The Author of my life highlighted the chapter of 2014 to refine my perspectives on the world and society in which I live. I rapidly gained a diverse cultural panorama traveling alone to Italy, the Bahamas, France, Belgium, and other parts of the United States. Though I missed even the basic knowledge of these cultures prior to the journey, setting foot on these unfamiliar lands motivated me to explore not only their histories but also the world less familiar to me.

As I grew up in the fenced school atmosphere before graduating from Emory University, my parents have constantly brought up my lack of awareness and warned me of the “real” America. I had always refuted their theory, but applying for hundreds of jobs coming out of college taught me what my family implied. When I receive education, I pay and become a customer; therefore, the school is inclined to show benevolence. On the contrary, when I am the one being paid, the roles are reversed. Due to my status as an international graduate in eventual need of a work visa to legally stay in the States, jobs I applied for rarely considered me in spite of my academic accomplishments to avoid coping with additional governmental paperwork and spending roughly $5,000 to employ me. Originally longing to remain at Emory University to prolong my delightful memories with the school, I applied for its virtually every available position that fit my degree in English literature and work experience.

Oxford College’s Office of Admission first notified me of an interview. Though excited beyond measure, I was scheduled to go on a cruise to the Bahamas, and the office never followed up on the interview in the two weeks I patiently waited. I had no choice but to explain to the office administrators my vacation plan so that they would not schedule an interview while I was gone. Their vice president replied the email I read “was due to a system error,” suggesting I was not actually selected for an interview. I was mind-boggled the office never considered revealing this issue until I asked. Disappointed, I decided to move on from higher education jobs several days before Emory College’s Office of Admission offered me a legitimate interview, where I would be required to give a presentation, on one day’s notice. I embraced the opportunity and met with five interviewers, divided into five sessions. I felt obligated to mention my Optional Practical Training (OPT) status, that I could not be unemployed for ninety days and thus must receive the result as soon as possible. Two interviewers separately promised to let me know in a couple of weeks to no avail. I hesitated emailing and pressuring them to speed up the selection process, but I was left with no other option when nobody from the office contacted me for over four weeks. My instinct accurately guessed somebody was already chosen but the panel did not care to inform the other two rejected candidates of the decision. I was disgusted, and their irresponsibility stealing my only time prior to the end of the year to visit my family and friends in Korea especially riled me up. I removed my account from the university’s human resources and moved on, because I could no longer risk letting oblivious employees damage my college memories that stem from professors and classmates. Two sales companies ultimately hired me, and I accepted one without realizing I would have to give up church. The hiring manager must have known this would have created a problem based on my resume and interviews but refused to disclose the peculiar working hours until my initial day of training. I quit instantly.

God has my stories written out.

Ninety days of unemployment since enrolling in the OPT Program swiftly approached, and I had to mentally prepare to return to my home country of Korea. However, God had a plan to rescue me. I arbitrarily wanted to surprise-visit my closest professor, Dr. Harry Rusche, whom I had not seen in over four months, without even remembering where he lived. I faced no trouble locating his home, and he and Mrs. Sue Rusche welcomed me with open arms. I shared with them my situation, and we immediately found a temporary solution: I would volunteer at Mrs. Rusche’s nonprofit until I land a stable job that pays and will sponsor me. This experience connected me to the realm of politics and numerous individuals with remarkable accomplishments, including President Jimmy Carter and a retired chairman and chief executive officer of United Parcel Service, Oz Nelson, who connected me to the president. With the right to manage my own work schedule, I also participated in two films as an extra and made friends with renowned actors. I was reminded nothing happens by accident.

“2014 was a year of completion for our family,” expressed my father during my recent trip back to Korea. I completed my college studies on May 12. My brother completed his wedding on December 19. My mother, after twenty-seven years, completed her work at Merrill Lynch on December 31. I say, “2015 is a year of new beginnings.” Though I desperately need an occupation that will sponsor me for an H-1B visa, I find confidence in knowing God has always led me to the right path even when I doubted Him. Whether or not I find a job in the United States, I am certain the Author of my life knows where to take me next. I cannot wait to witness what my Father has in store for me for 2015.