By: Shirley Olatunji
Professor Jinhee Lee’s family photo in South Korea.
Professor Jinhee Lee is a fascinating individual whose life weaves through diverse cultures and academic landscapes. Originally from South Korea, Jinhee Lee warmly invites us into her world, sharing the unique journey that led her to becoming a professor in the United States.
Jinhee Lee offers a captivating insight into her South Korean upbringing, emphasizing the collective nature of her community. In her hometown, shared experiences held more significance than spoken words. She vividly describes the intimate definition of family – parents and children – shaping the warmth that characterized her formative years.
"In our community, we perceive ourselves as members of groups - university, occupation, family – those kinds of things are more important than individual identities."
As she delves into her life as an international student in the United States, the challenges of adapting to a culture valuing individualism come to light. She shares an example of the struggle she faced during introductory sessions or small talks, where expressing fun facts about herself became a symbolic battle against the cultural shift she experienced in the U.S.
"In South Korea, we do not really do a lot of “small talks” which I had to get used to moving here. Also, the fun facts question is very hard to answer because I didn't think about interesting things about me because who I am is not very important."
Jinhee Lee guides us through the corridors of academia, comparing South Korea and U.S. university systems. The shift in student-professor dynamics stands out – a transition from a structured hierarchy to a more interactive relationship. She narrates a specific incident where adapting to the American style of questioning and discussion in class posed a unique challenge, requiring her to find her voice in the academic discourse.
“I'm shy and introverted, but I became more introverted and not very confident in my classroom because I'm from a different culture. Since other people could not understand me very well, I lost my confidence. After a while I became more confident and realized that I could ask and answer questions in class. So, I would advise every international student to be confident in themselves regardless of whatever situation or the student-professor dynamics wherever they are.”
Lee unveils the support systems that played a pivotal role in her journey. University organizations and the Korean student community provided more than just guidance through legal processes; they became lifelines of belonging.
"They had some kind of event to introduce our culture to other students and then gather together. I could also talk to members of those organizations. And they gave out tips and advice about how I can deal with some kind of situation and get some information about living and everything. It was very helpful and supportive during my graduate school year."
Jinhee Lee reflects on her role as a professor, highlighting the cultural difference in how students address professors right from her days as a graduate student.
“In South Korea, there is a formal structure of how you address professors; however, in the US, there are different flexible ways of addressing your professors.”
As the conversation shifts to cultural diversity on campus, Jinhee Lee illuminates the limited exposure students have. She emphasizes the significance of organizations like Culturs in promoting cultural understanding. In a heartfelt conclusion, Professor Jinhee Lee shares her wisdom with students, urging them to embark on journeys of cultural exploration. She injects a bit of dialogue into her advice, recalling a moment when she advised herself to "just be confident" in the face of cultural differences.
"Most students are from Michigan, and in my class, usually I have very few students from other cultural backgrounds. So usually, I advise them to travel outside of Michigan to see different people and different cultures.”
Professor Jinhee’s narrative unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of cultural experiences. Her journey, embellished with personal anecdotes, academic adaptation and a quest for cultural understanding, resonates in a world where interconnectedness is paramount.
Professor Jinhee’s experience stands as a captivating reminder that unity in diversity is not just achievable but enriching, especially within the realm of education.