Jay Lee is a 17-year-old junior who has been born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. Jay combats the boredom that is associated with suburbia by being as active as possible.

He enjoys writing for his high school's newspaper (The Oracle), and is an active members in Business Professionals of America, the Darfur Activism Club (STAND), Pep Club, and the Lacrosse Team. Outside of school, you'll most likely find him hanging out with his friends, shooting hoops, serving at his church's youth group, or playing air-guitar in front of his mirror.

Listening to music, watching movies, playing and watching sports, eating, and laughing are just a few of Jay's hobbies. He also really wishes that he was musically talented, but he has finally come to terms with reality.

Jay's main short term goal is to attend the University of Illinois to study Journalism. Long term goals include traveling to Africa, getting a job that he loves, catching a ball at Wrigley Field, and finally becoming mature.

His personal hero and savior is Jesus Christ, and he is blessed that God has placed quality people in his life for him to look up to, such as his parents, sister, and pastors.

Jay entered the Sejong Cultural Society Writing Competition because he wished to not only take advantage of an opportunity to exhibit his meager writing ability, but to share and express his own personal experiences of balancing the cultures of America and Korea and impart what little wisdom he has. Jay has yet to fully discover his identity as a Korean American in America's so called pluralistic society, but he remains confident that he will eventually.

Glenview, IL
11th grade. Glenbrook South High School

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