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Alumni Focus - Kwanho Lee (2015)

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Kwanho Lee (‘15)

Coming to SCLA as an international student from Korea, Kwanho Lee (‘15) had to adjust to a new school system, American food, and friends from across the globe. He reflects on his experience and encourages other international students to take the leap and enroll at SCLA.

What is your favorite memory from your time at SCLA?

There are countless moments that I can recall from my high school days. One of the most memorable moments from St. Croix was definitely when the football team won the state championship game during my freshman year. Although it was my first year, I can still vividly picture the moment where I was in the stands of the Vikings stadium cheering up for our football team. Also, I cherish the moments of extracurricular times where I could enjoy working out, which is still my favorite pastime to this day, with my buddies.

What was it like coming to SCLA as an international student?

Coming to a new environment and culture was a bit hard to adapt at first. I had a bit of a hard time adjusting my taste buds since I was so used to the spices of Korean dishes. Despite all this, St. Croix Lutheran felt like home where they provided various activities for international students to feel less homesick. Further, the food provided by the dorm helped me out as they provided a variety of dishes. I loved the fact that they often had kimchi as a side.

Did any teachers have a positive impact on you? 

I am grateful for all the education and care that teachers nourished me during the four years at St. Croix. But definitely, I am most grateful for two teachers. First is Pastor Huebner. His religion course gave me true insights on the reason why we should retain our faith at all times. Not only that, he was very caring to each one of the students. Pastor Huebner was the one who wrote me a recommendation letter for my college admission. Without him I could not have earned my degree and ultimately attained my profession. 

The other teacher was Mrs. Stob, who was my physics teacher during senior year. I was a type of student who was very far from any type of subjects coping with numbers. However, Mrs. Stob’s teaching style was very absorbing and that helped me with my grades and eagerness for learning. Also, outside of class, she always befriended me and gave me courage as I had a lot of concerns with my path as a senior student.

What was it like living in the dorm?

I cherish all the moments from the dorm. I loved the weekend activities where I could spend time with my dorm friends going to the Mall of America and playing table tennis in the dorm. Moreover, the daily night study hall championed my academic success. To add on, the dorm faculty was very caring as they played ‘parents’ for international students.

What would you say to international students considering studying at SCLA in the future?

I am enthusiastic that St. Croix will provide great experiences for those who seek admissions. Being an international student at St. Croix Lutheran was a once in a lifetime experience. There are vast amounts of international schools in the states, however, St. Croix Lutheran provided the utmost experience for international students. One of the exemplary events was the International Festival where I could gather with Korean students within St. Croix to promote Korean culture to friends from various countries. 

Also, I am certain that international students can enhance academically under the St. Croix system. Especially, in comparison to Korea, the academic environment was very free-flowing in that it enhances the capabilities to think outside the box and broaden the scope in various ways. 

Further, international students can garner spiritual faith which I think is the sole purpose of St. Croix admissions. Through the daily chapel service, I believe international students can open their eyes to the love of God and extend their faithful lives even after St. Croix and to spread the love of Christianity.

Tell us a little about your work in Korea.

As a manager in the business planning department, I look over the monthly income statement and balance sheet of the company and plan quarterly profit/loss based on the annual objectives given by the business proposal.

Anything else you'd like to share? 

To give a brief overview of myself, my MBTI is ENFJ (This is a whimsical self-introduction since the MZ generation can conclude one’s character with MBTI system nowadays)