Essay* by Jeanie Kim

Growing up as a Korean-American in the US was complicated. I grew up insecure aboutmy appearance, identity, and culture. I asked myself, “Should I call myself an American or aKorean?” At first, I wanted to claim an American identity because I am a U.S.-born American.However, I felt that I didn’t look like a typical “American”. I thought that maybe I shouldcategorize myself as Korean since I have dual citizenship with Korea-born immigrant parentsand I look Korean. Internally, I shot this idea down too because my mind and way of thinkingwas not “Korean” enough. I wanted to fit into only one