I had the pleasure of getting to know Jee hyun Lee the other night during my writing class.  I found her to be so very fascinating not only in her life experiences as a young child in South Korea, but also her passion and enthusiasm for her chosen field of study; Nutrition with a minor in Psychology.  Here is an irony... my chosen major is Psychology with a minor in Nutrition...  it's amazing how circumstance brings people with the same like minded philosophies together.

Something I admire most about Jee hyun, she is grasping the opportunity to learn abroad here in the U.S. as an exchange student.  At her age I hardly left the borders of Pennsylvania let alone travel to another country.  Also at her age, I had no idea of the direction I wanted my life to take.  Jee hyun seems to have a very specific target in mind.  "Help people understand the benefit of good nutrition to better improve their abilities to live healthy lives"

Jee hyun spoke to me about the fact that many in South Korea are influenced by the media and it's effects on the culture and the need to be thin.  Her experience in the U.S. has been somewhat different, in the U.S., obesity seems to be an epidemic and she is interested in using her studies to understand the nutritional deficiencies that lead to obesity and the psychological and/or genetic components involved. 

At this point of the conversation, our talk shifted from less of an interview to more of a in depth conversation of the topics that have captivated both of us.  Psychology and Nutrition.  How funny is it that though generations, cultures, and oceans separate us we find a common interest.

So, this young woman from South Korea, who traveled first to the U.S. at the age of 8 years old, returns once again far from her family and much loved Yorkie, "Pepper", to pursue her passion in Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. at Cedar Crest College.  I wish her many blessings and I'm sure Jee hyun Lee will be very successful in anything she sets her mind to achieving.