Essays & Impact
Take a look at some reflective pieces written by our very own KANG Council members!
Claire Kim, Class of 2026
Richmond Tour, February 2024
The red scarf. The scarf decorated in the beauty of the round circle of red and blue: Taegueki, the Korean flag. As I stood up amidst the General Assembly proceedings on the television screen, I saw the flag adorn my neck. It was a visual representation of my identity amidst the halls of governance.
The Richmond Capitol Tour was not just a journey through the corridors of power; it was a personal trip of discovery and empowerment. It was a transformative experience that reshaped my trajectory and deepened my passion for public policy and economics. Even prior to the tour, my interest had been evolving towards issues of race relations and cultural diversity.
Growing up as a Korean-American in a warmly bounded household of family traditions and values, I have always been able to display pride in my heritage. However, it was during this tour that I truly began to understand the importance of cultural identity in the context of civic engagement. The interests crystallized into a deep-seated commitment: witnessing firsthand the inner workings of government and the impact of policy decisions on communities ignited a sense of truth within me to become more actively involved in shaping the future of our society.
Standing amidst the General Assembly proceedings, watching myself on the television screen introduced by Delegate Irene Shin, filled me with a sense of awe and pride. It was an affirming moment—a realization of the impact one can have when actively engaging in the democratic process. Delegate Irene Shin, with her commanding presence and eloquent speech, left an indelible impression on me. The way she introduced us, standing up and gazing upon us with a sense of purpose, inspired me deeply. Meeting her afterwards, I was awed by her ability to seamlessly transition between Korean and English, effortlessly bridging cultural and linguistic divides.
The absence of a legislative curriculum in Virginia schools, highlighted during the tour, was a surprising revelation that underscored the critical need for civic education and engagement among students. As someone who had benefited from a strong emphasis on education in my upbringing, I felt compelled to advocate for similar opportunities for future generations.
Engaging in discussions with delegates and fellow students provided invaluable insights into the intricate workings of governance and policy making. Throughout the tour, I found myself immersed in impassioned discussions about the importance of representation and the need for diverse perspectives. I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities the tour provided and the memories it created. The images captured during the tour serve as reminders—one defined by self-discovery, empowerment, and the unwavering pursuit of representing unheard voices.
It was truly a moment of profound significance, a visual and internal representation of me—a proud Korean-American committed to effecting positive change in our society. The red scarf.
Lily Paek, Class of 2025
White House Tour, August 2024
As a first generation immigrant to the United States, I have never gotten to learn or
experience the full details and endeavors of the government of the United States. When I first
heard about this experience to tour the White House and the Capitol, I hadn't put much thought
into it and toured with a light heart. As I have previously participated in a Capitol tour before, I
thought that this experience would be an overview of it and I would recall most of the tour.
However, I was refreshed and reminded of the intricate systems and history of the U.S.
Government, and I was reminded once again how the many significant figures created and
changed history. Not only this, but through this experience, I have realized how my cultural
identity as a Korean American is a part of two distinct yet harmonious heritages, and having a
deeper understanding of both of these heritages is significant for myself. This opportunity to tour
the White House and the Capitol has truly inspired me as it allowed me to connect with my
Korean roots while embracing my American identity.
The tour of the White House and the Capitol also instilled in me a deep appreciation for
all of the people have done for our country. It made me reflect on how every person who is
remembered today left a significant impact and is honored until this day. I was truly amazed by
the different areas of both the White House and Capitol and how much history was behind each
of the rooms and areas. One place that stood out to me was the National Statuary Hall. This place
in the capitol contained many of the statues of significant historical figures from all 50 states. I
learned that each state was able to donate two statues to the Capitol to represent important
figures that came from their state. The intricate designs and formations of the room made me
awe at all the history that was contained in the same room. I was also surprised with the details
on the room that had special symbolic meanings. For example, My tour experience encouraged
me to foster connections with people from different backgrounds, recognizing the strength that
lies in embracing diversity and understanding the richness it brings to our society.
One other takeaway that I got from this White House and Capitol tour is that I started to
appreciate the civic duties that the people do for this country. While visiting the rooms and
hallways of the White House, I was able to see many of the artifacts that the previous presidents
have left. Each room was full of stories. I was able to learn more about the commitment and
service that the presidents have done in order to be a leading figure for our country. Appreciation
was definitely more counted in towards the civic duties of the people. Each artifact and picture
touched my heart as I was able to perceive only just a glimpse of what the life of the president
looks like.
Both the White House and Capital, two iconic symbols of American democracy, are filled
with history, governance, and national pride. These two significant buildings were so worthwhile
the time to tour and there is so much to look at and dive deeper into. I am truly thankful for this
opportunity because not only was I reminded of the hard work that people do for this country, but
I was able to learn and realize new things from these two tours. In the end, I was able to learn so
many things, but I realized one thing: There is still much more to learn!
Elena Davis, Class of 2025
White House Tour, August 2023
The White House serves as an intrinsic symbol to those of us living in the United States. It reflects our nation’s history, represents the presidency, symbolizes the intricacies of United States governance. In my experience however, I've found that the White House is more fittingly a representation of something else: people. It serves a reflection of the uniformity that presides under a single democratic government. It’s a monument of integration and a testament to a country amalgamated by diverse races, religions, backgrounds, and ethnicities. As inscribed on the U.S. Capitol building’s inner dome, the traditional motto of the United States is fitting: E pluribus unum: “Out of many, one”.
Touring the historic building, I was struck by its intricacy. An eye for detail was undoubtedly a requisite for those creating it, and the result is a structure of unequivocal glamour. Chandeliers decorated the ceilings of every room, casting glittered trails of white, pink, and gold. Each finely crafted painting was polished with a sharp, yet stunning, picture frame. Carvings of fauna and flora were etched into every wall, vases of flowers sat atop every table, and ringlets of gold and silver adorned every set of curtains. I especially appreciated how each room was completed with a small, informative sign. I learned about the Red, Blue, and Green rooms, as well as how the house’s designated cloakroom was turned into a Movie Theater by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942. The experience was, without doubt, enlightening. With each step I transported a little further back into time. However, as much as I appreciated the building’s beautiful interior and exterior intricacies, what impacted me the most was not what I saw inside, but who.
As I cruised through the White House's labyrinth of an interior, I saw beautiful women and young girls wearing hijabs, bindis, and braids. I saw turbans, baseball caps, and headphones. I would look to my left and see a teen chirping loudly in English to his parents. I would look to my right and see another,
yet this time speaking in Vietnamese. A few rooms down, I saw a little boy—who must have been no older than 10 years old—passionately firing question after question at an enthusiastic tour guide; behind him were his proud immigrant parents. Although I was met with a sea of diverse faces, diverse families, and diverse fashion, I came to a realization: We all stood in the same rooms, looked at the same items, and listened to the same guides. The scene wasn’t any different to what I would usually see in school or at the shopping mall. Yet, the impact it left on me was much greater than what I had experienced previously. Touring with a group of Korean-American students my age, I felt so proud to have been able to contribute to the range of diverse faces. Through each hall, I shone with pride and admiration.
E pluribus unum. Because out of many, we were all truly one.