Q & A with Young Leaders Program Fellow Hae Il
This year we launched our Young Leaders Program, designed for high-potential North Korean-born college students. Through mentoring, individual career exploration, and training for self-development, our newest empowerment program has given these North Koreans the opportunity to make great personal and professional strides. Meet one of this year’s fellows, Hae Il!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hae Il: I’m currently a sophomore in college and I want to become an aviation mechanic.
What drew you to the Young Leaders Program (YLP)?
Hae Il: A friend at church was applying and encouraged me to do the same. At first I didn’t have much interest in the program, but during my interview with Anna (LiNK’s empowerment coordinator), I learned about the program more in-depth. Anna talked about the mentors and the network that I would have access to as a YLP fellow. She told me that I would be able to have an aviation mechanic mentor me one on one. This made me especially excited for YLP and during the interview I realized that I really wanted to participate.
What has the experience been like for you so far?
Hae Il: I feel that I have gained a community. We meet regularly, share stories, and learn new things together, which I really enjoy. Through learning and voicing my perspective to others, I feel that I am growing as a person.
How does it feel to be a part of this community?
Hae Il: I love being able to share my ideas with the instructors and other fellows. During discussions, I feel that my presence and perspective are valued. Although I don’t necessarily say this outwardly, I feel very proud when I am listened to. I feel that I am being recognized and accepted.
What is your relationship with your mentor like?
Hae Il: I communicate regularly with Minkyu. He even reached out to meet me during the Chuseok holiday (Korean Thanksgiving). I’m so grateful because he always looks out for me.
What are some things you have learned from your mentor?
Hae Il: One of the main things I learned from my mentor is how to treat other people. He is really kind, polite, and humble. Because I feel I am often influenced by the people around me, I find myself becoming more like him. For example, he always stays after the day-long YLP workshops to help clean up. Lately, I have been trying to stay after the workshop to help clean up with him. It feels great. Minkyu inspires me to help others like he does.
How has your mentor helped you learn about aviation mechanics?
Hae Il: In studying to become an aviation mechanic, I made obtaining several certifications my top priority. However, my mentor encouraged me to prioritize learning English. He taught me that it’s more important to get a good score on my English proficiency test first and to prioritize my aviation mechanic certification second. My personal agenda has changed and become more efficient because of his advice. I also learned more about what it means to be an aviation mechanic.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time here?
Hae Il: I really look forward to getting closer to other fellows and mentors at the camp we will soon be attending. I cannot wait to spend time with everyone. My college classes start at 11 a.m. and go until 2 or 3 p.m. Then, I go to the library to study by myself. When I come home, I don’t have anyone to talk to, to share my worries with, or to have deep conversations with. However, at YLP I enjoy being able to share my story and listen to others’ stories. I think I’ll be able to get closer to other YLP mentors and fellows at camp, so I am really looking forward to it.
Do you have have any goals for after the Young Leaders Program?
Hae Il: I really want to study abroad next year. I am very motivated to work hard with the English teacher that LiNK connected me with because of this goal. Thanks to LiNK, I also enrolled to take online classes, which will help me to become better at English so I can study abroad.
You can help more North Koreans reach their academic and career potential by fundraising for our programs.
