Help a Third Culture Kid find home
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You might be wondering why I have a gofundme page set up. Let me start by telling you my story...
For those who are unfamiliar with the term Third Culture Kid (or TCK for short), it is a term used to describe a person who has lived in many different countries as a child so that he/she does not feel at home in any country or culture. I was born in Korea: my mom owned an English academy and my dad was working for the Korean government. When I was 2 years old, my family moved to San Diego. We lived there for 3 years and came back to Korea when I was 5. I stayed in Korea until 7th grade, and then I moved to Marlborough, Massachusetts because I was accepted to a junior boarding school.
After living 2 years in Marlborough, I then moved to Thailand since my family was moving to Bangkok, where my dad had been sent to work for 3 years. At this time, my mom sold her English academy in Korea. I went to high school at the International School of Bangkok (ISB). After graduating, I spent my summer in Korea and then directly came to New York to study at NYU after getting accepted. After successfully completing my freshman year, I had to move back to Korea to fulfill my mandatory two year military requirement. I eagerly awaiting my return to school in New York, and in the Spring of 2018, I was able to return to my studies at NYU where I have continued for the last 2 years, until now.
After moving so many times, I used to feel like I didn’t belong anywhere, but spending the last couple of years in New York has caused me to feel a great sense of belonging, especially because New York is full of people like me – those who long for community and acceptance. I finally feel like I found a place that I can call home. Here, I have met many close friends, found a great church, and started volunteering with a non-profit organization on campus called “Bridges International,” where I have met many other TCKs and international students that helped me feel like I finally have a place to belong. New York has given me a chance to plant roots in one place and learn to appreciate my multicultural experiences. It makes me feel normal in a way that no other place previously has.
Bridges International is also another unique reason why I feel at home in New York and at NYU. Bridges is a nation-wide Christian campus ministry organization that focuses on building a community for international students. Being a TCK, I have been able to relate to so many students from different countries struggling to adapt to the American lifestyle, especially in a hectic city like New York. I met so many great friends and mentors through Bridges and I really wish to continue my work at Bridges to display the love of Jesus to many more international students at NYU. Being able to stay and be a part of His greater plan would be more than what I could ever ask for.
Right now, I am in desperate need of financial help to complete the payment for the current semester. I am currently working two on-campus jobs to help my parents financially, but the amount I earn is only enough to cover my own cost of living. As I have not yet completely paid for this semester, I am not able to enroll in the courses for next semester. If I am not able to enroll in at least 12 credits worth of courses by January 27th, my F-1 visa will be terminated and I would have to go back to Korea. I ask for your prayers as I continue to seek and trust God’s direction for my life, and any amount you feel led to contribute is deeply appreciated. Please feel free to contact me if you wish to talk with me about contributions or advice. Thank you so much for your time and any help!
Sincerely,
Edward Kim
For those who are unfamiliar with the term Third Culture Kid (or TCK for short), it is a term used to describe a person who has lived in many different countries as a child so that he/she does not feel at home in any country or culture. I was born in Korea: my mom owned an English academy and my dad was working for the Korean government. When I was 2 years old, my family moved to San Diego. We lived there for 3 years and came back to Korea when I was 5. I stayed in Korea until 7th grade, and then I moved to Marlborough, Massachusetts because I was accepted to a junior boarding school.
After living 2 years in Marlborough, I then moved to Thailand since my family was moving to Bangkok, where my dad had been sent to work for 3 years. At this time, my mom sold her English academy in Korea. I went to high school at the International School of Bangkok (ISB). After graduating, I spent my summer in Korea and then directly came to New York to study at NYU after getting accepted. After successfully completing my freshman year, I had to move back to Korea to fulfill my mandatory two year military requirement. I eagerly awaiting my return to school in New York, and in the Spring of 2018, I was able to return to my studies at NYU where I have continued for the last 2 years, until now.
After moving so many times, I used to feel like I didn’t belong anywhere, but spending the last couple of years in New York has caused me to feel a great sense of belonging, especially because New York is full of people like me – those who long for community and acceptance. I finally feel like I found a place that I can call home. Here, I have met many close friends, found a great church, and started volunteering with a non-profit organization on campus called “Bridges International,” where I have met many other TCKs and international students that helped me feel like I finally have a place to belong. New York has given me a chance to plant roots in one place and learn to appreciate my multicultural experiences. It makes me feel normal in a way that no other place previously has.
Bridges International is also another unique reason why I feel at home in New York and at NYU. Bridges is a nation-wide Christian campus ministry organization that focuses on building a community for international students. Being a TCK, I have been able to relate to so many students from different countries struggling to adapt to the American lifestyle, especially in a hectic city like New York. I met so many great friends and mentors through Bridges and I really wish to continue my work at Bridges to display the love of Jesus to many more international students at NYU. Being able to stay and be a part of His greater plan would be more than what I could ever ask for.
Right now, I am in desperate need of financial help to complete the payment for the current semester. I am currently working two on-campus jobs to help my parents financially, but the amount I earn is only enough to cover my own cost of living. As I have not yet completely paid for this semester, I am not able to enroll in the courses for next semester. If I am not able to enroll in at least 12 credits worth of courses by January 27th, my F-1 visa will be terminated and I would have to go back to Korea. I ask for your prayers as I continue to seek and trust God’s direction for my life, and any amount you feel led to contribute is deeply appreciated. Please feel free to contact me if you wish to talk with me about contributions or advice. Thank you so much for your time and any help!
Sincerely,
Edward Kim
Organizer
Edward Kim
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY