In Summer 2025, I was honored to be selected as a U.S. delegate for the 18th Korea-America Student Conference (KASC18), a two-week program in Seoul, South Korea, and New York City. The theme, “Constructing Identity in a Globalized World,” guided our discussions as we explored how cultural, political, and generational forces shape identity across borders.
As part of the Human Rights and Protest Culture roundtable, I researched the role of social media in shaping protest trends across South Korea and the United States. Our group examined how digital platforms not only mobilize activism within national contexts but also contribute to transnational awareness and solidarity. Presenting our findings allowed us to connect theory to lived experiences, highlighting how identity and activism are being reshaped in the digital age. Beyond my research, the conference offered incredible opportunities to learn from institutions and professionals. In New York, we visited the Asia Society and the Korea Society, toured Bloomberg and the United Nations Headquarters, and spoke with representatives from the Council on Foreign Relations and the NYC Mayor's Office of International Affairs. In Seoul, we toured Greenpeace East Asia’s Seoul office and engaged with guest professors and speakers whose expertise expanded our understanding of human rights, environmental challenges, and international cooperation.
Even more rewarding than these diplomatic experiences was connecting with fellow student delegates from South Korea and across the United States. Hearing about their academic work, career aspirations, and perspectives on global issues broadened my own vision for pursuing a career in Global Affairs. These conversations reminded me that identity is not static: it is built through dialogue, collaboration, and shared experiences across cultures.
I am deeply grateful to International Student Conferences for facilitating the program and to George Mason University’s Global Affairs Program for supporting my participation. This experience reaffirmed my belief that through forming connections across borders, we can navigate our identities in an increasingly globalized world and work toward a more just, inclusive, and connected future.
September 04, 2025