Ji is a Korean native who came to America at the age of eight. Although adjusting to a different culture can be difficult, Ji said it was simple because she was so young. Growing up just outside of Philadelphia, Ji attended an English as a second language program for two years while in elementary school. During her time at Bluebell elementary and middle schools, and Wissahickon High School, Ji embraced her new culture to the full extent.
When it came time to decide on a college, Geneva appealed to Ji for many reasons. Having grown up in a Korean community, she wanted to attend school where she would be surrounded by different ethnicities. Ji was also looking for a small institution. After coming here, though, Ji was most impressed by how Geneva impacted her faith. “After taking the Bible classes, I realized how meaningful faith and God were to my life,” she says. Ji explains that she has continually felt God’s presence in the campus atmosphere and that has helped her grow into her faith.
Ji decided early on that she wanted to be involved in many activities at Geneva. “I’m called a ‘social butterfly’ around here, and I do not mind at all,” she says. “I love everyone here. They all care, especially the professors and faculty.”
Serving as a multicultural educator for the Multicultural Student Services office for the past two years, Ji has also helped educate the students on campus about different cultures. “Geneva has made me appreciate my cultural identity as a Korean-American and sparked my interest in spreading cultural awareness which is why I became a multicultural educator on campus.”
Ji says that she feels right at home at Geneva. As a matter of fact, she recently passed her citizenship test and has become the first U.S. citizen in her family.
And as graduation day approaches, Ji says that because of Geneva, she is not the least bit worried. “I’m not nervous at all to graduate in the spring because of our career development center, and all of the connections I have made while I have been here. Also, I know now more than ever that if I trust in the Lord, He will guide my steps.”
by Julia Schademan ’13