The friendly face by the Wesley Christmas tree is Second year Master of Divinity student Eun Jin Kim, known around campus as Jinny Kim. 

 

Originally from South Korea, Jinny earned a BA in Sociology from Ewha Womans University in Korea. She came to Wesley because of its supportive environment for women. “I chose Wesley because of its diversity, and because it creates a space for women to become leaders in the community,” said Jinny.

 

Jinny is involved with Wesley’s Korean Students’ Association (KSA). “KSA brings Koreans together, whether they are 1st generation, 2nd generation or 1.5 generation like me. It is a time where we gather and worship God, share about our ministries and have fellowship despite the language barrier we have within ourselves,” she notes. 

 

For non-Koreans, Jinny provides an explanation. ”Although we are all Koreans, the 2nd generation speak English as their mother tongue, while the 1st generation speak Korean,” said Jinny. " For those who come straight from Korea, they have difficulty in conveying their thoughts in English, while the 2nd generation - those who were born in America - have a harder time fully speaking and understanding Korean. I am actually a 1.5 generation because my parents are Korean, but I grew up in the Philippines for 12 years of my life. My challenge in preparing for ministry is bridging the gap between the 1st and 2nd generation Koreans. I believe in this season of life, my role is to be a bridge between the two, “said Jinny. 

 

Something we did not know about Jinny? Her many mission trip experiences have led her to visit Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, China, and Mexico.

 

A challenge never stops Jinny, and she shares words that give her courage to keep on pushing forward. “Sometimes, we give up too easily. Whether in ministry, school, or in life, try to "Find the possibility in the impossibility,” said Jinny. 

#womeninleadership #1.5generation #KSA #nevergiveup #facesofWesley

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