From the Editor
Melissa Kukowski, “Goldfish Market,” Hong Kong Dear Readers, Six months have passed since the latest group of grantees arrived in Korea. Regardless of if it was our first time in Korea or if Korea was like a second home, we knew there would be challenges; we would need to learn a lot. We could not have predicted, however, just how much we would learn about our own identity and that of those in this country. Situated in a foreign environment, we are challenged to view ourselves through a new lens. How fitting it is then that this issue of Infusion is filled with works that reflect our changing perspectives and what we may learn from them. Pel Doski begins our issue with a poem aptly titled “Erudite,” embracing the new knowledge we may gain through this issue and our own time in Korea. We then learn how a new tradition can positively influence our understanding of grief through Carlee Wright’s “Unseen Spirits.” Isabel Moua teaches us about acceptance in an unexpected situation, as her host brother proves to us the universality of love and wonder. We continue with wonderment in a different sense as Jess McKay takes us into the mind of a school bus as it shares the pride it has for its job. Nathan Sieminski follows with a piece about overcoming the forced silence imposed by language barriers in order to create new connections. Next, Kyle Wardwell writes of a bizarre 경험 (kyeongheom)—an experience of thought and intrigue that sparks mid-transit. Finally, Mailé Nguyễn writes a powerful piece on bravery and embracing who we are. We end the issue with an Open Window feature where Korean students share views of their world through art, poetry, and prose. Before I end, some thanks are in order. Thank you to the KAEC Executive Director Jai Ok Shim and Executive Assistant Heidi Little for their endless support and help. This issue would also not have been possible without the 22 amazing individuals that comprise the Infusion staff. Their constant efforts have created an issue of which to be immensely proud. I must also thank our contributors—thank you for sharing your story with us and letting us learn from you. Lastly, I thank you. Whoever you may be, I hope this issue offers you a new outlook as it has for the staff and our authors. Please enjoy Infusion, Volume 12, Issue 1. Lauren Lin Editor in Chief
From the Executive Director
Dear Readers, It is an honor to once again present to you the latest edition of Fulbright Korea’s Infusion literary magazine. As in publications past, the stories, photos, and artwork presented in Volume 12, Issue 1 paint a picture of the Korean peninsula as experienced through the eyes, hearts, and minds of the many accomplished Fulbright grantees and alumni who make up the Fulbright Korea community. It is with pride and gratitude that I consider the over 5,000 active grantees and alumni that have grown to create this community over the course of Fulbright Korea’s nearly 70-year history. Flipping through the pages of Infusion, I am reminded of countless stories from across the years as I see reflected on each page both the newness of today and the accumulated experience of the past. Since the publication of its first volume in 2008, Infusion has served as a space of sharing and reflection on the Fulbright experience in Korea and the countless, diverse ways in which this experience has been felt. Although each grantee’s Fulbright experience is unique, underlying these varied experiences is a common commitment: a commitment to promoting international cooperation, mutual understanding, and compassion through academic and cultural exchange. These values, so vital to the Fulbright program since its inception, have been manifested through the efforts and contributions of so many Fulbright grantees worldwide. As you enjoy reading through this issue of Infusion, I invite you to take a moment to ponder not only the visual and written work presented within, but also the greater goals, challenges, and accomplishments these pieces represent. With that in mind, I would like to conclude by expressing my heartfelt thanks to the authors, artists, and photographers whose talented work is highlighted in the current issue as well as to the Infusion staff who strove diligently and enthusiastically to create yet another successful edition. From the culmination of their efforts, I hope you will find both enjoyment and fresh insight as you are cordially welcomed into their lives through this issue of Infusion. Warmest Regards, Jai Ok Shim Executive Director Korean-American Educational Commission
From the Embassy
Welcome to the first issue of the 12th volume of Infusion. We continue to see extraordinary developments taking place in and around Korea. As Ambassador Harris says, “There isn’t a more dynamic place to serve as U.S. Ambassador, and no better partner for the United States, than the Republic of Korea.” Our relationship is grounded in deeply shared values and interests, which allows us to cooperate on a range of issues from security to economics to science and so much more. People-to-people ties, particularly Fulbright exchanges administered through the Korean-American Educational Commission, form the foundation for all of this cooperation, and by extension this amazing relationship. I would like to extend my congratulations to all those who have contributed to this edition of Infusion. Your writing reflects your experiences, and points the way forward for the long relationship between the peoples of the United States and Korea. Sincerely, Mitchell Moss Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America & Chair of the KAEC