Name: Nathan KiSung Budziak
Age: 26
Location: Reno, Nevada
Occupation: Assistant store manager at Banana Republic and part owner of Smear Designers, a graphic design, web and screen printing company
Where did you grow up?
I spent the majority of my life on the West Coast, splitting my time between living with my father in Southern Oregon, and with my mother in Nevada. I also spent two years in fifth and sixth grade traveling across the continental United States in an 18-wheel truck with my mother and step-father delivering goods.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Marine Biologist like my dad, and an architect. As I entered high school and college, I discovered a passion for literature and writing, and a dislike for mathematics, so I pursued a career in advertising/journalism.
Describe your parents and family.
I don’t know my biological parents or my older sister. To my knowledge, they still reside back in South Korea. My adopted parents are, simply put, amazing. I never had a feeling of being “not” part of the family. My family is full of love and affection towards one another. I am the youngest child, and the only one to have graduated from college. I truly feel as though I have made them all proud, and really took advantage of my adoption as a gift, because who knows where I could or would have ended up without this opportunity to be placed in such a loving family?
How would friends describe you?
Never satisfied. I am always changing my mind about what to do and where to go. Some say this is because of my Sagittarius sign and others state it is just ADD. My friends would also say I am extremely fun and outgoing, but at the same time, can be one to go view a movie or grab a cup of coffee. Also, those who are Asian will say I am “white,” and those who are Caucasian will state that I am, “Asian.”
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas. For years my mother would bake dozens of cookies that I would help decorate, as well as candies and other confections which I would load up on, only to terrorize her throughout the day. The smell and warmth of a household during the holiday time just brings back so many memories of Christmas’ spent in previous houses, and now that I am growing older, I, too, can create my own household memories of this holiday.
What’s one guilty pleasure?
Shopping. I love fashion, and I love researching fashion blogs and trends exposed online. Recreating something with my personal flare and combining trends to create a unique look are amongst a few of my traits.
When’s the last time you cried?
I was on the phone with my mother. They have lost everything during this economic downturn—house, job, and income. It is hard to see those who raised you, being subjected to such a situation. I cried because I can’t do more for them, I cried because it seems like my parents are dying slowly inside, and losing hope, but I realize that they need me to be strong, to succeed. Because their happiness will come from seeing my success.
What are your favorite things to do in Reno? Enlighten us!
Reno has gained popularity since the airing of Reno 911, however it couldn’t be further from the truth. Surrounded by the desert on one side, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the west, Reno is a great place for outdoor adventures such as camping, fishing, hiking and water recreation. Although Nevada is known for gambling, those who live in Reno are less likely to partake in gambling as most would think. Reno does have a long way to go before it reaches a truly diverse cultural environment, but I have faith that it will one day reach such a status.
If you could meet any Korean, dead or alive, who would it be?
My sister. According to my birth records, my biological sister is three years my elder. More than anything, I truly believe that I would be able to connect with her more than with my biological parents, and if anything, she would be able to communicate to my parents the thoughts and words that I have to tell them directly. Because she was three at the time of my adoption, I would love to know how she felt about the situation, or if she even knew that I was born. So many questions.
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[...] Below is the transcript from the Q&A, as well as a link to the original article, enjoy! IamKoream: Nathan Budziak Name: Nathan KiSung [...]
wow your profile was pretty deep.
and your photo is so cool!
interesting take on the subject, count me as a new subscriber!
Mad respect N8! You are indeed my brotha en mi corazon.
Great photo!! And your name is Nathan and you’re also adopted! Crazy coincidence! Good stuff man!