Minjin sat at her desk. She hesitantly hovered her fingers over the keyboard as she looked at the blank laptop screen.
Middle school had been overwhelming, with endless assignments and pressure to fit in. She missed the comfort of her old school and Minjun and her older siblings, who were focused on their own lives far away.
When they moved to New York, Minjin's life changed drastically when her father took a job with an American company. While it was meant to be a fresh start for her father's career, Minjin struggled to adapt and often felt isolated.
To lift her spirits, Minjin focused on her taekwondo training. She excelled among the younger players and stayed in touch with Minjun and her older siblings.
Every evening, she would message her older brother, Park Tae-sung, who worked in Seoul after college. Tae-sung had always been her rock. They discussed everything, and although his replies were brief, they were always encouraging.
Minjin's older sister was in her first year of college in New York and was a great source of comfort. Their conversations were filled with laughter and secrets. Minjin admired her sister's courage, even when it led to their parents' anger. Stories of campus life and her sister's romance with a 26-year-old senior offered Minjin a bittersweet escape from her reality.
On a crisp autumn afternoon, Minjin received an unexpected message from Tae-sung. She checked her emails as it was almost time to message Minjun. Her desk was cluttered with notes and textbooks.
Despite the distance, Minjin and Minjun smiled, feeling a connection as they exchanged emails about their lives. Minjin felt lighter and grateful for Minjun's support.
###
Minjin's father sat straight across from the principal and her homeroom teacher, wearing a gentle expression as he listened to the principal praise Minjin's performance.
"Mr. Park, Minjin is an exceptional student with advanced knowledge and maturity. We believe she should be accelerated to high school."
Her father's expression softened. "I appreciate your recommendation, but I want Minjin to enjoy her childhood and have a normal teenage life. These years are about more than academics. She should explore and discover her passions at her own pace."
The teacher nodded. "I understand, Mr. Park. Minjin should have a balanced experience, but let's ask her. Minjin, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
Minjin felt the room's attention shift to her. She looked at her father, who smiled encouragingly, and then at her teacher. Although she excelled in singing and her tests, she had never considered what she wanted to be when she grew up. Possibilities swirled in her mind: musician, writer, scientist, or teacher. Each option filled her with both excitement and fear.
"I... I don't know. I like many things, but I'm unsure what I want to be yet." Minjin said.
Her father placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "That's all right, Minjin. You don't need to decide now. Take your time to explore what you love and find what makes you happy."
The teacher smiled and said, "That's fine, Minjin. You have great potential, and it's okay not to have everything figured out. Just keep learning, explore your interests, and enjoy being yourself."
Minjin nodded.
Although she was uncertain about her future, she fxaelt comforted knowing her father wanted her to enjoy her youth. She realized she didn't need all the answers immediately, and being herself was enough.