family

After that first rejection, I began seeing another therapist, my time in her office and billable hours lasting longer. At this point, I was 13 and suffering from severe anxiety.

It was never a secret to my family that I was struggling with my mental health. That being said, my mental state was never outwardly discussed. Avoiding this sensitive topic is a hallmark of the Korean experience.

I’m the first to admit that I wasn’t the best daughter, friend or sister during that period. And yet, the people I was closest to offered me reconciliation – the bridges I burned could be rebuilt.

Dear childhood home, I saw it coming. I can’t lie to you and say that I didn’t. After 10 years of living in Bahrain, I knew mom and dad would eventually want to leave the Middle East. I guess I just didn’t expect it to happen so soon. When I left for college, I didn’t realize how little time we’d have together. 

“This Is Us” has spent the last six years unfolding an emotional story of tragedy, excitement and change.

It's in all the little mannerisms and phrases I've stolen from “you”, it's in the way I dress and the way I define love; all little pieces of you that are stitched into my identity, woven seamlessly into my life, seasoning all of my experiences like a familiar recipe.

I looked at myself, decked out in the same brands that once eluded me, that once wielded such power over me. Is this what made me American?

I go home every weekend. I get why this can be seen as unusual, weird even. Just because I understand the criticism, though, doesn’t mean I agree with it.

Follow the guidelines below and I can personally guarantee that upon returning from your family vacation, you’ll only bring back pictures and positive memories.