Kenneth Lee was born in Michigan, to first generation Korean parents that arrived for his father’s doctoral degree. Although Ken has not visited his extended family in Korea enough, he maintains his language with his family.

Through the Sejong Writing Contest, Ken was forced to reexamine his own view as an American with a Korean heritage. What he found through the writing process was what a Korean-American identity truly meant to him, which was an idea individual from other opinions.

Competitive swimming remains as Ken’s dedication. He finds time for writing in his journal and reading the newspapers. Ken is unsure of his future, but he would like to enter a career in either literature or the sciences.

A hero to Ken is his uncle, who remains dedicated to his family and his nephew, while busy with his international travels. Ken’s mother, a woman of strong determination in her children and her own life, has supported Ken in all his activities, including the essay.

Ken is thankful toward the Sejong Society for providing his voice.

Okemos, MI
Okemos High School (10th gr)