Just one month after arriving in the United States, Kyu Ick Shin experienced his first American rite of passage: Taking a knife in hand, he began to excise the stringy innards of a pumpkin.
“We don’t have Halloween in my country,” said Shin, a second-year political science student from South Korea.
Shin explained how his floormates in De Neve, where he spent his first year, gathered for a floor pumpkin carving.
“I carved a pumpkin and took pictures,” Shin said. “I experienced this Halloween thing. … It’s pretty cool, actually.”
Shin said that he wants to experience American college culture.
One-time events like last year’s Halloween festivities, combined with club involvement, school time and developing friendships with American students are essential parts to Shin’s college cultural experience. Shin decided to come to UCLA because of its reputation in South Korea.
“UCLA’s rich diversity and academic excellence can be a cornerstone for the U.S. immigration process,” Shin said.
Not only did Shin come to study politics in the United States, but he has been actively engaged with the American political system since 2001.
Shin came to California on an invitation visa. He petitioned for residence, but he had an invitation from his maternal grandfather, a U.S. citizen who lives in Orange County. During Shin’s first year at UCLA, his mother and sister moved from South Korea to Shin’s grandfather’s house.Shin recently received residency status, but his American dream doesn’t stop there.
“Eventually, after I graduate from UCLA, my dad will come, too,” Shin said.
Shin explained that citizenship may not be his end goal, but he would like to continue his American education after receiving his bachelor’s degree. In the meantime, Shin is simply focused on his political theory courses, expanding his experiences beyond the realm of UCLA and Koreatown, and enjoying the company of other Californians.
“The best thing I like here is the people,” Shin said. “They’re kind ““ more kind than I expected.”