Hello, It’s Me

The idea of putting yourself out there on the internet seems so natural in our current society. Your identity online shapes how your friends, acquaintances, and stalkers perceive you. I thought I was totally unfazed by this concept until I decided that it was time to put my English major skills to use and attempt to write a blog. Putting my words and thoughts onto a part of the internet that is only mine seems so…personal. I have a choice to write in any way that I want! My tone and writing “voice” will shape my online identity.

If you plan on getting to know me, you should know upfront that I’m a Harry Potter nerd. I read all seven books maybe twice a year and have a bond with all the characters. Anyway, if you are familiar with the second book, you would know that Ginny Weasley wrote in a diary over the span of a year which ultimately allowed Voldemort to possess her. The act of pouring her heart and feelings into her writing was like putting out a piece of her identity and soul. I’m sorry if you have no idea what I’m talking about… But I have a point! My point is that writing can be so powerful and intimate, which is what I realized as I planned my first blog post. Also, the other lesson is to not create horcruxes.

Anyway! Let’s move back to reality.

 

Hiking in the mountains in the middle of Autumn.

My name is Gabrielle. I’m a senior in college and will graduate in May. The most interesting thing about me is that I spent my entire junior year studying abroad in South Korea. As super cliche as it may sound, the year I spent abroad drastically changed my outlook on life because I was able to experience things that were so different from the culture and society I grew up in. I was living in a small town with a small amount of “foreigners.” I looked so different from the Koreans and was able to experience being a minority in a largely homogeneous country. I learned some Korean (and am still studying), and stepped out of my comfort zone more frequently than ever before in my life.

I also met my boyfriend. We started dating a month after I arrived in Korea and recently celebrated our 500 days together (in Korea they tend to celebrate every hundred days rather than 3 months, 6 months, etc). We are currently in a long distance relationship but spent a wonderful year in Korea together. We’ve learned a lot from each other, and he helped me to experience Korea in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to without the knowledge and insight of a native Korean.

When we visited Jeju Island (제주도) together.

After I graduate in May, I plan on returning to South Korea as an English teacher. This way I combine my passion for both of my majors (English and Linguistics), make some money for my future grad school costs, and get to be with the love of my life.

My future posts will probably consist of a lot of my experiences I’ve gained in the past year, as well as all the hobbies and life things that make me “me.” Through every post you will better know the internet identity of Gabrielle and hopefully I can get to know you too.

Thanks for reading!