Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
On August 18, 2013 McDonald’s partnered with Korea Daily to sponsor a college fair for Asian American high school students. Andrew Han, Montgomery County Prosecutor opened the event with a keynote speech. Also speaking was Kyu Rhee, a local Asian American McDonald’s owner and Victor Kim, winner of the MTV hit America’s Best Dance Crew and recent college graduate. This career fair was part of a series in which McDonald’s teamed up with guest speakers Annie Wang, Jessica Qu, David Choi, Harry Shum Jr., Victor Kim and Yul Kwon to help young people to pursue their academic aspirations. The six role models travelled across the country from San Francisco to Maryland throughout the year.
Asian Fortune was able to ask the participants questions about education and their experiences regarding education:
AF: How has education shaped your life and why is higher education important for students?
Andrew Han: When you go to college, take classes that are going to challenge you to think in a difference way. Higher education is really higher level of reasoning and learning how to understand one another at a higher level, including learning to emphasize and sympathize with others.
AF: You originally graduated with a degree in business economics but you ended up pursuing a career in theater and dance – would you recommend students to follow their dreams or go the “safe” route?
Victor Kim: I don’t think they are necessarily mutually exclusive. I think getting an education (“the safe route”) only increases your chances or realizing your dreams.
AF: What advice would you give to recent immigrants who may not know how to navigate the higher education system and whose parents do not have experience applying for college etc.?
Kyu Rhee: Talk to other people and friends, do research online and come to events and workshops like this to be informed.
AF: What would you say is the most important component to assuring a students’ success academically?
Kyu Rhee: Go after something you enjoy and also you have to work hard. Education is great but to be successful requires hard work.
