I am KoreAm: Jina Hwang
KoreAm
Author: KoreAm
Posted: December 14th, 2009
Filed Under: BLOG , I Am KoreAm
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jinahwang

Name: Jina Hwang
Age: 27
City: Fullerton, Calif.
Occupation: Campus minister

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Houston and raised in Rowland Heights, Calif. I’m definitely a Southern California girl. Nothing beats the diversity, sunny weather and the perfect breakfast burrito from Pepe’s.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Oh, lots of things! Teacher. Writer. Therapist. Dog groomer. Fashion designer. Hotel concierge. I wasn’t a particularly quirky or precocious child; I just changed my mind quickly and easily. Any job that required people skills and didn’t involve mental math seemed cool and fun to me.

What led you to become a campus minister?
In college, I got connected with a multiethnic Christian community that transformed my view of what a spiritual life could look like. I was introduced to a God who cares about justice, racial reconciliation, and, well, love. I learned that He extends an invitation to anyone who wants to join Him in bringing change into this world that just ain’t right. His invitation to me was to partner with Him at a large, public university in Orange County. I accepted. And now I’m having the time of my life.

Are there any misconceptions about those in ministry?
Yep. A lot of ‘em. They think those in ministry are homophobes screaming on the street corner. People who can’t find “real” jobs. They think they’re naïve. Out of touch. Judgmental. Goody-goody. Holy rollers. Rigid. They think that full-time ministry is for men only. There are too many misconceptions.

But I am who I am. You can try and put me in a box, but be prepared for a fight. I’m feisty.

What issue are you most passionate about?
Giving voice to the voiceless—women, ethnic minorities, victims of human trafficking, immigrants and refugees, the urban poor, the uninsured, and others.

What’s the last book you read?
Do blogs count? I spend hours poring over blogs written by friends, acquaintances and strangers. Some call it internet stalking, but I call it leisure reading. God bless the world wide web. But as far as books books go, the last one I read and really enjoyed was Sand in My Bra and Other Misadventures, edited by Jennifer L. Leo. It’s a collection of stories written by funny women about their funny travel experiences. I’m a real fan of funny.

Describe the most recent meal you had.
Chai tea latte, two tangerines and a chocolate chip cookie.

Where was the last place you traveled to?
Norfolk, Va. Nothing much to say about the place. My best friend lives there now and I’m still very upset about it.

What’s on your Christmas wishlist?
The complete Arrested Development series on DVD, MAC fluidliner eyeliner in blacktrack, a bunch of Poloroid 600 film, world peace, universal healthcare, yada yada.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
EATING. LOTS. OF. FOOD. With loved ones.

Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?
Learn how to make kimchi jjigae like my mom, make space in my schedule to enjoy being outdoors at least once a day, find the man of my dreams … wait, what? Just kidding. Sorta.

Any hidden talents?
I can weave in a quote or reference from the TV show Friends into any given situation that happens in my real life. Double lame? Check.

What are your guilty pleasures?
Cheesy ’90s hip hop music. I can rap to “Whoomp, There It Is” like you’ve never seen…”Takin’ it back to the old skool, cuz I’m an old fool, who’s so cool…”

What’s your pet peeve?
Close talkers. Please respect my personal space. I beg you.

What words do you live by?
Life is like Korean dessert—it’s not too sweet, but just sweet enough.

I am KoreAm and proud because all the KoreAm women in my life are smart, sassy and a hellova good laugh.

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