Emilie Kim

“Moving to New York was a big change for me and my family. I’ve always lived close enough to be able to visit my family for Christmas, Korean New Year, jesa and chuseok. Going to the other side of the country meant that I couldn’t do that. When I was two weeks into graduate school, it was my birthday. I never celebrated my birthday alone until then, but I didn’t mind; I was just becoming a year older, big deal! My mom, on the other hand, cared a lot. I was making dinner the night before my birthday when my mom texted me that she wished she could cook me all of my favorite meals. She made me promise her that I’d text her all of my cravings in advance—she wanted to be prepared for when I visit home for Christmas.”