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CA10826 Posts
Both of my parents' families are relatively well off. I have grandfathers and great-uncles that were, and aunts and uncles that are working in the medical field. My dad went to Seoul National University for undergrad and Ohio State for graduate school in engineering. My mom went to Ohio State as well, and received her pharmacy degree there.
But then my dad decided to go to theological seminary, and my mom had quit her job as a pharmacist to take care of my older sister and me. We moved away from New York City to a middle-of-nowhere town, Springfield, Missouri. For 4 years, my parents struggled a lot to make ends meet. My dad's church had a congregation of no more than 10-20. Although my family was poor, as I was growing up, I could never tell. If I had thought about finances back then, the signs would have all been there. Free federal lunch at school, not being able to get that happy meal at McDonalds that I really wanted, etc. Four years later, my dad graduated with his M.Div. from AGTS and a job opened up in Vancouver, WA.
This job in Vancouver was not a highly sought-after position. The church had been around for about a decade at the time, and averaged a new pastor every 10 months. Why? Because whenever they fell out of favor with the church members, they would kick him out. I can proudly say that when my dad left that church (due to reasons I will explain later) about a year and a half ago, he had been the pastor for 13 years.
Due to my dad's occupation, we managed to make connections with fellow Christians wherever we went. As a result, I got highly discounted piano lessons during elementary school and I learned taekwondo for free for over 7 years from 4th to 11th grade. These were just a few of the many benefits we received.
I was an excellent student in elementary school. According to proficiency tests, I read at a 12th grade or higher level when I was in 2nd grade. Things looked to be the same way in middle school, when I was one of 7 people in the 6th grade to finish the year with a 4.0 GPA. However, when I was in 7th grade, my grades suddenly dropped and I got a handful of Bs and even a couple Cs. at the time, my sister was applying to colleges. Due to her good grades and test scores (perfect 1600 on the SAT and 35 on the ACT), she was got into a lot of top universities that were willing to give her a lot of money. I knew that my parents were extremely proud of her, and that motivated me to also do well. I turned it up a notch in 8th grade, and managed to be one of 15 students in the 8th grade class to graduate with a 3.9 or higher cumulative GPA. Some might wonder why so few students at my middle school were getting good grades. I went to the poorest middle school in my district. The school had a poverty rate of about 40%, and over 60% received some sort of reduced or free lunch benefits. With that being said, I believe I received a quality education in the Challenge Program and I am really grateful to the Vancouver Public Schools.
High school was more of the same. I was involved with 15 extracurricular activities (most being 2+ year commitments), and I managed to get decent enough grades (I beat my sister’s GPA by .02!) as an IB diploma recipient to get into universities with generous financial aid. In high school I received reduced lunch; never had a car (or a driver’s license); and never had a cell phone. Most of my peers in my IB classes were from well-off families, and could afford (what felt to me like) these luxuries.
When I got to my university, USC, I was extremely worried. I had already felt that I was poor, relative to my public high school friends and it would just be magnified many times over at a "spoiled rich kid school" like USC. My parents weren't able to afford me any sort of allowance, so I picked up a work-study job and made my spending money that way. I can proudly say that I have never had to ask my parents for money, even for airfare or textbooks during my 4 years at school. It does suck to not be able to go anywhere during spring break, when all your friends are making plans to spend $800+ for a trip to Mexico. But what can you do?
During the 2nd semester of my sophomore year, my parents decided to move from Vancouver, WA, to Atlanta, GA. My maternal grandparents were both having serious health issues (advanced stage Alzheimer’s and degenerative arthritis of the knees and spine). Due to cost, nursing homes were out of the question, so my parents moved into my grandparents’ house to take care of them. When my parents told me about their decision, I decided to stay on campus and work for the summer. At that point in time, I would have just been in the way if I had gone to Atlanta. I worked 3 jobs to support myself. With the money I made from that summer, I was able to pay for everything I needed during my junior year. My junior year, I was selected to be a Resident Advisor, and I am currently holding that position for my senior year, as well. This job provides me with free housing and a monthly food stipend, and greatly relieves the burden on my family to help support the cost of attending university. I’ll be graduating in four years this May, with a double major in Biological Sciences and East Asian Languages and Cultures.
Upon moving to Atlanta, my dad quit his job as a pastor, and is now working full-time to take care of my grandparents. My mom works part-time as a telephone medical and legal Korean-English interpreter. Our current annual income is about $10,000. It’s kind of strange, because up until my parents had moved to Atlanta, it looked as if things were looking up for us economically. We had been able to buy our own home; my sister had finished her undergraduate degree and was working on her Master’s program; and both my parents’ jobs were very stable. It feels like my family has regressed financially, but since I know it was for a good cause, I feel no bitterness.
Things do look good for the future, though! My sister is currently in her 2nd year of optometry school, which is a doctorate level program. After some serious deliberation this summer, I finally figured out what I’m going to do with my life. I’m going to be applying to podiatry school (also a 4-year doctorate-level program)—but not just yet. After graduation, I will take a year off to live with my sister in the Miami area. I still haven’t taken my MCATs or shadowed any podiatrists yet. I will also need to work 20-30 hours a week so I can help pay for rent, gas, insurance, and groceries, and also so I can afford the cost of applying to these schools and flying out for interviews.
Although this blog mentions finances a lot, I don’t care about being rich. I just want to be able to live comfortably so that I don’t have to worry about living from paycheck to paycheck, or not being able to provide for my family. I believe that my parents did an admirable job doing what they could with what they had. They’ve really been an inspiration to me, seeing what they were able to do with so little. I’ve already promised them that once I start making my salary I’ll be sending them a monthly allowance of $1000. And of course, I’m going to make sure they get to travel to exciting places, go on cruises, and in general do things for themselves that they weren't able to do when they were younger.
One thing that has remained constant is that my family has always been happy together. Looking back, even though we didn’t have much, I can’t recall ever being truly unhappy or unsatisfied with what we had. I’ve been fortunate to always have a safe place to sleep at night, food to eat, opportunities to gain further education, and most importantly a loving family. I think an important thing to remember is that although money can definitely make things more comfortable, it alone won't bring happiness or joy into your life.
 
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Brief?.... It'll take a couple minutes to read this.
User was warned for this post.
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Look at me! Look at me! I always understood the blog forum to kind of serve as... well, not this. Anyway, congratulations on being you.
User was warned for this post.
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Aotearoa39261 Posts
You're a stand up guy Lid8! It was a pleasure to meet you back at blizzcon 
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just read it, really inspirational, makes me feel like a lazy failure. fuck League of Legend I need to focus on school instead of treating my dreams as a second priority.
thanks LosingID
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United States37500 Posts
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On January 31 2010 20:32 ShaperofDreams wrote:
just read it, really inspirational, makes me feel like a lazy failure. fuck League of Legend I need to focus on starcraft instead of treating my dreams as a second priority.
thanks LosingID
corrected.
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Interesting read. Reminds me how I take so many things for granted and still worry about money in general.
I really admire how you take/took care of yourself and your family.
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On January 31 2010 20:32 ShaperofDreams wrote:
just read it, really inspirational, makes me feel like a lazy failure. fuck League of Legend I need to focus on school instead of treating my dreams as a second priority.
thanks LosingID
This, you've really made me think hard about some things LosingID8, thank you.
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On January 31 2010 20:32 ShaperofDreams wrote:
just read it, really inspirational, makes me feel like a lazy failure. fuck League of Legend I need to focus on school instead of treating my dreams as a second priority.
thanks LosingID
This.
I can definitely relate to your post, LosingID. My life so far has been pretty much the same as yours.
Really helped put things into perspective for me, i really need to stop doing juuuuuust enough to get me by and actually start putting an effort into things.
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I should be studying for a test I have tomorrow, instead I keep on browsing the internet while feeling guilty as fuck. Now that I read your blog I'm feeling even worse.
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good read, and good work man.
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On January 31 2010 21:04 [DUF]MethodMan wrote:
I should be studying for a test I have tomorrow, instead I keep on browsing the internet while feeling guilty as fuck. Now that I read your blog I'm feeling even worse.
m2! 
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Very nice stuff; I've always taken a strong interest in these types of stories.
More people should post similarly...
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5/5 really motivational post. LosingID8 i admire you for what you have been going through, it must be really depressive not to be able to do stuff with your friends coz you can't afford it. You have a strong personality and you put your goals in first place.
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I disagree about giving your parents money. Better spent those money for your future kids or if not having kids to your sister kids (not giving money but providing clothing/hobbies and such). But of course USA might have different elderly programs than Finland has.
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If your parents are taking care of your grandparents, your paternal uncles are supposed to be sending money to support them.
Supportive and understanding parents help much more than wealthy parents.
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A podiatrist can easily blow $12,000 a year and not worry about money. I am thinking going into podiatry or optometry myself. I am sure I could get into the programs, but I am not sure I want to put life on hold for 5 more years.
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Mh funny, my parents give me all the financial support I could possibly need and I honestly can't remember the last time I was happy.
Oh well, very nice story, gonna get up and do something proper now.
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wow.. your a blessed man! Gl losingID8
was inspired by your story! GL
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im from atlanta. next time im there we should go to buford highway where the tasty mexican, korean and chinese food is. i was down with the korean and chinese kids all through school and got made-fun of (not really, but people called me an 'egg' ). atlanta has a boomin korean scene...
5 years ago i chose to come to china instead of korea (that was before i became obsessed with all things SC t.t). enjoyed your OP... i dont want to give financial advice to strangers but basically it can be boiled down to the simpy truism that "mo' money mo' problems... and jealousy and envy just come with the territory man"
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Keep up the good work man.
Although I hope you don't sell out for orthotics in the future going into podiatry. Start educating yourself now -- it helps to know a lot going in.
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Canada7170 Posts
You are a gentleman and a scholar. It was a pleasure to meet you ^^
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United States4796 Posts
Read this.
Thanks for sharing, and thanks for letting us in.
5/5.
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On February 01 2010 00:09 Bosu wrote:
A podiatrist can easily blow $12,000 a year and not worry about money. I am thinking going into podiatry or optometry myself. I am sure I could get into the programs, but I am not sure I want to put life on hold for 5 more years.
Try not to think of it as putting life on hold. Professional school is just a different phase of your life, and just because you'll be studying your ass off doesn't mean you can't have fun! If you're anything like me, you won't be satisfied with an average career knowing you could have done more. That's why you see so many 30-40 year olds applying to medical schools
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and now i stop being lazy/browsing TL and go do something productive..
Thanks?
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CA10826 Posts
thanks for the kind and encouraging words everyone! i didn't really intend for it to be some sort of inspiring message, but if it somehow inspires you to do something different in your life then all the better! lol
On January 31 2010 23:34 Too_MuchZerg wrote:
I disagree about giving your parents money. Better spent those money for your future kids or if not having kids to your sister kids (not giving money but providing clothing/hobbies and such). But of course USA might have different elderly programs than Finland has.
due to the nature of my parents' jobs, they only money they'll receive is minimal social security (probably around $500/month?). there are no retirement plans for pastors in the korean church, and my mom is a part-time telephone interpreter, which comes with no retirement benefits, as well.
with my sister and i each giving them $1000 a month and their $500 from the federal government, they'll be able to live a comfortable lifestyle that they were never able to experience before.
also, like someone said, $12,000 isn't much for a podiatrist to spend. the average pod salary is well over $100,000. the choice isn't "should I spend money on my parents or my children". i can do both!
On January 31 2010 20:24 RANDOMCL wrote:
Look at me! Look at me! I always understood the blog forum to kind of serve as... well, not this. Anyway, congratulations on being you.
lol, i'm not quite sure what your problem is. i strongly believe that my blog has more substance than 95% of all TL blogs. would you rather read more blogs with minimal content?
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On February 01 2010 05:15 LosingID8 wrote:due to the nature of my parents' jobs, they only money they'll receive is minimal social security (probably around $500/month?). there are no retirement plans for pastors in the korean church, and my mom is a part-time telephone interpreter, which comes with no retirement benefits, as well.
with my sister and i each giving them $1000 a month and their $500 from the federal government, they'll be able to live a comfortable lifestyle that they were never able to experience before.
also, like someone said, $12,000 isn't much for a podiatrist to spend. the average pod salary is well over $100,000. the choice isn't "should I spend money on my parents or my children". i can do both!
Well its not choice its decision. Don't pay $1000 but rather let them live your place if you need to help your parents (with your big salary just get big house) providing food and such. This way your parents can save up money if they need something like holiday. Someway they can still participate some choirs like making food for whole family (feeling like they are still helping you, human nature).
I mean problem is that A) your parents starts greedy and wants more (they can shout on you and such because they know they will get money anyways) B) Your parents gets to be "yes" parents that agree everything to get money from you (perhaps little uncorfortable around you and hesitated to visit your place) C) they get uber lazy and wont do anything because they get money anyways.
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On February 01 2010 00:09 Bosu wrote:
A podiatrist can easily blow $12,000 a year and not worry about money. I am thinking going into podiatry or optometry myself. I am sure I could get into the programs, but I am not sure I want to put life on hold for 5 more years.
It really won't put your life on hold, unless your a social animal who goes out all the time and has a bunch of activities outside of school like..competitive sports.
My cousin just finished 3 years med school in Guatemala, with only a bed and a laptop. Now he's waking up at like 3am to go do hospital training/duties and take knives out of people. Even then if I asked him if these years are wasted it would be insulting, it was/is a big part of his life and an amazing experience.
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LosingID8, I find myself in a similar position, though my current GPA isn't as good as yours was, and it was my highly successful cousin, not my sister (full scholarship to Yale, wtf...) I'm really hoping that I can feel this inspiration, and ride it through to make the GPA I really want. I screwed around so much first two years of high school, having a GPA around 3.2, 3.3. I decided I want to succeed (or not be a bum, as Asian parents determine). I haven't quite gotten there yet, with a 3.8 first semester... But I have three semesters to go, and still the SATs. Thank you for this inspiration. I just hope I can keep it up.
Thanks for the quick bio.
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Work studies are so retarded. upperclassman make me do all the grunt work while they are like "lolol hey boss i have a test tmrw"
me: "oh i have a test too"
everyone: LOL FRESHMAN DONT NEED TO STUDY HAHAHAHA GET TO WORK
T.T
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Thanks for sharing ... makes me wanna study harder =).
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just reminds me how spoiled I am and how much i take for granted
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This... just makes me feel both inspired and extremely guilty. >_<
My parents have worked extremely hard, and I live a comfortable life, but I often overlook the fact that they're amazing for getting where they are. I also feel extremely spoiled after this, not that this blog is bad or anything. Haha, it just makes me feel like I NEED to stand out, and do well. Become successful like my parents, and be able to do well like you. Thanks for that.
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OMG our lives are so similar!!! Except I'm not as smart as you ><
It's so embarrassing as a high school senior without a car, getting free lunch, etc.
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Glad you're happy LID8
Amazing human beings are everywhere on TL!
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Mystlord
United States10264 Posts
:O Awesome blog. Best blog on TL.
Much <3 LID8.
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LID8 You rock hard. You got a great head on your shoulders and are way, way ahead of the game. Mad props to your family too. They might not have raised you rich. But they raised you well.
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it sounds like a somewhat typical case of parents giving up a great life so that they can achieve the american dream (or so that their kids can get a good education).
you're very lucky to have such great parents
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On January 31 2010 20:24 RANDOMCL wrote:
Look at me! Look at me! I always understood the blog forum to kind of serve as... well, not this. Anyway, congratulations on being you.
lol, i'm not quite sure what your problem is. i strongly believe that my blog has more substance than 95% of all TL blogs. would you rather read more blogs with minimal content?[/QUOTE]
I think the point is that there are so many non-blog, low content threads in the blog section that reading a real blog for once feels surprising. Nice read, btw.
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On February 01 2010 06:32 Too_MuchZerg wrote:Show nested quote +On February 01 2010 05:15 LosingID8 wrote:due to the nature of my parents' jobs, they only money they'll receive is minimal social security (probably around $500/month?). there are no retirement plans for pastors in the korean church, and my mom is a part-time telephone interpreter, which comes with no retirement benefits, as well.
with my sister and i each giving them $1000 a month and their $500 from the federal government, they'll be able to live a comfortable lifestyle that they were never able to experience before.
also, like someone said, $12,000 isn't much for a podiatrist to spend. the average pod salary is well over $100,000. the choice isn't "should I spend money on my parents or my children". i can do both! Well its not choice its decision. Don't pay $1000 but rather let them live your place if you need to help your parents (with your big salary just get big house) providing food and such. This way your parents can save up money if they need something like holiday. Someway they can still participate some choirs like making food for whole family (feeling like they are still helping you, human nature). I mean problem is that A) your parents starts greedy and wants more (they can shout on you and such because they know they will get money anyways) B) Your parents gets to be "yes" parents that agree everything to get money from you (perhaps little uncorfortable around you and hesitated to visit your place) C) they get uber lazy and wont do anything because they get money anyways.
I wonder in what house you grew up?
You really tell him to not support his parents with money because they will become lazy abusing slackers?
@LosingID8
you are a great guy and your parents could be proud to have you. It´s ment to be like this. Your parents took care of you until now to make you what you are. Now when your parents are in need of help you do your best to help out like they do now with your grandparents. I am just sry for your father that their plans did not always work out as planned and hope your´s will go fine :D
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Inspirational... it means alot to read that.
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Money's a bitch. I don't think I even care enough to work my ass off for more of it, c'est la vie.
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iNcontroL
USA29055 Posts
Nice blog, nice guy.
I hate to do this because I always do but if I were to remove all references to race reading this blog (and remove me knowing you) I'd STILL know this is an asian writing a blog.
Over emphasis on gpa and class standing. Huge emphasis on family income and overall finances. Promise to support parents with future monthly salary from giant doctorate salary (both kids). Insecurity with other kids getting to spend money etc..
Just a funny note on cultural differences and stereotypes that are based on fairly true generalizations.
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On February 02 2010 20:13 {88}iNcontroL wrote:
Nice blog, nice guy.
I hate to do this because I always do but if I were to remove all references to race reading this blog (and remove me knowing you) I'd STILL know this is an asian writing a blog.
Over emphasis on gpa and class standing. Huge emphasis on family income and overall finances. Promise to support parents with future monthly salary from giant doctorate salary (both kids). Insecurity with other kids getting to spend money etc..
Just a funny note on cultural differences and stereotypes that are based on fairly true generalizations.
Yeah. I didn't even realize most of these concepts existed until college (lower middle class white guy).
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Most of my peers in my IB classes were from well-off families, and could afford (what felt to me like) these luxuries.
the only person i can think of that fits this profile is ellen. i'm sure there were others, but i don't know anybody else from your class. OMGOMG HOW DO I KNOW THIS???? WHO AM I????
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CA10826 Posts
On March 04 2010 17:54 intoyourrainbOW wrote:Show nested quote +Most of my peers in my IB classes were from well-off families, and could afford (what felt to me like) these luxuries. the only person i can think of that fits this profile is ellen. i'm sure there were others, but i don't know anybody else from your class. OMGOMG HOW DO I KNOW THIS???? WHO AM I????
david kim cr '04, columbia '08
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Smix
United States4549 Posts
완전 감동적이었음
Best of luck in all you do <3 I wish more kids could hold the same mindset as you.
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One thing that has remained constant is that my family has always been happy together. Looking back, even though we didn’t have much, I can’t recall ever being truly unhappy or unsatisfied with what we had. I’ve been fortunate to always have a safe place to sleep at night, food to eat, opportunities to gain further education, and most importantly a loving family. I think an important thing to remember is that although money can definitely make things more comfortable, it alone won't bring happiness or joy into your life.
I always believe in food on the table over fancy chairs and homes. Smaller houses bring people closer together...for the better.
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On March 04 2010 18:04 LosingID8 wrote:Show nested quote +On March 04 2010 17:54 intoyourrainbOW wrote:Most of my peers in my IB classes were from well-off families, and could afford (what felt to me like) these luxuries. the only person i can think of that fits this profile is ellen. i'm sure there were others, but i don't know anybody else from your class. OMGOMG HOW DO I KNOW THIS???? WHO AM I???? david kim cr '04, columbia '08
NOOOOOOO how do you know? Haha sup dude.
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It always gets me kind of down to hear about the hardships that a society like America can put people through. Because although many countries are poorer, people there often sound like they have a more stable life with healty priorities, whereas in the USA, without basic welfare, many people a forced to needlessly focus on superficial things such as grades and carreer as a very young ago, not to mention a terrible social system in schools, where it seems that social status is often put ahead of real relationships with other people.
I must say you have made it quite well so far, surviving and managing decently despite the circumstances. I myself have turned into a bit of a lazy fucker, but of course, if forced, I might end up with three jobs as well. I hope you haven't been marked too much by your constant focus on survival, and that you will be able to leave that behind you once you get a stable job. I must admit that your parents' care for you grandparens is quite admirable, although at the same time it appears wrong to me - I personally would insist on living my own life, and don't think I would be able to give it up to support my parents. Then again, I have never been much about family, and some people are happy to stay within these confines for most of their life, whereas bringing new people into the equation is more life-confirming to me.
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CA10826 Posts
On March 05 2010 00:08 intoyourrainbOW wrote:Show nested quote +On March 04 2010 18:04 LosingID8 wrote:On March 04 2010 17:54 intoyourrainbOW wrote:Most of my peers in my IB classes were from well-off families, and could afford (what felt to me like) these luxuries. the only person i can think of that fits this profile is ellen. i'm sure there were others, but i don't know anybody else from your class. OMGOMG HOW DO I KNOW THIS???? WHO AM I???? david kim cr '04, columbia '08 NOOOOOOO how do you know? Haha sup dude.
lol as staff i can see your email address that you signed up with.
whats up yo
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On January 31 2010 20:20 LosingID8 wrote:
Although this blog mentions finances a lot, I don’t care about being rich. I just want to be able to live comfortably so that I don’t have to worry about living from paycheck to paycheck, or not being able to provide for my family. ... I think an important thing to remember is that although money can definitely make things more comfortable, it alone won't bring happiness or joy into your life.
I wish a lot more people thought this way. I feel the exact same way, I'm quite a minimalist. I respect that kind of thinking a lot. I had almost the same upbringing, although my dad is a single parent and really struggled to provide for 3 children. I know I'm going to have a considerable amount of debt out of university and probably no job prospects, but I'm doing what I want to do and I feel great about it. I recently switched from economics to physics/astronomy. I know my GPA won't be good enough due to the incredible difficulty of the subject, so I probably won't be going to graduate schools or anything, but I love what I'm learning and that's fine with me.
Anyways, nice write-up and everything.
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I like the solidarity in your family. I can't depend on anyone in my family without feeling ashamed and guilty. That is probably my own personal problem though. I feel envious of the idea of just being welcome.
Mh funny, my parents give me all the financial support I could possibly need and I honestly can't remember the last time I was happy.
For a lot of people happiness is doing things for others and feeling wanted and useful. Possessions and financial security only make you sad in comfort.
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makes my life seem so bad
haha you're like one of those asians my parents tell me to emulate. good job though, really inspiring. i really like your determination.
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EPT
