Headline

Young A. Son
A Turning Point in My Life

I am about 5 foot 3 inches tall, and am a little more than plump in shape. I wore glasses from 3rd grade, which makes me appear academic and scholarly, but I have a spirit beyond my appearances. My sensitive personality can easily cause me to cry and laugh at small things, and I hope that it also makes me a passionate musician.

I like to read and write. My favorite courses are World History, English, Art and Music. My grandfather and father were both opera singers, teachers and conductors who were role models for me when I entered college as a piano major. My heroes are pianist Van Cliburn and the professors at my University.

Fall 1999 was a big turning point in my life. After studying at Keimyung University in Taegu, South Korea, I won the opportunity to become a scholarship exchange student at Long Island University and, after two years, I have graduated with Honors. During this time, I struggled and learned how to think and study in a total English language environment. I also came under the direction of Professor Stephanie Watt in serious piano coaching, who drove me to practice very hard. Other professors also pushed me very hard and have given me a clearer picture of my future. It is too overwhelming to put all my experiences into words for I loved my years in college more than any other years of my life.

I gave my senior recital in piano, am polishing my thesis on Frederick Chopin and the interpretations of the pianists performing his masterpiece, "Scherzo in Bb minor." Mostly I focused on the techniques, styles and structural analysis of the form and inspirational moments of the piece, implied by interpretive comparisons of renowned pianists.

My experience as an Usher at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts gave me an opportunity to broaden my understanding of all different kinds of performing arts, such as jazz, classical, cabaret, ballet, pop, rock, opera, etc. I had learned to love the organ by also accompanying church choirs and masses. Working as an academic assistant in the Honors Office and the Liberal Arts Deans Office led me to experience being a cooperative worker with other people.

The most exciting moment, a moment I will never forget, was when I conducted the choir on graduation day in front of 10,000 people viewing the ceremony. I have accepted a graduate assistantship position here at C.W. Post/Long Island University, and am really looking forward in the future to enrich my career as a musician. Tutoring private piano students in their homes, being a music director and Sunday School teacher in churches, the skills I've learned in working with younger students give me a chance to experience new challenges to work with college students. This summer, working as an accompanist in USDAN children's camp added a new dimension to my musical experience in the United States.

I treasure the most, my family, friends and teachers, always reminding myself that a life is well spent when you build a community around you and start loving them. There are so many out there who have influenced me without realizing themselves how much they have touched my life in an extraordinary way.

Establishing my goal, I strongly feel, is the most respectful way to pay back the people who have helped me grow.