Interviewer: Juanita McJaphet
Interviewee: Alison Kim
Synopsis:
This interview took place with Alison Kim, born on October 29, 2001, in Incheon, South Korea. Alison is a senior student at Colby College, majoring in Chemistry with a concentration in Environmental Science. On campus, she hasheld positions as a learning assistant and a research assistant and is also a leader in the Colby Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). In this interview, Alison shares her experiences growing up in predominantly Korean communities in America and Canada. She discusses her journey in forming her identity and why she felt more welcomed in more diverse settings, even though often connected with Korean-American communities. Furthermore, she delves into her grandmother and mother’s experiences growing up during and after the Korean War. This interview explores various topics, including identity, community lifestyle, and the issue of anti-Japanese sentiments that persist among manyKoreans today. I had the pleasure of meeting Alison last year at one of the IVCF fellowship meetings. The interview was conducted in person on Colby College campus using a voice recorder. The interview was conducted by Juanita McJaphet, a third-year Biology and neuroscience major who has a keen interest in learning about the histories of various East Asian countries.
Biography:
Alison Kim is a 22-year-old senior at Colby College. She is majoring in chemistry with a concentration in environmental science. She was born in Incheon, South Korea on October 29, 2001 in her grandfather’s hospital. Alison’s father was already living in the United States before she immigrated with her mom. She grew up with her parents and a younger sister. She lived in California until she was in third grade. In third grade, she moved to British Columbia, Canada, where she stayed until eighth grade, and moved back to Virginia in the United States. Alison grew up in a very Korean-dominated area, especially in church. She is currently a leader with the Colby Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) and is involved with the chemistry club.