From the Executive Director
Dear Readers, I am delighted to introduce to you Volume 12, Issue 2 of Fulbright Korea’s Infusion literary magazine. In tandem with Volume 12, Issue 1, this second issue of Infusion represents the sincere expressions of Fulbright grantees, both past and present, as they explore opportunities, overcome challenges, and engage in honest, open reflection concerning both themselves and their surroundings. With the program year coming to an end, this second issue of Infusion also fittingly provides an occasion for us to stop and ponder once again all that has been achieved and all that is yet to be achieved whether in the U.S., Korea, or elsewhere. The literary and artistic achievements represented in this issue are just one facet of all that Fulbright grantees have accomplished during the past year. Whether lecturing, teaching English, conducting research, or completing graduate studies, Fulbright grantees worldwide have been making an impact in their own communities and around the globe for over 70 years now. The Fulbright Program in Korea will reach its own 70th anniversary shortly. As we draw nearer to the closing of one decade, and the opening of another, let us draw strength from how far we have come while recommitting to the pursuit of a future in which mutual understanding and cooperation will ever grow in strength. Important to this future are the voices of students, and I am pleased to have among the excellent work highlighted in this issue pieces by not only Fulbright grantees but also their students. Established in 2014, Open Window displays the creative talents and English skills of Korean students taught by grantees in the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program. As I consider the student work showcased in this issue, I am doubly proud of both the students for their hard work and dedication, and of the teachers for their encouragement and belief in their students. Giving a voice to the gifted students and grantees featured in this issue are the dedicated Infusion staff, who put much thought, time, and energy into producing such an insightful and enjoyable issue. To them, and the many authors, artists, and photographers who gave of their talents, I extend my sincere thanks and congratulations. May we all find new inspiration for the future as we contemplate the stories and images shared within these pages of Infusion. Warmest Regards, Jai Ok Shim Executive Director Korean-American Educational Commission
From the Embassy
Welcome to the second issue of the 12th volume of Infusion. Since its inception in the late 1940s, the Fulbright Program has been an integral part of U.S. foreign relations. Even in our networked digital world where Korea leads the way on 5G, there is no substitute for personal interaction, what 20th-century journalist Edward R. Murrow called “the last three feet” of communication. It is individuals like each of you, not data streams, not AI, who ultimately build the connections that in turn create lasting international partnerships. I am proud to know that the legacy Fulbright program participants are creating now will be the source of even closer ties between the United States and Republic of Korea. As Fulbright celebrates its 70th Anniversary, it becomes increasingly clear that our most important resource is all of you. We have said so in this space before, but I would be remiss not to express the Board’s thanks to Mrs. Shim Jai Ok for her extended service to Korea-U.S. relations at the Korean-American Educational Commission (KAEC). She sets a high bar for us to meet in Fulbright. Fortunately, we believe we have found someone who can build on that legacy in Professor Kwon Byung-ok, who will be the next Executive Director of the KAEC starting later this summer. Dr. Kwon’s extensive experience in academic and business fields will help shape and implement an array of Fulbright programs in line with our vision to promote mutual understanding between our two nations through cultural exchange. I am truly excited to see what new developments are in store for the future of Fulbright in Korea. Sincerely, Mitchell Moss Minister-Counselor for Public Diplomacy Embassy of the United States of America Chairman, Korean-American Educational Commission Mitchell Moss leads the Public Diplomacy section in Embassy Seoul in planning and executing its strategic communications and outreach efforts.
From the Editor
Dear Readers, As the grant year draws to a close, it’s hard to believe that those first days that seem like yesterday were actually 12 months ago. We have encountered varying challenges, made choices and changes that have come to define our year, and had rewarding experiences that made it all worth it. Here we stand on the other side of a year, more confident in our abilities as teachers and people. Jess McKay and Pel Doski both write of what they’ve learned and gained from students in their poems “Dust” and “Jewels”, respectively. Somehow we have transitioned from the days of uncertainty to a new perhaps equally daunting stage: saying goodbye. These goodbyes make it clear that the memories we made in Korea will stay with us long after we leave, as Robert Cavaluzzi alludes to in his two poems “Chewing” and “Bamboo”. We are also proud to include the work of a former grantee and Editor-in-Chief of Infusion, Paddy Shea. Through his piece titled “Oman Won”, Paddy shows us the power that people have on our lives and the long-lasting impact of family—however we come to define it. This issue offers us a space to reflect on our year, from the feelings of sadness that may overcome us as Pel Doski touches upon in another poem titled “S.A.D.” to the moments of joy that radiate from the love we create with others as seen through Mailé Nguyễn’s “Spring Rolls”. We hope this issue creates an opportunity for you to honor the relationships that have come to define your time here in Korea. It has been a true honor serving as the Editor-in-Chief of this magazine, and I have this amazing staff to thank for its success. Their diligence and consistent efforts are what made this issue possible, including Open Window’s workshop that guided talented high school students through selecting and editing the student pieces presented in this issue. I am also grateful for KAEC Executive Director Jai Ok Shim and Executive Assistant Heidi Little’s steady support in our efforts. Lastly, I would like to thank this year’s cohort. Wherever you may be off to next, please go with the knowledge that the people you have befriended here and the experiences you have had will carry you through your next adventures. I hope you all enjoy Volume 12, Issue 2 of Infusion. Sincerely, Lauren Lin Editor-in-Chief