University of North Georgia (UNG) cadet Hyunbean Park has been chosen as an intern for the USA Study Abroad Outreach team for the 2022-23 academic year. Park studied in the Republic of Georgia this summer as a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipient and taught English while interning at the National Defense Academy. He also took a leadership course in Poland.
"Hyunbean is exceptionally passionate about introducing other students to resources to support study abroad. He independently found and pursued this opportunity to increase the number of students who seek funding through Gilman and other scholarships and make study abroad a reality," Anastasia Lin, assistant vice president for academic affairs and dean of honors, said.
The Suwanee, Georgia, resident, who is also an enlisted soldier in the Georgia Army National Guard said leadership also comes from helping. Pursuing a degree in international affairs, he wants to help other UNG students and fellow cadets with anything related to nationally competitive scholarships and study abroad.
"I am willing to share my story with others who might want to come to UNG, too," Park said. "My goal is to give help and insight, to put myself out there to show others that there are things you can do and challenges you can overcome."
Right now, Park is using his fluency in Korean to help others on UNG's Dahlonega Campus, including Dr. Ji-Soo Lee, an exchange professor and lieutenant colonel in the South Korean Army. Her family accompanied her for her stay.
"She sacrificed a lot to come here and the least I can do is help with my language skills," Park said.
Park came to the United States as a child and can relate to what the Lee children are experiencing.
"I saw myself in their situation," he said. "Language skills can help build bigger connections. Giving that little bit of help means so much to me."
Park said that although he may not be the best student at UNG, he is trying to do his best to give back to the people who help him during his years as a Nighthawk. Those mentors include Terry Baumann, assistant director of global military programs, and Dr. Victoria Hightower, professor of history and assistant director of the Nationally Competitive Scholarships office.
"It's OK to face adversity sometimes," Park said. "Go through it. Success is not always guaranteed. You can only progress so much when you go through good things."
