🌉 Bridging Two Worlds: More Than Language, More Than Identity

✨ I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer as a teacher at the Pittsburgh Korean School (한국학교), supported by the Overseas Koreans Agency (재외동포청) and the National Association for Korean Schools. I had the privilege of teaching 4th to 8th grade students, most of whom are Korean-American kids born or raised in the U.S.

As an international student myself, this experience helped me better understand the challenges—and the beauty—of juggling different cultures and languages.🌏 My goal wasn’t just to teach grammar or vocabulary, but to help these students really connect with their Korean identity—through language, history, and shared experiences. I wanted to create a space where they could take pride in their heritage and feel confident embracing both their Korean and American identities.

More than anything, I hope that the time we spent together helped the students not only improve their Korean skills, but also grow in their sense of self and pride as Korean individuals.🌟 I hope they’ll look back and think, “That was such a fun and special time.” I also hope the friendships they made and the love they developed for Korean culture stay with them for years to come.💖

As someone who also support AAPI students at Pitt, this experience really reaffirmed how important cultural education and community are. I’m so thankful for the chance to contribute and learn alongside these incredible students and fellow teachers.🙏

P.S. The photo is a certificate of appreciation I received at the end of the academic year for my work as a teacher. And 이경아 that you see on the certificate is how I write my name in Korean 😉. 이 (Lee), 경 (Kyoung), 아 (Ah).

#Cultural Identity #Language Learning #Heritage Pride #Korean #Korean American #AAPI Students #Community Building