Chapter 6: Minjin and the America
Minjin sat at her desk, hesitantly hovering her fingers over the keyboard as she looked at the blank laptop screen. Middle school had been overwhelming, with busy hallways, endless assignments, and pressure to fit in. She missed the comfort of her old school, Minjun, and her older siblings, who were focused on their own lives far away.
Minjin's life changed drastically when her father took a job with an American company and they moved to New York. While it was meant to be a fresh start for her father's career, Minjin found herself leaving behind everything familiar and struggling to adapt. With her father busy at work and her mother focused on their new life, she often felt isolated.
To lift her spirits, Minjin focused on her taekwondo training, excelling among the younger players, and staying in touch with Minjun and her older siblings.
Every evening, she messaged her older brother, Park Tae-sung, who was working in Seoul after college. Tae-sung had always been her rock, providing stability amid her life's chaos. They discussed everything, from school challenges to the latest dramas, and although his replies were brief due to his busy schedule, they were always encouraging.
Minjin's older sister was in her first year of college in New York and was a great source of comfort for her. Their conversations were filled with laughter and secrets. Minjin admired her sister's courage, even when it led to their parents' anger. Stories of campus life and her sister's romance with a 26-year-old senior offered Minjin a bittersweet escape from her reality.
On a crisp autumn afternoon, Minjin received an unexpected message from Tae-sung. Nervously, she checked her emails as it was almost time to message Minjun. While her room was tidy, her desk was cluttered with notes and textbooks.
Despite the distance, Minjin and Minjun smiled, feeling a renewed connection as they exchanged emails about their lives. Minjin felt lighter and grateful for Minjun's support.
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Minjin's father sat straight across from the principal and her homeroom teacher, wearing a gentle expression as he listened to the principal praise Minjin's performance.
Mr. Park, Minjin is an exceptional student with advanced knowledge and maturity. We believe she should be accelerated to high school.
Her father's expression softened, but his voice remained steady. "I appreciate your recommendation, but I want Minjin to enjoy her childhood and have a normal teenage life. These years are about more than academics; she should explore and discover her passions at her own pace."
The teacher nodded. "I understand, Mr. Park. Minjin should have a balanced experience, but let's ask her. Minjin, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
Minjin felt the room's attention shift to her. She looked at her father, who smiled encouragingly, and then at her teacher. Although she excelled in singing and her tests, she had never considered what she wanted to be when she grew up. Possibilities swirled in her mind: musician, writer, scientist, or teacher. Each option filled her with both excitement and fear.
"I... I don't know. I like many things, but I'm unsure what I want to be yet." Minjin said.
Her father placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "That's alright, Minjin. You don't need to decide now. Take your time to explore what you love and find what makes you happy."
The teacher smiled and said, "That's fine, Minjin. You have great potential, and it's okay not to have everything figured out. Just keep learning, explore your interests, and enjoy being yourself."
Minjin nodded.
Although she was uncertain about her future, she felt comfort knowing her father wanted her to take her time and enjoy her youth. She realized she didn't need all the answers right away; being herself was enough.