or settle for what is already existing, we have to dream bigger than what our reality is presenting us and create a vision that can go beyond just making money or increasing our status. A vision that is personal to us so we can succeed and in turn make the world better by showing people who we truly are. The way that is achieved is by living everyday like it is your last chance, because in a sense, it is. Our future is uncertain and nothing is guaranteed, but our attitude towards it doesn't have to be. In fact, our attitude should never and can never be uncertain because our attitude determines how our life will be lived. If everyday is lived with fear and hesitance, then nothing can be achieved. And although that is a hard truth to grasp, the only way to have a fulfilled life is to acknowledge that.
6/29/2024 Vision
The single most important lesson in life is to never settle. When we are born into this world, we are given a predetermined fate that can either be challenged or accepted as it is. Everyone is given a chance, but not everyone takes advantage of that chance. Whether a person is privileged or not, everything they have can be taken away from them if they do not have ambition for more. You cannot take for granted what you already have and you cannot be satisfied with what you already have. You have to reach for more. You have to be desperate. Otherwise, the reality we live in will not let your survive.
To be successful you need to know what your vision in life is. A vision that takes into account the reality of our world and what it needs. My vision is to write stories that can reach and enlighten readers around the world about issues that are happening around us. Recently on social media, especially with the election results being released, there has been a heated debate about whether reading is political. Some say, "reading is not political, we should just let people enjoy what they read", and, "stop bringing politics into reading." However, this is a very damaging mindset because how can reading not be inherently political? Books are a form of expression, of speech, and of opinion. If books are taken away, like the politicians that have already started banning some of the most important books in history, we will not have a voice. No one will be able to think for themselves or fight for what they believe in because the government will be telling them what they should do and be. Our source of knowledge and form of activism will be taken away if we do not recognize that reading is political and will always be inherently political. Take Han Kang for example, the South Korean winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Not only did she win one of the most prestigious awards in the literature world, but her books have actively talked about historical trauma and the fragility of human life. She has given a generation of South Korean a voice that was previously silenced by the government.
7/13/2024 Innovation is Connection
Music is a form of innovation and a means of connection. A social experiment was conducted in the streets of Spain by a small orchestra that transformed an ordinary day into a memorable experience for all the passersby in the area. In the beginning, the spectators were confused by this flash mob suddenly performing classical music , a piece by Beethoven, in the middle of the streets instead of a concert hall. Instead of prestigious stages and formal audience, the musicians were performing in front of a diverse crowd of all different ages, genders, and races. They brought the once disconnected people living in their individual worlds into a whole group connected by their awe for this unexpected performance. Barriers were broken, and everyone was dancing and singing with each other no matter their differences.
This example of a flash mob bringing hundreds of people together demonstrates art in it's true nature. Art is not just a pretty painting or a unique sculpture. Rather, art is a movement that emphasizes and brings attention to greater issues happening around us. More specifically, the practice of creating art is piecing a plethora of smaller details and connecting them to create one single message that everyone will be able to understand, no matter the language they speak.
7/27/2024 City Lights Analysis
The world moves at an increasing pace each day, and humans are forgetting how to appreciate the life around them. They forget what a luxury it is to even be living, to have a sense of smell, hearing, sight, and touch. Unfortunately, such luxuries are only realized when they are lost. Time cannot be re-winded and thus we cannot be ignorant of the potential we all have in us to create change and extend kindness to others.
City lights is a 1931 film, composed of entirely black and white scenes and no talking. Yet despite the lack of special effects and technology seen in modern-day movies, the film is able to capture the beauty of love and selflessness, the power of sight and touch, and the nature of humans at its most vulnerable -but also with humorous bits- angle. The story follows Tramp as he falls in love with a blind woman, who is struggling to survive in the unforgiving world with her blindness. Although he is struggling himself, with the woman in mind, he goes through hardships and humiliating situations in hopes of gaining money to give to her. After numerous efforts and failing attempts, he is finally able to give the woman enough money for a procedure to regain her sight. However, he unfortunately ends up going to prison, unable to see the woman anymore.
At the end of the movie, after time had passed and he was released from prison, he found the woman running her own flower shop, no longer blind. Although the woman never saw him before that moment, when he came up to her she immediately recognized him after touching his hand. Pulling his hand to her chest, she expresses her gratitude not in words, but in touch. We all have the ability to touch and feel, a language of it's own accord. When other senses are lost, our ability to feel will be still standing.
This scene and the film reminds people to never forget to appreciate the gifts we have in life and to continue living everyday as if it is our last. Like Tramp, we should all strive to be selfless and brave enough to sacrifice for the people we love. There are many things in life to be grateful for and many things to be yet achieved. We just have to be mindful to acknowledge that.
8/10/2024 Christmas Spirit
Christmas is a time of gathering, when families get together to share a meal and nourish the part of us that is often neglected: the part that needs warmth and love to thrive. In some cases, Christmas is the only time of year where people see their family members and loved ones. And in my case, Christmas became the last time I ever saw my grandfather.
My grandfather died last February. It was sudden and unexpected, leaving my family and I in both disbelief and unwavering grief. I still vividly remember the last time I saw him. It was Christmas day in the late afternoon, and everyone was saying their goodbyes to go back to their separate homes after celebrity the holiday the day before. I remember hugging him, unaware that I would never see him again, feel his hand, or hear his voice. When my parents broke the news to me that my grandfather had died, it was the first time I ever felt grief such as I did during those moments. However, on top of my grief, I felt regret. Regret that I never called as much as I should've, and regret that I never told him thank you enough for what he has done for me.
Life after his death was chaotic; my grandmother, who was living with my grandfather before his passing, was unable to live on her own due to her development of early Alzheimer's, which was especially affecting her after the grief and stress of my grandfather's passing. So, after some consideration between my family, my grandmother came to live with us.
Those months that she lived with us could be characterized as difficult and sometimes frustrating. I wasn't used to caring for somebody else, making sure they brushed their teeth, went to sleep, or providing words of comfort in states of grief that I was also feeling. However, even though it was especially hard in the beginning, it slowly became better. I learned patience, and, after my grandfather's death, to always appreciate and cherish the people around me. Although she was not the same person I knew before her development of Alzheimer's, she was still the same person that grew up babysitting my sister and I, who cut us fruit when we were hungry, and who witnessed all my biggest achievements as a child, such as my first communion. My grandmother, who was always hard working, who never sat down to rest. She was always doing something for her family. I strive to be like her and my grandfather, selfless and putting my family first.
In a way, it was almost as if the universe was giving me another chance to be more attentive to the people I cherish through my grandmother. As I learned how to care for someone as my mother and grandparents have cared for me, I knew that I was changing and becoming a better version of myself. I want to live life without regrets and to the fullest, caring for my family and making sure they feel loved. Rather than looking at Christmas as the last time I saw my grandfather, I will think of it as an opportunity and privilege that allowed me to see him before he died. Christmas, despite it's commercial essence that the modern world has made it to be, is at the core a time of sharing, love, and gratitude.
8/24/2024 The Fruit on the Other Side
Many people claim they cannot focus at home because it's either too loud or too quiet, there are no comfortable places to work at for long hours, or simply because their house is the place where they relax and unwind for the day. For these reasons, many people go to study or work in public spaces such as the library, where they can be surrounded by other hard-working people, sit at practical desks and chairs, and have the luxury of a clear-headed atmosphere. This simple transition from the home to the library can completely level up one's focus because of the change that it provides to both the body and mind. One that signals it's time to pay attention and complete the tasks at hand.
This example, no matter how simple it is, demonstrates the significance of the environment on the potential and success of a person. This philosophy was tested in an experiment with Joshua Bell, a GRAMMY winning musician and violinist, who performed at the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station is Washington D.C. With no security guards or a formal audience, he appeared to be just an unknown stranger playing the violin in public. The passersby in the area seldom paid attention to a performance that many people in the world would die to see. This experiment, which was conducted in 2007, brings awareness to the difference an environment makes and it's capability to either hinder or excel the success of an individual. If Joshua Bell was wearing a fancy attire or has his awards on display, the response to his performance would certainly be different. But, as seen in a case like this, it was not.
Living day to day in an endless routine may sound stable, but the more I think about it, moving through life in a continuous cycle with no change sounds laborious and, quite frankly, purposeless. My main goal for 2025 is to focus on my success rather than the doings of others. Oftentimes at school I get caught up with my peers that complain about the amount of homework they have and how hard the subjects are. And, when hearing such things, I find myself complaining just as they do. Rather, I want to be mindful of the future that I strive to have, which is to attend a college that challenges and helps me to achieve the life that I want. To begin the shifting of my current mindset, I have to embrace the competition around me, to use it to my advantage instead of succumbing to the pressure it may bring. It is crucial that I do not forget that planning ahead is the key to anything that I want to accomplish. And, sticking to my main goal of focusing on myself rather than others, I will remind myself that I'm competing against the past version of myself, not others which I will believe will serve as the foundation of my motivation to achieve the building my own reality that is fulfilling and meaningful.
9/7/2024 Average Just Means Lost Potential
Competition fuels motivation. And in turn, motivation produces results. People have always told me that I am a victim of perfectionism. In some ways, I guess they are right. I stress over minuscule details, exerting my energy into things that may not even matter in the grand scheme of things. But as I like to put it, and which I acknowledge may be to my own detriment, I enjoy knowing that an outcome will be guaranteed to me. In art class, for example, I was always one of the last people to finish a project, coming in during off-class hours in order to perfect the painting or sculpture I was working on. The quietness of an empty classroom was rejuvenating . I could focus on whatever task I was set on completing without any distractions. When I was in that state, which could be characterized as a kind of frenzy, anything felt in the range of my possibilities. The scratch of my pencil on the paper and the stroke my brush on clay was a calming sound in the silence of the room, and I felt in tune with myself. No noise, just my breathing and a clear goal in mind. This project will be perfect.
I like to think that effort is always rewarded. Now I know that, unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way. However, if I do my part and try my best, I know that I have done everything I possibly could and it is no longer in my hands to decide the outcome. Just the thought of knowing I put forth my best effort puts my mind at rest. I used my belief in this philosophy to my advantage and put all my effort into everything I did, in school and extracurricular activities. My grades and relationships were the direct evidence of that.
Through this learning process, I tried to not compete against my peers. It is true I wanted to stand out, but if I focused only becoming better than my classmates, I wouldn't have gotten anywhere. Life goes beyond the people I know in the present. If I did compete solely against them and put all my energy into that one idea, I would never see my full potential come to fruition. They are evidence that competition is all around me, but they are not the blueprint of who I should be. Healthy comparison and challenging competition is my mantra for achieving a fulfilling life, and I know, through hard work, I can do it, just as I have done in the past.
9/21/2024 Cherin 채린
I have two names. One for my American side, Kaci, and the other for my Korean side, Cherin (채린). Growing up with two different names highlighted the stark divide between the culture outside and the culture within. In other words, the culture of my peers at school and the culture of my family at home. It took me a long time to realize that it wasn't a weakness, but rather something to be empowered by.
When I was younger, my school's population was predominantly white, and though I didn't feel particularity alienated from them, I didn't feel like I belonged either. There were moments when I noticed the differences between me and them. For starters, my appearance was different. My eyes were smaller, my skin darker, and my mono-lids made me self-conscious because everyone else seemed to have double eyelids. My food was different. The smell was more pungent, and the colors more vibrant. The food my classmates brought seemed boring and bland, but I would rather be that than different. Even the languages I spoke weren't the same. There were moments that made me especially feel like an outside. For instance, a common event during lunch time would be other kids inspecting my food and asking what are you eating? in a curious tone. Although they never meant harm, I felt ashamed of Korean culture that no one else knew about. This feeling, both overpowering yet hard to understand, let me to ask my mom to stop packing me Korean food, such as the Kimchi fried rice that I loved so much. In my mind, if I was unlike everyone else, people would judge me. And being young and insecure, the last thing I wanted was to be judged.
In the 6th grade, an incredible thing happened. My family moved to a different area, one that was far more diverse than my last one. I not only saw more people who looked like me, but also people of other cultures that I wasn't exposed to on such a level previously. I noticed how they were not ashamed to express their cultures. In fact they showed that part of themselves with pride. They brought to school their delicious food that represented their culture, spoke casually about traditional events they attended on the weekends, and most significantly, respected other people even if their culture was different. Being exposed to a diverse environment changed my mindset. I realized looking back that there was no reason to be embarrassed of my differences. It made me special and privileged because I had a a whole other community that I was a part of. I started bringing Korean food to school again and speaking Korean freely to my mom when my friends were over. I was no longer in ashamed. In fact, I felt immense pride in my Korean identity.
My Korean name, Cherin, means to shine like a jade. And that is exactly what I have learned to do as a Korean American. I show everyone my true self, not wavering when someone questions my culture, and instead educating them so they can understand who I am. I now seek more frequently to learn about Korea's history and traditions that my family still celebrates today, and that were not lost even when they left the country's borders. I make sure to cook with my mom as often as I can so I can continue to make the delicious, comfort foods when I grow older. I dutifully remember to practice my Korean so I can speak more fluent conversations with my grandparents. I no longer cower in fear of judgment when my differences are set on display, as I often did when I was an elementary student lacking much-needed confidence. There is so much more that I need to learn about my Korean culture, but I know I have the mindset that will get me there. Because I am proud. Because I am special. And because I know I will shine even more.
10/5/2024 Trust is not simply belief, but the fundamental structure of human relationships.
"Give me your hand", my dad tells me from the ground. My legs quiver slightly from being so high up,but I wasn't scared. Although it was a significant way down, I was never afraid of falling because I knew my dad would catch me. If I slipped, which sometimes happened, I never once hit the ground, but instead was caught in supportive arms. I was used to this routine by now because my dad would often take my sister and I to the same park whenever there was nothing to do at home. Every time we went, we would run out of the car, racing to climb the same rock and stand atop the flat landing. And, for someone of my size at the time, it felt like the whole world was at my doorstep when I was at its peak. The wind would blow through my hair and I would look down, seeing my dad smiling up at me from the ground. I reach for his hand.
These early experiences of my childhood have taught me the real meaning of trust and the foundation that it should be built on. Trust is not just a belief, but a means to an unbreakable connection, a crucial key to mutual exchange of unfiltered thoughts and emotions. It does not come naturally. Even between a father and a daughter, trust is earned through the demonstration of actions, as my father had shown to me, not through empty words. Words are powerful, can inflict harm or cause joy, but they cannot create sustainable feelings of trust unless backed up by real actions. Humans are both complex and simple, like a closed door that only accepts a key it's familiar with. The one exception to this is if the person behind the door is someone the homeowner trusts. Even if they do not have a key, that person will be let in because of their mutual faith in each other. However, If you knock on someone's door without even trying to form a relationship with them, they will not answer. They might ask "who is it?", but they will not open the door to a stranger.
A strong relationship, contrary to popular belief, is not just built on honesty. In fact, blatant honesty can ruin relationships before they have even begun. Honesty is earned to be given and received, not casually thrown around. I have gone through many relationships that have not lasted due to the lack of effort on both sides to actually learn about the other person. Sometimes, people simply do not mold well together, but people are also never fated. Trust is granted through levels of trial and error, like a video game composed of stages until the grand finale, and the end result is completely worth it. Having a person that you can rely on is a privilege and a luxury to not be taken granted for. Like a game that you spend hours on beating, you would not just delete the game after it's finished. Maybe you would replay it, or keep it for sentimental value. But you won't forget the amount of time and effort put into it. I have cultivated friendships that I know will last because of the effort I and the other person have put into maintaining our relationship, where we both are constantly checking in to make sure we're on the same page. Through communication and hard work, trust can become the most valuable thing in someone's life. And, if trust is lacking, the most detrimental.
10/19/2024 Map & Journey
More than 4,000 years ago, humans have used the sky and the stars. They have traveled according to the constellations, creating their own maps in their minds. They have used the tiny specks of light for myths and religion, through their belief and faith alone. But truly thinking about it, how could they have accomplished such a feat? There was no internet to tell them how to interpret the sky or fancy instruments yet invented to dissect the fundamentals of the universe, just their own eyes and will to understand, to learn something wholly unknown and foreign to them. Imagine that. How much willpower does it take to try to understand something someone has no answer on? That may not even come to fruition? Take the bottom of the Pacific Ocean for example. No one knows all the species and ecosystems that live down there, and it's scary to think about even trying. Yet humans in prehistoric times have accomplished such a triumph through their own accord, without someone else telling them to do anything. The reason why is because they had a purpose guiding them, a desire for survival and for fulfillment. With their knowledge of the behavior of the sky, their agricultural practices became more efficient, and countless stories were told based on the constellations, bringing humans together. And look at society now. We have long moved on from reading the landscape above, replacing them for savvy phones and GPS apps that tell us where we want to go at the click of a button. However, even though as a society we are technically more advanced on a collective scale, the average person would not be able to understand the sky as humans have done so long ago. Generations now are instead losing their path, blind to what they really want and susceptible to the outside influences weighing in; ads telling you to buy this, politicians telling you to believe that, society telling us who we are and what we should be. Those things don't matter, material possessions and false securities. They deter us from finding our own path and journey, something that everyone has to do to be satisfied. We need to look from within, not out. Otherwise, we will all be constantly chasing something, unknowing what it is that we really want.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is this: you are the answer. A simple phrase, yet it proves to be challenging to truly believe it. Especially now, with the rise of mob mentality and lack of collective intelligence in the world, I'm afraid of becoming a zombie, a state that many have become victim to. They live through the same routine everyday, unaware of where they are and what they want to achieve. They conform to the pressures put on them by others, failing to take control and action of their own lives. No purpose, no meaning. Life cannot be lived without these two factors. Purpose gives us strength to push forward, and meaning fuels our desire to do so. The two are not interchangeable, they are one. Without purpose, meaning ceases to exist. And without meaning, there is no purpose. I find inspiration and solace in the fact that humans are capable of great things, such as reading the stars, and I want to achieve such success and fulfillment as well. Otherwise, I won't be able to help my community, or give back to my parents and grandparents who have sacrificed so much for me.
When I first heard about journalists, people who shine light, similar to the way the stars have done for humans in ancient times, on current events for the public, I was in awe. Throughout history, journalists have played an integral part in bringing awareness to issues around the world, evoking change and facilitating the exchange of ideas. They had a purpose to document and share information, and a reason to do so; the world needed change so they created just that. A risk taker and a reformer. I also want to be a leader pushing society into the right direction, a path opposite of empty words and facades that politicians and corporations hide behind. The media has become increasingly censored, and empathy has become something similar to a foreign concept. I want to guide people into believing that they are capable of change as well, of confidence and courage. You are the answer. When people tell you otherwise, it only gives you more opportunity to show them that you are.
11/2/2024 Heung
Koreans are known for being hard workers. History alone shows the evidence of that. From the numerous invasions, wars, and horrific trauma that has been endured by Koreans, it is in our blood to always persevere, to fight against oppressive forces. I see it in the news today, with the protesting performed by Koreans against oppressive authoritative figures. And I see it in my family around me, my grandparents and parents who came to America with only their dream for a better life. We fight for what we believe in, no matter the odds against us.
The determination to push through challenges has embedded in Korean culture the importance of community. This is seen with the traditional Korean song, Arirang, which has transcended across time, beginning during the Joseon Dynasty and continuing on to modern day. It is a song sung to it's fullest potential together, unifying Koreans across generation to one. It continues to translate feelings to rhythm and melody, with it's ability to express either sorrow or joy. Sorrow from the hardships that have been faced and joy that we survived. The timeless essence of Arirang allows connection to strenghten; a grandparent can sing this song with their grandchild, because although they may have lived through different periods of time, they can acknowledging the history of the past they both share. From persisting through Japanese imperialism to horrific war crimes, we have become even stronger. The relatvity of ariang today demonstrates this.
Uniquely to Arirang, the song can be played at different tempos and still serve it's purpose of unifying generations together. When the song is played at a slow pace, the song can express feelings of sadness, comforting those who have experienced pain and suffering, while at a faster pace, the beats of the heart become faster and our adrenaline ruses to keep up with our excitement. I remember when watching the music videos of the two different styles of Arirang, I could read the emotions passing through the faces of the audience singing together. It elicits the body to move according to the speed, swaying slowly in a harmonious motion or jumping up and down erraticaly. Arirang encompasses the true dynamic between han, generational sorrow, and heung, unified joy. Heung is not something as surface level as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but rather the acknoledgment of how far we have come and will continue to go. Sadly, pain cannot be erased, but it can be shared and alleviated. Sometimes, words are not enough for this, but with music such as Arirang, the hard times become easier to acknowledge, and solace can be achieved.
11/16/2024 Authenticity of Humans
Contrary to popular opinion, emotions are not the distinguishing factor that makes humans human. Humanity has not gone this far, has not been labeled the only intelligent beings on earth, because of emotion. In fact, it is because of our capacity to hold consistent willpower to keep pushing forward that distinguishes humans from other animals and A.I.. This is how society has been able to function and flourish thus far. Unfortunately, however, this key principle is being constantly challenged by those that only want to expand their own wealth, status, and power. Those that want to breeze through life, by cheating and taking advantage of others. People that chase only after temporary desires are overwrought by their emotions, which is why they cause harm to themselves and the people around them. Emotions are a crucial part of human identity, as they can form the intentions behind our actions that start processes and progress . But the most important ability of humans is consistent willingness and effort to keep those emotions in check. These are the true factors that fuel and preserve connection, drive, and growth of one's self and society.
Society cannot be run by kindergartners, who let their ephemeral feelings drive their actions. This will only lead to chaos in a world that needs structure and strong leadership to run. In other words, stability, something that is not constantly changing and disappearing, as emotions are. If we only acted on fleeting sentiments, everything that past generations have taken so long to build will come crashing down: autonomy, trust, and fulfillment. In their place will come violence, corruption, and war. This is not just a theory, but happening now in reality. Confirmation bias and mob mentality has been an increasingly rising trend, and if we keep on moving at this rate, nothing will even be left to save. Politicians are spreading false lies, intentionally sparking panic among the public so they can utilize it to their own gain. This is why it is so vital and needed to keep our emotions regulated, so that we do not become blind followers of something that leads us to our doom.
A polarized country will get nowhere, but splinter forever until chaos breaks lose. A good leader is one who understands that in order for a community to thrive, we need each other, not just a single high power or selfish authorities, but reliance and dependence on our family, neighbors, and country. Take the Great Depression, for example. The failure of banks, especially local ones that served their communities, went bankrupt because people no longer had incentive to trust that their money was in a safe place and extinguished their accounts This panic and lack of trust in the bank and the economy further increased the country's poverty and inability to get back on it's feet. With trust, however, which is formed through experience and effort, we can all collectively utilize the opportunities we have the ability to create and grasp. But only with willingness will we be able to do so, something that all humans have the power to act upon.
11/30/2024 How to be Irreplaceable?
The Game Theory is a complex yet simple concept of making decisions based on logic and past experiences, specifically when other subjects are involved. Within this theory, competing players must think critically about their next move, weighing their options and staying flexible to possible outcomes. Every decision is crucial. In other words, to come out as a winner, you have to be a problem solver. You have to have past experiences and know when to change directions and always, at all times, look ahead. To anticipate what might happen next, because nothing is ever guaranteed nor 100% predictable. This is something that A.I. cannot replicate. A.I, an advancing technology that is only improving each day, relies soly on linear thinking. It's answers are limited to what is already existing and known in the world. It may have endless information, may never be swayed by personal feelings, but it is not versatile. In the real world, there is never a clear right or wrong answer, it is about knowing your environment and situation, which humans are wholly capable of doing. History in itself has shown this. From the major global viruses to the oppressive dictatorships that have plagued the world, humans have always found a way to keep on going.
Unfortunately, one of the fatal flaws of humans is their tendency to prioritize the comfort and feelings of the present instead of the future. For example, the familiar saying of "I'll do that chore later, or complete my work some other time" is something many have fallen victim to doing. However, in this increasingly cut-throat world, this type of mindset will never be sufficient enough to survive. Especially with the elimination of crucial programs such as DEI, we have to be constantly calculating and using our time efficiently. Specifically, minorities and individuals born with less opportunities have to now work harder than ever, to get something close to a chance at success. Thus, the motto, work now, rest later, is something to constantly live by. Otherwise, we become expendable and forgotten in the face of A.I. This type of thinking is even used in larger areas such as international relations, as countries have to facilitate strategies that take in account the changing economies, governments, and policies of both their opponents and allies. Countries that don't do this succumb to greater powers, and those that do come out on top.
Integrity and ethics are two of the most crucial principles that need to be adopted when making decisions. An irreplaceable person is someone that knows the values of these two qualities, because like the trait of flexibility, A.I. doesn't understand such moral concepts. The ability to understand the means to true human connection and build sustainable trust is something so unique to humans, that a computer cannot even come close to ever replicating.
12/7/2024 The Education System is Failing Us
Throughout my learning career, I have encountered both passionate teachers and unbothered teachers. It is the same for my fellow peers, as there are some that know their ambitious dreams and goals, and those that care only about their grades, if that. The root of this issue is hard to identify, why some people carry motivation and passion, while others fail to do so. Is it the fault of the individual and their upbringing, or the way the education system is run? I believe it is a mixture of both. Although it is up to one's own responsibility to give their best effort and adequately prepare for the future, a limiting environment is no less a factor of the loss of creativity and willingness in students.
Education, for many decades, has been taught and evaluated through the standardization of tests and assignments that follow a linear curriculum and rubric. Although in the current age, every student is able to access basic skills through the school system, many do not actually actively engage in the lessons unless they do further research on their own time or with outside materials provided by their parents. This is especially promoted because of the grading method, where it is not about learning, but rather about memorizing, cramming information, and rereading flashcards over and over to get the best result on an exam. Thus, naturally everything learned is forgotten by the next unit. And this type of mindset is sometimes encouraged by the teachers as well. When I asked my teacher a question about the class's topic, I was given the answer, "Don't worry about it. It isn't on the test." Students have come to adopt such ideals because the system is set up in a way that their grade they receive is a direct indicative of their level of intellectualism, or they believe so. In other words, whether they are an A, B, C, and so on a student. These may just be letters, but to a student, the letter they receive is the only thing that matters.
There needs to be new ways to foster learning without the use of short-term exams and an uncompromising grading scale. A possible solution for teachers to adopt is to assign hands-on projects and interactive lessons that facilitate a students' desire to learn and exercise skills such as critical thinking. More specifically, ones that stress the finding of new perspectives and ideas, to stay open and aware. Unfortunately, it would be difficult to design a new grading system to replace our current one, since bias and personal judgment would have to play a part. But in a way, that is already happening, or perceived to be happening, as students and parents are actively voicing their opinions or opposing values onto teachers, believing themselves or their child was wronged. So, what really needs to be evaluated is the effort the individual provides into the present task. In that way, there would be no competition against one's peers but themselves, which would allow them to grow as a person and understand their true vision in life.
Knowledge is power. Otherwise, we become ignorant to who we are and where we are. We become stuck, without knowledge. Everything becomes out of our control, and thus we depend on higher authorities, people who have only their self-interests in mind. Since the dawn of history, an individual's level of education has determined their value to society, how they were appraised and seen. With education, although this is not always the case, comes more stability, security, and fulfillment. The future is bright, and unlimited. Without an education, we become easily silenced, which is why it is so important to reform our school systems and engage in movements protecting our right to learn and make a change. To reach new opportunities, we have to start at the beginning, and everything begins with knowledge.
1/4/2025 Responsibility, Reflection, & the Importance of Empathy
Empathy is the basic principle, or critical root, to a harmonized society. And, as exemplified by nature, without secure roots, plants shrivel up and die. And without plants, ecosystems become in a disarray, until only one species survives to the end. The world is constantly changing, but empathy is something that will always remain important. Unfortunately, individuals are increasingly disregarding the true meaning of empathy for temporary emotions, when in reality, these two ideas should exist in tandem. Extreme individualism, or selfishness, is changing emotion from a language of connection to a language of self-justification.
Although the main cause of the loss of empathy within the world cannot be pinpointed to one factor, there are a few core reasons to why this is happening. First, the failing education system, that lacks the curriculum and teaching structure to teach the importance of working together, in harmony. Nature vs. nurture may be one of the most debated arguments, but it remains true that both are valuable in the shaping of an individual. In the case of nurture, environment plays a key role in influencing our actions and mindset. Through our childhood and adolescence, the most crucial period of cognitive development, we spend most of our time in a school setting. Thus, it is very important that what we are learning in school and how we are taught to think translates to our behaviors and attitudes as we get older and enter the real world. Especially since this directly affects the security of society, whether it will collapse or flourish. As the Trump administration is getting rid of the Department of Education and stopping the funding of learning institutions and foundations, our ability to emphasize and understand our reality becomes threatened. To think critically, we have to be taught the ways to navigate complex conversations and abstract themes. Those in authority know this and are intentionally hurting the fundamental roots of society holding us together, which is why we must persist in the fight for our freedom, our right to learn, and our right to demand reform, such as change within our education systems.
However, nurture, or the environment, cannot be solely to blame for the rising trend of ignorance and the attraction towards momentary pleasures. There needs to be intentional, expended effort by an individual if they truly seek to integrate empathetic ideals into their lives. This can be categorized as nature. Knowing and taking the steps to implement this will not just be for the benefit of society, but for one self as well. Otherwise, true human connection and the sharing of introspective thoughts that fuel a person's will to achieve their ambitions will be unattainable. In a sense, knowing empathy is being in tune with one's emotions, because only then can we seek to understand the emotions and thoughts of others. In Henry David Thoreau's piece, "Where I Lived, and What I Lived For", Thoreau stresses the dangers of false perceptions and submitting to the glamour of temporary fears or pleasures. We need to embrace reality, to see things clearly and live with meaning. And to reject momentary feelings, so that only then can we live through a fulfilling and harmonized life with ourselves and others.
If this still remains unclear, the vital place of empathy within our lives can also be seen through the logical sense. The reason why society has laws is so that everyone, no matter their background or identity, can have the same opportunities. Although this is not fully the case right now, especially with the elimination of DEI and the unfair deportation of people within the United States, laws do serve a purpose despite the many critiques about our legal systems. Without laws, it becomes a battle of the "survival of the fittest", or a battle of the assets and social connections. This is why laws are so important for a society. And, in order for such policies to be successfully implemented, there needs to be adequate trust and faith in its ability to create a fair game board. Credit, for example, is only able to exist because of our trust in the credit system. Everything ties back to empathy, trusting and caring for each other to the point that we make choices not just for our own self, but for the well being of our community. There is no debate about that, and if there is, then the world we reside in and the standard of living we enjoy now is in crucial danger.
1/18/2025 Democracy
Democracy is a self-fueling system that not only establishes the foundation presenting humans with their basic, unalienable rights, but also creates an opportunity to develop themselves as a contributor of change. This framework built on autonomy applies to their own individual lives and the communities around them. However, in order for this system to function properly, the individuals under it most uphold their responsibilities as parts of a whole. In other words, they must exercise a willingness to preserve the very thing that allows them freedom to lead and follow, which can only occur if there is complete belief in their personal voices and ability to unite together.
A common misconception is that democracy leads to equality for all, whether it be through the context of representation in the government or smaller areas such as standard of living. Unfortunately, this glorified version of democracy is not entirely true; people are able to enjoy equal chance at opportunity, but the ways that they achieve such goals and the resources they have prior access to significantly differ from person to person. This is due to the inevitability of inequality within a society, a phenomenon that will never change unless human civilization were to be completely eradicated.
Thus, as aforementioned, it is in the hands of the people to sustain a democratic system that consequently protects them in return, especially minorities, from the constraints of society. There is both a privilege and responsibility to be reckoned with if there is any chance of maintaining a true democracy, where differences can both coexist and assimilate together.
2/1/2025 Effort
When asked about what effort means to an individual, the generic response is that "effort is the exertion of hard work to achieve desired results". However, this disjointed view of effort does not entirely encompass the scale of such a term. At its core, true effort is a process that an individual embarks on to achieve their own success. This journey includes both the stages of triumphs and challenges, with paths that are neither linear nor clear, but subsequently lead to the perseverance to try, fail, and try again. Such repetition of overcoming doubt and setbacks is for the garnering of self satisfaction, reflection, and improvement, not for the validation of others or a constrained goal.
Thus, effort that is sincere is a continuous, never-ending phenomenon that may steer off the initial intended course, but never loses its original meaning. Concrete belief of one's ability is the primary factor that fuels determination and unrelenting attitude to achieve success; without it, there exists only meager attempts, or developments that will never come to fruition. Generally this stems from the practice of carrying out an action solely due to the encouragement or pressures of others. Within this context there can never be self-enlightenment, which is crucial in understanding one's own purpose or ambitions that lead to true intention behind a decision.
As with most circumstances, guidance is only a crucial component in the beginning, until the learner develops their own knowledge and interpretation of their teachings. From there, it is truly up to one's own capability and will to carry out the right steps towards their goals.
2/15/2025 Connection
The bond that is fostered in meaningful relationships is unparalleled to anything else. Especially if such a bond has been formed on the cornerstone of differences that were recognized and overcome. There is true greatness in the way that humans, who have been born to different backgrounds and customs, can still manage to foster a connection with others. The ability to create a unique space in the relentless world with familiar faces founded through mutual trust, support, and presence is no small feat to achieve.
For some people, connecting with others may prove to be difficult. However, enduring such a hardship to seek sincere connection is better than forming superficial relationships. Otherwise, there lacks any point for such effort to be expended in the first place; it is not about what a person can get from a relationship, but to cultivate a mutual exchange of giving and receiving. If such relationships were easy to develop, there would be no purpose of connecting with others at all. The special value lies in the perseverance and will of both parties to maintain what is dear to them.
There is also merit in connecting with oneself, a relationship that is arguably the most important in an individual's life. When one is not in tune with their own personal feelings or ambitions, then they will never truly be able to sustain a deep bond to another person because of self-inflicted barriers holding them back. Therefore, connection is important both to oneself and to others in order for growth to occur and fulfillment to be achieved.
3/1/2025 Knowledge
Knowledge is not about the information or experience one gains from a single lecture or lesson; rather, it is really about having the ability to go beyond the basic answers given and reaching one's own conclusion. With the way the current education system is structured, every student receives the basic, mandated curriculum of their respective school districts. Through this system, they are not learning or developing knowledge, but instead becoming machines that can only take linear approaches to problems or challenges presented to them. In this approach, their mind's capacity to form new perspectives and think critically is actually decreased, limiting them from seeking beyond.
However, being able to truly decipher or question something is when the power of knowledge is applied. Both an individual's environment and character are factors that determine whether they have the adequate skills to do so. As aforementioned, these two parts are intrinsically linked, as the education system that children and teenagers are subjected to, groups which are in their most influential stages of cognitive development, are not formatted to utilize their full potential. Thus, it is up to one's self to question what they believe to have already mastered or identified.
In other words, it is not the amount of knowledge one has because knowledge cannot be measured in such simple ways. In reality, what we know and how we perceive the world is constantly changing. This is a critical phenomenon or pattern to occur, because only then can we truly utilize knowledge as a means to reflect on a previously viewed concrete answer, and redirect to a more deeper understanding. There is no right or wrong, just a never ending path of reinterpretation and utilization of prior ideas to a new perspective.
3/15/2025 Conclusion of Democracy, Effort, Connection, Knowledge
From democracy to knowledge, and the terms in between, the overarching lesson is to question everything-- to think deeper and more critically. Everything in our life has meaning, but our choice determines whether we are satisfied with the standardized definition given to us, or goes beyond such simple-minded thinking. This can be broken down into the term of problem-solving, which is also a concept that is misinterpreted by many. When thinking about problem-solving, our brains automatically think of the addition or multiplication, but in reality, problem-solving is the removal of the problem, instead of adding a solution. Within this landscape, the excess, unneeded information is taken away and the truth is revealed. Otherwise, how else can we differentiate ourselves from A.I.? An artificial machine that is taking over our jobs and worth in society? The speed of the world is constantly increasing, and to keep up with it's place, we also have to do our part in educating ourselves and overcome the innate human tendency to gravitate to the most convenient path. Willingness characterizes humanity, but humans are not always willing. But fortunately, there exists a possibility to be.
3/29/2025 Problem-Solving
A problem is fostered through a mental dilemma that becomes increasingly larger until it can no longer be ignored and a nagging feeling within the chest develops. Everyone experiences problems, ranging from the standard universal obstacles such as family conflicts and economic hardships, to the more unique ones that pertain to each individual's environment and ambitions. However, the attitude towards approaching a problem and the strategies adopted to remove such limitations differ from person to person. This is due to the fact that everyone's expectations for their lives are different; there are some that dream farther than their current circumstances, while there are some that want to cruise through life, without any stress or anxiety that comes with thinking of one's future. A common misconception of what a hard-working person looks like is that such an individual is constantly looking forward-taking the steps to the next best thing, like picking attractive fruits on a tree. However, a person that actually understands how to solve a problem, and thus the one that truly overcomes adversity, is one that utilizes critical thinking. In other words, a person that reflects on their past actions and deciphers ways to improve their past mistakes. Who moves past momentary satisfaction and analyzes how a person has reached the state they are in now to reach farther, not relapse into old habits. The standard solutions presented by society are most often not enough, or only temporarily solve an issue; to truly remove a problem is to first understand the root of the cause from all angles, to attempt numerous solutions that may fail but can be improved each time they do. That way, an issue cannot only be solved, but deeply understood and prevented in the future with the aid of lessons gathered from the process.
As aforementioned, everyone's expectations and experiences are distinct to them self. In my case, one challenge that I overcame through my own accord and efforts was the fear of judgment, specifically through writing book reviews. From the moment I mastered the ability to read, my love for exploring new worlds and perspectives has been ever growing. Through the years my appreciation for reading and books has expanded to new forms; instead of just merely reading, I now derive joy from watching other individuals sharing their own opinions on a piece of literature, author interviews, and following the Booker International Prize updates each year. And through this expansion of just reading, I developed a desire to also be one to not simply read, but to also share my personal insights and opinions on the texts I have written.
Unfortunately, such a task was not as easy as I initially thought. When sitting down to write a review, I realized good interview wasn't solely sharing my opinions of my enjoyment levels, but actually examining the underlying themes, characterization, quality of writing, and what question the author was trying to answer or present. Because a good writer does not just outright state the message of their stories, but hints at it throughout the book; it is up to the reader to grasp the hidden meanings.
In order to really learn how to write a good book review, one that I knew would be released to an unpredictable abyss, that's to say an audience I was unfamiliar with, I became a reviewer of the review; instead of just looking at a piece of literature or it's review as an outsider, I inserted myself as a part of it. I joined the story or review as if I was participating first hand-investigating the language, implied concepts, and intentional nuances-and upon those experiences, I pushed more and more sincerity into my words, ultimately translating to my reviews that became more thoughtful and unique to me.
This constant feeling I felt throughout this process, a mixture of hesitation and frustration, which is still ongoing challenge I am navigating, pushed me to solve a weakness I saw in myself, and improve something that was originally lacking. I didn't want to wait for my skills to develop through external factors such as English classes at school, but internally and of my own effort.However, I am still not satisfied, no matter how much my confidence has risen. Through continuing reading more and within genres outside my comfort zone, such as authors like Toni Morrison, Han Kang, and Patti Smith who's themes are quite abstract and require deeper thinking, as well as searching for more interviews and reviews, I am constantly expanding my mind and fulfilling my want to express my love for reading and contributing to conversations that are both perceptive and subjective, which are sometimes the best forms of connection and framework for the building of communities.
4/12/2025 The Human Condition, The Wild Robot Analysis
When trying to explain the human condition, it is essential to begin with where an individual's identity originates from and how they have shaped it in the present. When the bird leaves it's nest for the first time, their identity is no longer as a helpless child waiting for their parent to drop food in their mouth, but as a fierce animal that can hunt it's prey with their own speed alone. In other words, humans need to always move forward in order to grow and improve; otherwise we become stuck in the nest created by the items provided to us, which are more often than not, insufficient. The movie "The Wild Robot" is a perfect example of this. The story begins like this; Roz, a robot programmed by humans to monotonously carry out assigned tasks without feeling or emotion, finds herself alone on an island without her previous masters. Instead of being rooted in the same spot, an attractive option when in a circumstance that is foreign and unknown, she forms a relationship with a baby goose, an outcast on the island like herself, and takes on the role of being his mom. Throughout the majority of the movie, Roz tries again and again to help the goose learn how to fly so that he can migrate safely with the other geese before the coming winter. This is not an easy task. With clumsy wings and weak confidence, the goose is doubtful. However, Roz does not give up; in fact, even after losing one of her legs, she still keeps the goose's best interests in mind because she knows what values are important to her. Along this journey is where her true, sentient self begins to form.
However, only at first glance does this movie seem to be about just Roz. In reality, one of the most compelling characters, or one the audience can see themselves most in, is the fox Flink. At the beginning of the movie, Flink, like all the other animals, subject Roz and the goose to hurtful remarks to intentionally make them feel like an outsider. He does this to make himself feel better, as he has never experienced the love he recognizes among Roz and goose. This all changes when he sees the effort that both Roz and the young goose implement into ensuring that the goose learns how to fly. He witnesses courage, vulnerability, and dedication of both beings. He experiences the true meaning of endurance as the goose trains harder and harder each day, beginning unable to even get off the ground to carrying heavy rocks in the air and flying across open water without any safety net. As aforementioned, Flink was always used to solidarity, being on his own without anybody's help and without helping others. However, when he develops a first-hand account of true effort and consequentially triumph, his approach to life completely changes. This is seen in the scene where a particularly dangerous winter threatens the lives of all animals on the island. As Roz gathers all of them into one space for their safety, the animals immediately start fighting, categorizing themselves as prey and predator; their identity that they were born into. Flink recognizes that fighting will not get them anywhere; not near cooperation, and certainly not survival. So, he delivers a heartfelt, impactful speech that is not built on charisma or airs of superiority, but one where he recognizes his own past faults and establishes the truth of the moment. Which is, that they might have their own instincts to kill each other and constantly fight, but in the present, they all have the common goal to surive the harsh winter. At that moment, Flink became a leader through his honest attitude though utilizing what he learned through Roz and the goose.
4/26/2025 Superhero
Each mode of transportation, whether it be trains, airplanes, or ships, are constantly moving back and forth in order to transport people, resources, and ideas. Rarely do these vehicles stop moving; there are always more things to move and projects to finish. Arguably, transportation serves as one of the primary backbones of civilization. The reason why is because of its reliability to always complete its purpose; even if there are difficulties or delays, the train or airplane will keep on moving. Much is the same way for superheros, whose powers not only give them more stamina physically and mentally, but also allow them to develop experiences that force them to either persevere or hide. In other words, the only reason why superheroes are "powerful" is because of their efforts to always move forward and aid those that are less fortunate.
What many people fail to recognize is that repetition leads to change. From a surface-level view, doing the same thing each time seems illogical, a waste of time. However, reality proves that the case is much different, and repetition is the key to breaking out of restricting continuities. Real repetition is not just "practice makes perfect", it is about the mindset that is applied throughout the process. Superheros would not be heroes if they never learned how to effectively use their powers, Whether it be super speed, flight, or teleportation, each ability needs to be tested, weighed on a scale of capability and extent of control. As obvious as it may be, a superhero is not powerful if they fail to exercise their power, which they may have come to innately hold, because then they simply become just like everyone else. And most individuals are powerless, much to their own accord. As of the current, the majority of people remain in a state of inaction, repeating the same days with no external or internal progress. Those people are not satisfying the needed criteria for true repetition. Instead, they are exercising ignorance and laziness. With no goal or means of underlying motivation, then there is no progress, and no change.
But are superheroes strictly ones that we seen in movies? Those with supernatural abilities that automatically set them apart from others? Depending on your perspective of the definition "superhero", the answer could go either way. However, in my opinion, superheros are the people around us that seem to go unnoticed, but actually are lifting us up everyday. Those that quietly move through life, slowly leveling up but never flaunting their triumphs or bringing other down. A great example is a mother and her never-ending contributions to her family. From morning to night, day to day, and year to year, moms are always taking care of their child, expending both emotional and physical energy into making sure their children are loved and cared for. In that way, the question what makes a superhero a superhero becomes totally pointless. There are no qualification, because those that are truly superheros have no epic action scene, a big moment where they save the world. Showing up each day and giving your best, while slowly but steadily gaining momentum towards a bigger target destination, is what a superhero truly is. They never lose sight of the personal values.
However, there can not be only times of moving forward, which repetition emphasizes. There also needs to be periods of reflection. As constant as trains, planes, and ships move, there are also always times of grace, where maintenance checks are done and the pilots can rest. Thus, repetition and reflection go hand in hand, or, rather, must fundamentally coexist together for advances in life to be experienced. And this reflection includes not only on past successes, but also of failures, because how else will we be able to escape the stagnation of the past, whose hold relents against meager attempts of escape. So change and repetition. Polar opposites, yet they are as intrinsically intertwined as a superhero is to their power, whatever ability that may be.
5/3/2025 True Confidence
Where does confidence originate from? And how is it evaluated? For starters, there are two types of confidence; one that is fake, and one that is authentic. Despite the seemingly black and white categories differentiating true confidence from one that is merely a facade, it can be difficult to identify the differences between the two, specially for those that are blinded by their habits of self-absorption and personal deceptions.
From the very beginning of our existence to our inevitable end, our life is built on the foundation of relationships. The ways in which we interact with those around us, both familiar and not, are direct indicators of how we choose to live our lives. In other words, it is about how we present ourselves and how we are perceived. Thus, the major misconception that confidence lies solely within the belief of the individual, is inherently wrong. Or rather, such an idea is dangerous; this mindset creates limitations that hold us back from reaching our true potential, of applying true meaning into our lives and actions. Life Is not meaningful without community. Extroverted or introverted, loud or quiet, every person desires a sense of belonging--whether they recognize it or not. So, what use would confidence only recognized by the self, whether real or false, would provide in the grand scheme of our existences?
Now, how is true confidence achieved and how is it acknowledged by others? It begins with failure. Frustration. The encompassing feeling of defeat and anxiety of the future. Then, once that moment passes comes reflection and evaluation of our mistakes and what we can do better to reach out goals. We must move on, but we must not ignore or reject the past losses, because then we will never learn what to avoid in the future. Finally, the newfound desperation to overcome what has caused us such distress should be applied, again and again until success. However, confidence is not built through mere time and practice, but through urgency of trial and error. In this process, our faith and trust in our actions gains enough strength to withstand unprecedented events or situations that test the weight of our confidence.
Once our effort is recognized by others, then confidence is truly applied. Because this means our vision that we have built for ourselves through our own conviction alone has translated into an ability to influence and lead others, which was the main purpose all along, because we are members of our environment and community. We cannot just follow, but guide. And when we do, the trust we receive in return is always worth the obstacles that no one else sees.
5/17/2025 Personal Vision Statement
"Kaci"!, my mom yells. "Go get the broom and sweep those spider webs in the corner". I readily do as I'm told; I hate having to sweep the webs up, but I hate it even more that they seem to always reappear no matter how many times I get rid of them. Maybe if I sweep them more quickly, the spiders will know to stay away.
I am 17 years old and the broom within my family's home is older than me. It has gotten rid of over a thousand different spider webs from the span of many years, among three different homes. I never gave this fact much thought. It was only until recently, as I was finally able to see past my annoyance for spiders and their webs that catch in my hair and hide in the crevices of my basement, to fully appreciate spider webs in their full capacity. Spiders are resilient creatures, and their webs are even more so. Each night, spiders take on the task of spinning new webs in order to catch their prey, secure a safe shelter, and lay their eggs. These webs are complicated, much more than just sticky, gross substances humans often view them as. In fact, spider webs are composed of two crucial parts; radial threads and spiral threads. The radial threads serve as the foundation of the web, allowing stability in face of external factors such as wind, rain, and other natural disturbances. The spiral threads, on the other hand, allow for the sticky residue that catches other bugs in order for the spider's survival. When we see spider webs, it is never just one spiral, but a million of them.
Life should be treated the same way. In my opinion, a human's start to their full potential begins in the classroom. I use the term "classroom" loosely; it could mean an individual's school, home, or even imagination. The point is, wherever learning occurs, that is where one's "web" starts to develop. As aforementioned, webs aren't made of just one spiral. Education should be taught and learned in the same way. Each and every core subject--most notably being mathematics, humanities, and finance-- are important for the success and fulfillment of humans. It is easy to quickly dismiss a subject out of disinterest or lack of passion. However, the contributions that they provide should never be taken for granted, but fully embraced.
Mathematics, for example, is not just numbers. It is a whole language. Languages, used in the term that we are familiar in, are complex and differentiate widely from each other. More specifically, each language has a different grammatical structure, where subjects, nouns, and verbs are placed. However, mathematics is clear and concise, where simply x equals y. In other words, based on reality. This is why it is strongly relevant in our life, as it is used in technology and services that transcend regions and are used everywhere. Explained through this lens, mathematics is akin to a universal culture. In addition, every person advocates for control of their own life and their independence. But if they are unable to understand the metrics behind the systems they rely on everyday--statistics, probabilities, taxes-- how will they survive is such a fast-paced, digital world? We use math to make sense of reality through navigating possibilities. It is not about the surface-level action of reaching an answer, but understanding the process of how one reaches an outcome and ruling out negative ideas to reach the correct one.
Humanities is of equal importance. Unlike mathematics, I never struggled with generating passion for subjects such as English, history, and philosophy. As the name suggests, humanities are built upon the basic foundation of the human condition; our history, relationship dynamics, the systems and beliefs in which we live by. It is crucial to understand and actively learn both mathematics and humanities because they strengthen different skills. Although both subjects utilize theorizing and hypothesis, humanities have more room for interpretation and critical thinking gained not through just logical reasoning, but one's own experience.
Last but not least, finance is significantly relevant to the current time period we are living in. The economy impacts the lives of humans in every way, stripping or boosting opportunities. To gain adequate knowledge regarding how to utilize, save, and invest your money for both the present and future can influence an individual's life in so many ways. The saying "money can't buy happiness" is, of course, in some aspects true. However, financial literacy can whole-hardheartedly lead to a happier life.
In order to map out one’s entire life is not an easy task, as it isn't easy for a spider to constantly spin their webs throughout the night. However, for any establishment you need to begin by deciphering the core values that will serve as the foundation of such a journey. Throughout my life I have always been a consumer of stories, real or fictitious. It began in the classroom during the early stages of my education, where teachers would hold sessions of reading aloud to the class. I have always had a strong imagination, but this is where it truly began to develop and grow. From this interest in books and stories translated into curiosity of learning more and thinking deeper. Why do authors write what they do, and why is it so important to read at all? To read diverse and subjective books? Before I truly understood the answer to this question, I had difficulty wrapping my head around why I should continue my hobby of reading. I have always been the type of person to feel guilty about doing something I considered “unproductive”, or didn’t see any value in how it would help me grow as a person. But as I read more and more, not just novels but also memoirs, articles, and author interviews, I realized there is something to gain from every reading experience. Good or bad. Not only are you exposed to hundreds of new perspectives and ideas, but you also gain a sense of reality through a different lens, primarily by connecting stories on paper to actual experiences.
Thus, these simple yet impactful lessons that I gained have significantly contributed to the reason for studying English in college as both an undergraduate and graduate in the coming years. I won’t confidently say that I will change the lives of others as writing has done for me, but I will state that I believe there is no other direction as fulfilling as the one I am planning to take. More specifically, I want to be a journalist that focuses on global issues and civil discourse to circulate more knowledge within the desensitized, over-censored media and news industry. I see clear problems with the way information is spread in the present, which is why I have confidence in the purpose of my aspiring career.
As for other areas of interest that I want to pursue, one of them would be teaching English abroad for a couple of years even if such a job would be temporary. I believe a person can never truly facilitate a concrete understanding of different cultures or places without proximity to its actual environment. And, as I aforementioned, as someone who loves learning different outlooks on various aspects of life, living in foreign country to teach something I enjoy would fulfill that passion. In addition, continuing to volunteer at the library, if my future schedule allows it, is definitely something I am aiming towards. The library has always been my place of undisturbed focus, which is why I want to give back to libraries as much as I can, especially now in a time where funding is being cut back and books are getting banned by the government. Lastly, I have always shared my own commentary on the books I have read through online platforms such as Goodreads and Storygraph, which I would like to continue. However, instead of just book reviews, I would like to broaden my topics towards more discussions on social issues through the Substack platform, which is increasingly growing with more users.
Some may find solace in numbers, others in chemical formulas, but my life lies in the hands of words. Although I recognize their equal magnitude in regards to the skills and possibilities a person needs to succeed in the modern day and will continue to practice and seek more education within such fields, my area of striving expertise will be within english. The saying “actions are more powerful than words” is something I don’t entirely agree with, as I believe words are an action of themselves. We have the ability to influence simply through our voice in a powerful way, and to exercise such a gift is a luxury. Free speech and education are worth protecting, which is why these aspirations for my life are goals I am aiming to reach everyday.
5/31/2025 Everything in this World is Language
A single window is all that is needed for a room to transform from a lifeless box into an environment that can communicate with the outside world. It can completely change the atmosphere from bleak to hopeful, yet the nature of such a change isn't that grand if seen at face value. It is about the little details that go unnoticed that significantly influence our mood and thoughts. Imagine this: sunlight filters in through the glass, its transparency a unique property allowing the illumination of a dark room. Streaks of light hit the desk, reflect off a mirror, and make minuscule dust motes floating in the air visible to the eye. A chance at life is created in an otherwise isolated setting. In such a room plants can thrive, warmth can be felt, and sights can be seen. One single window, a world of opportunities.
Language is of a similar case. From birth, our brain works to find methods of effective communication, often beginning by adopting the mannerisms of our parents that turn into our foundations of connection later in life. This language can come in all forms; it could be words, music, dance, and more. The term "language" is versatile and has no boundaries. Yet what we learn from our parents is only a baseline structure for how we communicate; the ways in which we phrase our sentences and convey our point to others consistently change as we grow older. In other words, it is how we live our life that is then translated into the personal philosophies we develop through experience and thus how we foster relationships with the people around us.
Patterns are everywhere. Our brains take in our surrounding either consciously or unconsciously, influencing our behaviors and how we interact with others. For example, from a young age we learn that holding the door for others or saying "bless you" when someone sneezes is common courtesy, and therefore extend the action when faced in the same situation. However, there is a fine line between fulfilling the role as a member of a group and over-conforming to the standards set by society. The simple phrase of "I know" or "knowing" has lost it's value over time. Many people use it to discourage a conversation from going further, refusing to challenge a belief that is already held to stay where things feel most comfortable. Unfortunately, with the direction that the world is going, which is increasingly becoming in the presence of intelligent machines that can mimic human behavior, we must not neglect what has historically made humans, humans. The most crucial factor that distinguishes humans from A.I and other animals is the fact that we can reflect and predict with confidence. It is not about the information that one receives, but how that specific person processes it. Can they identify why something occurs, and why it matters? And when the reason or problem is identified, can they overcome the potential discomfort it brings?
My closet is filled with pieces that aren't mine. Clothes circulate from my mom, aunt, and my sister down to me, as I am one of the youngest in my family. These clothes aren't new or shiny, yet they hold the history of a time before me. In fact, many have loose threads, holes, and even a few stains that aren't detectable at first glance but upon a closer look can be seen more clearly. Yet, when I wear these clothes, as opposed to the overpriced ones I buy from the mall, I feel more myself. This has caused me a lot of contradiction, because these blouses and pants were simply given to me, not something that I personally chose. Therefore, how could these pieces contribute to my own style, one that is separate from my family? The reason is because I am a direct product of the experiences of my family, and when I wear these hand-me downs given to me by the women closest to me, I carry on their legacy while adding my own personal touch. One of my favorite pieces is the soft, buttery yellow sweater that my Mom wore on the first date with my Dad, which now hangs on my clothing rack. I wear this piece on special occasions such as birthday celebrations or family gatherings. A button is missing and the sleeve is slightly ripped, yet these little details are capsules of a period of time that I have never experienced, yet am connected to. Without this sweater, I may have never been told what their first meeting was like, and thus the beginning of their relationship would be completely unknown to me. Having the privilege to hear these stories and see a piece's fading color and loose stitches from being well-worn and loved contributes to my understanding of how my relatives have got to the point where they are now. It is hard to identify where stories originate, yet with simple "artifacts" like a worn shirt, memories can be shared. And, when I am older, I will pass down my own clothes to the family members that come after me. My younger cousin, who is currently 2, has already received some of my dresses and sweaters I wore when I was her age, carrying a part of me with her. The cycle continues, and that is how history is carried on.
This all connects to the main point that patterns serve as a form of language, and everything in the world is made up of them.
9/6/2025 More than Emotion
"Humans are nothing without emotions". This statement is both inherently true and false at the same time; it is true a main component of humans is their ability to feel expressions such as happiness, anger, and fear, yet this concept is not what makes humans unique from other animals. People tend to emphasize humans as empathetic beings that have the capacity to understand the emotions of others; however, more often than not, it is these very emotions that get in the way of relationships that last or connection to be lost. In other words, in order to avoid responsibility or feel support in times of hardship, people take advantage of their emotions to garner sympathy from others and escape their problems.
This phenomenon is what stops the progression of humanity and makes a society unstable. A system cannot be trusted when ephemeral emotions, or biases, are determining the fate of our lives. Instead, rational reasoning and critical thinking is needed for a community to function. In history, it is evident that wars, conflicts, and violence have all been started upon the refusal of humans to reach compromises because of their sense of superiority or prejudice. On the contrary, advancements such as technology, the concept of human rights, and justice are created based on a will to progress, not reverse back into the resentments of the past.
Mob mentality is causing trauma. Generational trauma, a brainwashed society, or materialistic values emphasized over real connection. These are all examples of where collective intelligence has been lost, and momentary impulses control our choices. When we let our panic overtake us, the future becomes jeopardized. Everything is connected, as seen with the concept of the "butterfly effect". It is not rational thinking if we believe our choices made in the present do not have any consequences down the line. It is easy to believe in our actions as insignificant, as we are simply one person in a world that has over 5 billion people. But patterns repeat, and if the cycle is never broken, there truly is no hope for future generations.
Although emotions are unreliable, they are still a crucial part of human identity. because it gives humans the spark that sets off motion. What they do with those emotions, which is fleeting and temporary, changes everything. If they catch and foster them through willingness to turn such desires into desperation, then that is humans utilizing their talents at their true capacity.
A specific example that I have experienced where emotions have overtaken reasonable thinking is during my shift at a bubble tea shop. Customers are constantly coming and going, and for the most part, many are kind and even spark up conversations from time to time. However, there is always an outlier every shift, one that complains about the time it takes for their drink to be made or how their flavor wasn't to their expectation. This is a common thing in American culture, where the customer is always right and the server is wrong. However, if the customer only acts on their disappointment or disgust, and believe in their prejudice over the worker, decent respect between humans is lost.
At the end of the day, almost every person part of a society is trying to reach the same goals. Obtain a stable, successful income and live a fulfilling life. From what I observe at work every few days a week, I can tell that people let their biased thinking convert to the language they express to other people in a blatant manner. Society should not be built on these principles. There needs to be a certain level of acknowledgement of the need for responsibility to act with respect towards others, to not let temporary feelings cause rude remarks or shut down potential connection.
Furthermore, in my perspective, it is my role to learn to overcome whatever hurt or shame I feel when a customer does something like this. If I were to give up and quit, I would be losing a part of my humanity. Thus, every time I step into work, I acknowledge the possibility of being subjected to judgement or anger, and do my work diligently anyway. Any frustration that I work towards putting down, because it would only hurt myself and nobody else.
9/20/2025 Qualification & Existence
Modern society functions on the mindset that qualification cannot coexist with existence. This way of thinking has been prevalent in the past, especially after the global emergence of neo-liberalism in the 1980s, a system that prioritizes competition and awards results rather than the process, and is becoming stronger in the present. Prioritizing qualification is dangerous -- born out of the ideas such as the search for external validation, ignorance towards reality, and push for convenience, there is no way for the average person, one born without enormous privilege and wealth from birth, to live a fulfilling life without the constant nagging thought of I need to survive.
Whether it be in education, the workforce, or relationships, evaluation based on how much one can memorize, what credentials they can provide, and how fast they can complete a task is dominating anything else. Therefore, individual worth has been lost and seen as useless. Or rather, a sense of purpose is no longer prioritized. If society continues to function like this, the key aspects that have allowed humans to get this far, such as meaningful relationships and collaborative cooperation built on trust, will completely crumble, causing the autonomy of individuals to fall. Instead, we become tools to what we perceive as advantageous to our survival and success, not authentic values of connection and trust.
The most important person in every individual's life is themselves. The answer and process one is trying to find cannot be found from external forces, or through the dependence of others. Rather, one's purpose in life should be to strengthen their ability to protect themselves from the systems of society built on eliminating individual passion and reducing people to mere numbers that can be replaced at any moment. It is true that as humans we are part of a whole, or society, but when we lose the qualities that make us unique from others, there is no hope for the future. Mob mentality emerges and collective intelligence is lost. Therefore, when describing what the purpose of life is, the only answer is to better oneself to help the ones around you. In other words, there must be hope to strive for more than what is already preexisting, or else we become stuck and live through the constant loop of meaningless practices that benefit only the ones that are already sitting at the top.
10/18/2025 AI Mirrors the Nature of Humanity
When looking in the face of artificial intelligence, humanity is mirrored. Society has created the idea that A.I. is rational, level-headed, and beyond being influenced by biases. However, the characteristics that separate A.I. and humans aren't as distinguishable as we may think--and the reasons why may be surprising. Humans have the capacity to think and act autonomously. Although the concept of "free will" can be accepted or rejected, there is no doubt that we have the ability to make judgments, predict outcomes, and act accordingly. A.I. might not exist in the physical world, but it's increasing influence will have impacts that go beyond merely acting as a product to human demands, but in disrupting systems and policies that do not account for it's existence. Questioning how to move forward is not about how we can adapt A.I. to incorporate it into our lifestyles, but if we are even ready in the first place for discussions of ethics that the very developers are choosing to ignore.
Self-driving cars are popping up in cities around the United States, and it's only a matter of time before they become a standard feature everywhere. Immediately, issues within this system are prevalent; the most obvious problem is that it will take away opportunities from traditional cab drivers. However, the underlying issue is what will occur when an accident happens. More specifically, when another person is injured as a result of the self-driving car, who is to blame? A.I. could be held accountable, but any real sense of justice would not be achieved. Likewise, A.I. isn't legally part of our society, so there would be no way to evaluate their actions in the first place.
Thus, we must look towards who is programming these machines. There is a widespread misconception that A.I. , unlike humans, does not have any biases because it simply answers in response to what it is asked to do. Yet, in order to be coded in that way, a person has to have given them instructions underlined with their own attitude, beliefs, and values either consciously or unconsciously. If a developer does not care about the future well-being of society, neither will A.I.. It's indifference to human functioning is the thing that makes it most human.
11/9/2025 Hand-to-Hand Combat of the AGI Era; Humanity after the Collapse of Order
Humanity has reached a crossroad with Artificial Intelligence. No longer a simple "chat box" performing simple calculations and baseline requests, AGI has advanced rapidly into a near autonomous being. The very thing that was once at the beck and call of humans has become a machine capable of taking our jobs, opportunities, and survival. Through the capacity to retain endless amounts of information, produce results faster than one can blink, and develop self-improving functions and algorithms, there is seemingly no way for humans to compete.
Already, this has become a phenomenon taking away the livelihoods of individuals. This past October, over 150,000 people in the workforce were laid off because they were rejected for A.I, a faster and more cost-effective method. There was no way around this situation; anyone in the position of a boss or manager would choose the "logical" cheaper and reliable choice because we live in a society that prioritizes efficiency and convenience, not empathy. As a result, the order and structure the humans know today will crumble in the future--one that isn't as far as we think. Technology rapidly advances while the institutions within fields such as education, healthcare, transportation, finance, public administration, and more continue to be inconsistent and stagnant. There is no backbone existing in society to withstand the unintended consequences of A.I. and AGI.
Humanity is limited by some of their greatest tools: language and time. As knowledge is exchanged between individuals or a group, there remains a high possibility of the main point to become distorted due to subjective interpretation. Interpretation is important for the facilitation of innovative ideas, but in many contexts it leads to more harm than good. Circumstances resulting from miscommunication and delayed progress can arise, limiting humanity's capacity to increase our intellectual achievements. Likewise, time is also a great limiting factor because of the possibility of knowledge being lost. Without effective communication to pass down information, when the source of the idea dies it cannot be recovered. On the other hand, AGI transcends these boundaries of language and time, with their infinite capacity to output and input answers. Their memory is like a bottomless pit: endless and meaningless.
We are stuck in a paradox. The more AI progresses, from AGI to ASI in the future, humans will be compelled to think less, opting to rely on the knowledge already at their disposable with one click. Civilization disregards their previous ethical and moral values, placing fate in the hands of the new AI era. Thus, the question of how to stop this seemingly inevitable outcome from occurring becomes a pressing issue. For this the root of the human condition must be closely analyzed. Humans have a flawed memory, but it is that characteristic that gives birth to meaning because to remember effort must take place.. Perhaps it is this fact, which exposes the difference between humans and A.I., that will sustain our dignity.
11/16/2025 What Is Leadership in the 21st Century - Completed Paper
I. The Nature of Judgement and the Structure of Human Behavior
Knowledge is not absolute. The term, "I know" has lost its meaning over time, instead acting as a means to close a door to further learning. Therefore, now "knowing" has been distorted into understanding only parts of a reality. In actuality, the ability to predict and interpret what is known by connecting existing variables together is when an individual possesses true expertise on a subject. It is not about consuming as much information as possible, but a deliberate process of how to reorganize pieces into a way that is digestible and usable. In other words, it is the judgement one exerts on their current circumstance, and evaluating how to utilize such observations and knowledge to their needs.
II. The Importance of Attitude
A single window is all that is needed for a room to transform from a lifeless box into an environment that can communicate with the outside world. It can completely change the atmosphere from bleak to hopeful, yet the nature of such a change isn't that grand if seen at face value. It is about the little details that go unnoticed that significantly influence our mood and thoughts. Imagine this: sunlight filters in through the glass, its transparency a unique property allowing the illumination of a dark room. Streaks of light hit the desk, reflect off a mirror, and make minuscule dust motes floating in the air visible to the eye. A chance at life is created in an otherwise isolated setting. In such a room plants can thrive, warmth can be felt, and sights can be seen. One single window, a world of opportunities.
Language is of a similar case. From birth, our brain works to find methods of effective communication, often beginning by adopting the mannerisms of our parents that turn into our foundations of connection later in life. This language can come in all forms; it could be words, music, dance, and more. The term "language" is versatile and has no boundaries. Yet what we learn from our parents is only a baseline structure for how we communicate; the ways in which we phrase our sentences and convey our point to others consistently change as we grow older. In other words, it is how we live our life that is then translated into the personal philosophies we develop through experience and thus how we foster relationships with the people around us.
Patterns are everywhere. Our brains take in our surrounding either consciously or unconsciously, influencing our behaviors and how we interact with others. For example, from a young age we learn that holding the door for others or saying "bless you" when someone sneezes is common courtesy, and therefore extend the action when faced in the same situation. However, there is a fine line between fulfilling the role as a member of a group and over-conforming to the standards set by society. The simple phrase of "I know" or "knowing" has lost it's value over time. Many people use it to discourage a conversation from going further, refusing to challenge a belief that is already held to stay where things feel most comfortable. Unfortunately, with the direction that the world is going, which is increasingly becoming in the presence of intelligent machines that can mimic human behavior, we must not neglect what has historically made humans, humans. The most crucial factor that distinguishes humans from A.I and other animals is the fact that we can reflect and predict with confidence. It is not about the information that one receives, but how that specific person processes it. Can they identify why something occurs, and why it matters? And when the reason or problem is identified, can they overcome the potential discomfort it brings?
III. Differences Between Natural and Human Patterns
"Humans are nothing without emotions". This statement is both inherently true and false at the same time; it is true a main component of humans is their ability to feel expressions such as happiness, anger, and fear, yet this concept is not what makes humans unique from other animals. People tend to emphasize humans as empathetic beings that have the capacity to understand the emotions of others; however, more often than not, it is these very emotions that get in the way of relationships that last or connection to be lost. In other words, in order to avoid responsibility or feel support in times of hardship, people take advantage of their emotions to garner sympathy from others and escape their problems.
This phenomenon is what stops the progression of humanity and makes a society unstable. A system cannot be trusted when ephemeral emotions, or biases, are determining the fate of our lives. Instead, rational reasoning and critical thinking is needed for a community to function. In history, it is evident that wars, conflicts, and violence have all been started upon the refusal of humans to reach compromises because of their sense of superiority or prejudice. On the contrary, advancements such as technology, the concept of human rights, and justice are created based on a will to progress, not reverse back into the resentments of the past.
Mob mentality is causing trauma. Generational trauma, a brainwashed society, or materialistic values emphasized over real connection. These are all examples of where collective intelligence has been lost, and momentary impulses control our choices. When we let our panic overtake us, the future becomes jeopardized. Everything is connected, as seen with the concept of the "butterfly effect". It is not rational thinking if we believe our choices made in the present do not have any consequences down the line. It is easy to believe in our actions as insignificant, as we are simply one person in a world that has over 5 billion people. But patterns repeat, and if the cycle is never broken, there truly is no hope for future generations.
Although emotions are unreliable, they are still a crucial part of human identity. because it gives humans the spark that sets off motion. What they do with those emotions, which is fleeting and temporary, changes everything. If they catch and foster them through willingness to turn such desires into desperation, then that is humans utilizing their talents at their true capacity.
IV. The Interactions Between the Human Condition and Social Structure
Modern society functions on the mindset that qualification cannot coexist with existence. This way of thinking has been prevalent in the past, especially after the global emergence of neo-liberalism in the 1980s, a system that prioritizes competition and awards results rather than the process, and is becoming stronger in the present. Prioritizing qualification is dangerous -- born out of the ideas such as the search for external validation, ignorance towards reality, and push for convenience, there is no way for the average person, one born without enormous privilege and wealth from birth, to live a fulfilling life without the constant nagging thought of I need to survive.
Whether it be in education, the workforce, or relationships, evaluation based on how much one can memorize, what credentials they can provide, and how fast they can complete a task is dominating anything else. Therefore, individual worth has been lost and seen as useless. Or rather, a sense of purpose is no longer prioritized. If society continues to function like this, the key aspects that have allowed humans to get this far, such as meaningful relationships and collaborative cooperation built on trust, will completely crumble, causing the autonomy of individuals to fall. Instead, we become tools to what we perceive as advantageous to our survival and success, not authentic values of connection and trust.
The most important person in every individual's life is themselves. The answer and process one is trying to find cannot be found from external forces, or through the dependence of others. Rather, one's purpose in life should be to strengthen their ability to protect themselves from the systems of society built on eliminating individual passion and reducing people to mere numbers that can be replaced at any moment. It is true that as humans we are part of a whole, or society, but when we lose the qualities that make us unique from others, there is no hope for the future. Mob mentality emerges and collective intelligence is lost. Therefore, when describing what the purpose of life is, the only answer is to better oneself to help the ones around you. In other words, there must be hope to strive for more than what is already preexisting, or else we become stuck and live through the constant loop of meaningless practices that benefit only the ones that are already sitting at the top.
V. The Direction of Future Society and the Demand for New Leadership
Humanity has reached a crossroad with Artificial Intelligence. No longer a simple "chat box" performing simple calculations and baseline requests, AGI has advanced rapidly into a near autonomous being. The very thing that was once at the beck and call of humans has become a machine capable of taking our jobs, opportunities, and survival. Through the capacity to retain endless amounts of information, produce results faster than one can blink, and develop self-improving functions and algorithms, there is seemingly no way for humans to compete.
Already, this has become a phenomenon taking away the livelihoods of individuals. This past October, over 150,000 people in the workforce were laid off because they were rejected for A.I, a faster and more cost-effective method. There was no way around this situation; anyone in the position of a boss or manager would choose the "logical" cheaper and reliable choice because we live in a society that prioritizes efficiency and convenience, not empathy. As a result, the order and structure the humans know today will crumble in the future--one that isn't as far as we think. Technology rapidly advances while the institutions within fields such as education, healthcare, transportation, finance, public administration, and more continue to be inconsistent and stagnant. There is no backbone existing in society to withstand the unintended consequences of A.I. and AGI.
Humanity is limited by some of their greatest tools: language and time. As knowledge is exchanged between individuals or a group, there remains a high possibility of the main point to become distorted due to subjective interpretation. Interpretation is important for the facilitation of innovative ideas, but in many contexts it leads to more harm than good. Circumstances resulting from miscommunication and delayed progress can arise, limiting humanity's capacity to increase our intellectual achievements. Likewise, time is also a great limiting factor because of the possibility of knowledge being lost. Without effective communication to pass down information, when the source of the idea dies it cannot be recovered. On the other hand, AGI transcends these boundaries of language and time, with their infinite capacity to output and input answers. Their memory is like a bottomless pit: endless and meaningless.
We are stuck in a paradox. The more AI progresses, from AGI to ASI in the future, humans will be compelled to think less, opting to rely on the knowledge already at their disposable with one click. Civilization disregards their previous ethical and moral values, placing fate in the hands of the new AI era. Thus, the question of how to stop this seemingly inevitable outcome from occurring becomes a pressing issue. For this the root of the human condition must be closely analyzed. Humans have a flawed memory, but it is that characteristic that gives birth to meaning because to remember effort must take place.. Perhaps it is this fact, which exposes the difference between humans and A.I., that will sustain our dignity.
11/23/2025 Creative Thinking: The Possibility of AI That Better Understands Humans (The Role of Language -- The Potential of Korean) In progress
The Korean language has unique characteristics that distinguish itself from most languages following an action-centered structure. More specifically, Korean is relationship-centered, where the order of subject-obect-verb (SOV) is present. This major shift in grammatical structure leads to the expression of emotions on another level, and, possibly most notably, provides a structure in which emotion can remain through subtlety and precision. To put this into perspective, when I talk to my grandmother, we share a connection through words. A few years ago she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and is unable to converse on a level as she has done before. When I call her, the one sentence she never fails to say is "와, 체린 머리 진짜 길어졌네". In Korean culture, it is custom to note the changes in one's physical appearances to acknowledge how they have grown over time. This is her way of showing me that she loves me, because