Bomi Park

What's your name?

Bomi Park

Where are you from?

Chung-ju, South Korea

What are you studying?

I'm majoring in Elementary Education.

Where are you living at McKendree?

McKendree West

What do you like to do?

Photography

Why did you decide to study in the U.S.?

I always liked English and was interested in different cultures. My aunt introduced me to an exchange student program and I thought that would be a perfect opportunity to learn English while experiencing a totally different life in a different culture. I was an exchange student at Mater Dei (Breese, IL) for one year, and I really liked it, so I decided to come back and finish high school as an “international student” status.

Why did you choose McKendree University?

Not so many colleges in America give scholarships to international students, but McKendree does. It was more affordable for me to go McKendree than many other state universities. Also, my host family lives in Trenton, Illinois, which is about ten minutes from campus. I wanted to stay close to them because they are my second family. And ... my favorite color is purple. =)

What do you think of McKendree University?

The first time I visited McKendree, I thought it was such a pretty, little campus. The faculty members were very kind and welcoming.

What's one of the best things about McKendree University?

One of the best things about McKendree is their faculty (as much as I want to say the chocolate chip cookies at Ames).

What was your prior school experience?

South Korea does not offer many extra-curricular activities. There was no life outside of high school. I'm jealous that students here get to play sports, be in band, etc. South Korea is all about education, and often people tend to want too much of it for their children. Students do not get to explore their hobbies, because first priority for them is to get good academic results at school.

Are you the first in your family to attend a college or University?

I’m not the first one to attend college in my family, but I am the first one to attend a university in the U.S.. One of my younger cousins is in New York attending high school. She is in an exchange student program like I was.

How do you plan to make your mark on the world?

My original plan was to be an English teacher in Korea, but I might want to stay in the U.S. after I finish school, because I like it here so much. No matter where I end up living, I would probably be teaching.