“Honestly, I probably would not have seriously played any sport, but rather more of a leisure. If I had to pick a sport other than soccer, I would probably have chosen Golf. There aren’t any specific reasons, but it is just because of the popularity of the sport in Korea. Tennis has also grown in popularity, which might be something that sparked my interest as a kid; it involves quick movements and reaction time.
“Pineapple on pizza? I would argue that pizza tastes better with pineapple, especially when the taste is exceptionally dull. There is a specific pizza where pineapple would destroy the original taste, but I won’t mind having pineapple on pizza.
“Who from Northwood would I like to give a shout-out to? There are multiple people that have my respect and recognition. Still, two people that I want to share this opportunity with are Mr. and Mrs. Roy. Despite not having the most interaction, these two people have been the most genuine, wholesome, and positive (긍정적인) people I have interacted with.
“Mr. Roy, who would greet you with a warm energy whenever you boarded and left his bus to and from the hub, is a person to remember. Although he may not have been experiencing the most fantastic day, he devoted his energy to warmly greeting students. The simple gesture of greeting someone in his own unique way influenced me to appreciate his incredible energy and respond back with positivity. Now that he is no longer here with us, his presence has turned into gratitude and appreciation.
“Mrs. Roy, whom I had less interaction with, had the most impactful experience in providing comfort. At times of need for a ride to Saranac Lake, she was open to help in assistance. I was thankful for her openness to help and how comfortable she made the ride feel. We exchanged invaluable conversations, and she created an environment where I was able to share personal stories with her. Despite being my first year at Northwood, her quiet, thoughtful, charming personality created a warm atmosphere that helped me feel welcomed. She was influential in my adjustment, making it easier to settle in.
“It is through the Roy family that I was able to experience how impactful small acts of kindness can be.
“Specifically, as a student-athlete, I think finding the right balance between what to prioritize is crucial in consistently achieving the goals of your desire. This may apply to student-athletes and athletes in general; it is difficult to do everything exceptionally well. Not everything is obtainable simultaneously in school, sports, or social life. Therefore, it is important to understand what is important and what isn’t to you. Since there is only so much time and energy you could devote in a single day, sacrificing what is wanted for what is needed is crucial.”
As told to Gavin Kriger ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.