Interviewee: Hannah Ko
Interviewer: Lethyce Gwyneth Gamiao
Synopsis
This interview features Hannah Ko, a dual citizen of South Korea and the United States. At the time of the interview, Hannah is a senior at Colby College in Maine, majoring in Biology with a minor in Statistics. She was born in California and moved to Seoul at age seven, where she transitioned from public school to an international school. There, she connected with other Korean students who had also lived abroad. In our conversation, Hannah reflects on her experiences navigating two distinct cultures and educational systems, American and Korean, and shares how these shaped her identity. She discusses the challenges of adjusting to life in Korea as a child and her current experience living in the U.S. again for college. Our friendship began during my freshman year at Colby and deepened over time, allowing me to learn more about her personal journey. The interview was conducted via Zoom by Lethyce Gwyneth Gamiao, a senior at Colby majoring in Biology and Economics. Beyond my academic interests in cancer and clinical research, I’m passionate about exploring global history and cultural narratives.
Biography
Hannah Ko is a senior at Colby College, majoring in Biology with a minor in Statistics. Born in California, she moved to South Korea at age seven, where she attended both public and private schools. During this time, Hannah participated in a special program designed for Korean and Korean-American students returning to Korea, helping her reconnect with the language and culture. After completing the program, she continued her education alongside Korean peers. For college, Hannah returned to the United States. In our interview, she reflected on navigating multiple educational systems, the cultural adjustments involved, and the identity challenges that come with living between two worlds. Her story highlights resilience, adaptability, and a thoughtful approach to understanding her heritage while forging her own path.