Contest win sets up South Korea opportunity

An experience Anna Shelley had on a previous study abroad trip to South Korea helped the University of North Georgia (UNG) graduate earn another opportunity to visit the country and learn its culture.

Shelley won her division at the ninth annual Southeastern U.S. Korean Speech Contest, which was co-hosted by Emory University and the South Korean government this spring. As part of her award, she received a full-tuition scholarship and dormitory support to attend the Dankook University International Summer School in Seoul, South Korea.

Her time in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, made her think of her grandparents' hometown in Georgia, and her speech in this year's contest articulated those connections she made.

"That previous experience in South Korea made me feel connected to history in a closer way. Seeing it in person was really special," Shelley said. "It made me realize I can do much more with history."

Shelley, a Roswell, Georgia, resident, earned a degree in East Asian studies with a minor in history this month.

Shelley was one of the first UNG students to participate in an internship program with the Korean dual language program at Parsons Elementary School in Gwinnett County, Georgia. She has also served as a Language Lab assistant and president of the Korean Club. Dr. Jiyoung Daniel, associate professor of Korean and Shelley's mentor, has enjoyed watching Shelley's growth.

"These experiences have strengthened her Korean proficiency and leadership skills," Daniel said. "She's a great UNG role model."

At the Korean Speech contest, 25 non-heritage students from 12 universities participated in the competition, including Auburn, Duke, Emory, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State, University of Georgia, University of North Alabama, University of Tennessee, University of North Carolina, UNG, and Vanderbilt. Shelley said Daniel served as a great motivator for her in the competition.

"She was so encouraging and adamant. She really wanted me to prepare well," Shelley said. "That's what helped me win."

Shelley hopes to use her UNG education to help tell Georgia's story.

"My biggest dream is to work at a museum or some kind of historical site in Georgia," Shelley said. "I want to preserve and share Georgia's history with other people in whatever way I can."

Daniel knows her student has a bright future.

"I am incredibly proud of her and look forward to all she will accomplish in the future," Daniel said.