In March 2024, I participated in the Youth Mentoring Network Workshop hosted by KOWIN OC (Korean Women’s International Network, Orange County Chapter) at the Orange Korean Church.
The event brought together Korean-American professionals who shared their career stories and life experiences with students, offering honest insights about growth, effort, and purpose.

I joined the workshop both as a participant and a volunteer.
I helped manage the event, guided guests, and assisted the organizers throughout the program.
At the same time, I had the opportunity to listen closely to mentors from various fields — medicine, law, design, and technology — each with a different story but the same dedication to their work.

What I learned that day was that success doesn’t happen overnight.
Every mentor had faced challenges, moments of uncertainty, and times when they had to redefine their goals.
Yet, what united them was their persistence — their belief in learning, adapting, and finding meaning in what they do.

Through these conversations, I realized that a career is not just about choosing a profession;
it’s about understanding why we do what we do, and how we grow through it.

Even though my role at the event was small, helping behind the scenes allowed me to feel part of something larger — a bridge between generations where experience and curiosity met.
That day, I didn’t just hear about jobs; I learned about people, purpose, and the many ways to move forward.

U.S. Representative Young Kim - Certificate of Congressional recognition - recognition of outstanding volunteer efforts with the Korean Women's International Network Orange Country.