Freshman Kailanianna Ablog is one of 17 students from Hawaii chosen to participate in the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council’s (PAAC) Summer Study Tour in South Korea from June 16 to 30.
According to paachawaii.org, students will “explore Seoul and other unique cultural destinations while engaging in Korean history, traditional customs and contemporary issues in Korean society. Students will meet and interact with local students and families. It [the program] includes a homestay component.”
“I recall the moment when I found out that I was accepted. I had just come home with my parents and little brother from a family function. While my parents walked into the house, I decided to check the mailbox. Once I opened it, my eyes landed upon a thick envelope labeled ‘Pacific and Asian Affairs Council.’ I froze for a few moments and thought, ‘It couldn’t be.’ Inside was my acceptance letter for the summer study tour. I yelled ‘I got accepted!’ and nearly screamed as I gave my mother the letter,” said Ablog .
A spokesperson from PAAC had spoken to students about its commitment to educating youth about Hawaii’s position in foreign affairs.
“It was during this presentation that the spokesperson brought up the subject of study abroad programs. She provided PAAC members with a paper briefly explaining the different events occurring during this particular school year, including the places that were offered for the program abroad,” said Ablog . “The places were Japan, which would be visited during spring break, Vietnam, the Philippines and South Korea.”
Ablog applied for the study abroad program in South Korea. Korean culture and K-pop has provided an outlet for Ablog, especially through difficult times.
“It helped me to get out of a rough patch I encountered in life. If it weren’t for that, I would still be in that rough patch,” said Ablog . “Every single aspect about Asia, such as its traditions, entertainment, societies and cultures, sparks an interest in me. I have been interested in Asian culture since I was in the fourth grade due to the influence of my anime-loving uncles, and I have definitely grown a lot because of it.”
The first step to the application process was filling out application papers and writing two essays.
“After the panel viewed and read over all of the applicants’ essays, those who had passed the first stage received a letter notifying them that they had passed the first part of the application process. The second stage was an interview,” said Ablog. “After the interview was over, Miss Schultz told me that the panel would send out acceptance letters in about two or three weeks.”
As a member of the PAAC club at Sacred Hearts, Ablog has become more knowledgeable about current events across the Pacific and learning about current events throughout the Pacific has opened her mind to diverse perspectives and ideas.
“From this experience, I have learned to fully analyze a situation, as well as try to understand it in order to find a solution,” said Ablog. “I think PAAC has prepared me to always keep an open mind when faced with new or unfamiliar situations and has imprinted upon my mind that every voice and opinion is important when making a decision.”
Ablog, who is not of Korean ancestry, taught herself basic Korean in response to her fascination and enjoyment of Korean pop, or K-pop and the Korean culture.
“Watching Korean dramas helps me to learn more about the honorifics used in Korean society, as well as more insight to the culture. From then on, I began looking up more information regarding South Korean education, Korean mythology and Korean history. Most of what I know about Korea comes from a multitude of Youtube videos, Korean language web sites and online articles,” she said.
With help from friends, Ablog is often tested on vocabulary and writing in Hangeul, the Korean writing system.
“I am also interested in how American society and Korean society differ or are similar in their views upon different subjects, as well as how the average Korean teen goes about her day,” said Ablog. “I am so happy! One of my dreams is finally going to come true!”
