Growing Up Korean American | My Struggles 

Happy Friday, everyone! Today I share my experience as a Korean American. I would love for you guys to share your stories as well by answering a question or two from the tag. I really love reading what you guys have to say and we can all learn from each other. ❤

I cried hearing your story about your mother... So many people look down on low-income immigrant parents who can't speak English, without caring to know their stories of sacrifice and determination. Growing up, my dad worked as both a librarian and a janitor at night in addition to being an international student trying to earn his PhD. My mom was a stay-at-home mom who raised me and my brothers, doing her best to teach us piano, math, Korean, and help us with homework despite not knowing English well. One time, she was in a minor car accident with a White woman. A White police officer who arrived at the scene listened to the other woman, let her leave right away, and proceeded to write my mom a ticket. He ignored her attempts to explain and when she tried to show him her driver's licence, he threw it on the ground and left. No language barrier can EVER justify treating someone so disrespectfully. If the adult me now could go back in time to that moment, I would totally go off on that officer!! Looking back now, I am constantly flooded with admiration for my parent's strength and gratitude for everything they endured to give me and my brothers the best life they could, for always putting us first so that we could dream big and believe anything was possible

I am crying listening to your mom’s story. Your mom has the sweetest spirit even when she doesnt speak much in your videos :( God bless her always!

We adopted our youngest daughter from Korea as a baby. She is now 39 years old and a pediatric nurse. We are so proud of her and it was so interesting to hear your story, your struggles, and your joys!

I just found out about this video and I cried. I feel every word, every word you say. My parents from Uzbekistan and I was born and live in Russia. I play like a Russian, but I don't look like a Russian obviously. So, I'm an alien in Russia and in Uzbekistan. I was bullied because of how I look and my name (my name is not Russian) and all these things that came along with. And I'm so so thankful to my parents and I also want to thank them back for everything they did and do for me, but with all that COVID-19 situation happening in the world right now, I lost my job... and I feel that I am an asshole loser, I am trying to stay positive and keep pushing, but it's hard. Thank you for your video, it gave me the motivation to not give up.

People need to realise English is just a language! Not a scale of how intelligent you are. My dad can't speak English well but he is the most intelligent man I know.

Jenn, I highkey started crying right when you mentioned the curry rice story. As a Korean American myself, I remember in Kindergarten when I was first struck with the notion that I am different from my peers, when I came to school with my kalbi and rice and saw how disgusted my lunch mates were. I remember coming home crying, yelling at my mom for packing me asian food, for having a Korean name no one could pronounce, for me looking different. Little did I know that my mom had her struggles too, that she was afraid to leave the house, for she was fully aware that she couldn't defend herself and that her language barrier made her vulnerable. I regret those days when I lashed out to my mom whenever she couldn't understand me, through both language and culture. I get mad at myself for complaining why she always asked me to help translate things or asked me to spell something for her. I'm disappointed that I'm fluent only in English, because I know theres so much that I want to tell my family and my family wants to tell me, but the language barrier prevents that. Its hard to identify as Korean American. Everyone either thinks you're a fob or you're white washed. Why can't people just like me for being me? Why does my race/ethnicity have to play such a big part in how people accept me? Growing up in America was really a tug of war between cultures. I got mad when I was put in an inferior position, but what made me mad the most was how I couldn't stand up for myself. Just like you mentioned, standing up for yourself is scary. But now I realize standing up for yourself is the best thing you can do for not only yourself, but also for others who are going through the same struggle as you are. It may be scary, but its necessary. It was definitely stressful to put up with people who didn't know what I was going through. But now, I can't really complain about all of my early, negative memories about my ethnicity, because back then, people just genuinely didn't know what Korea was. I'm proud that Korea has been gaining light through multiple perspectives. But all in all, its our responsibility to teach about our culture and to be open and learn from each other. You can't have unity without diversity, right? Thank you for sharing and embracing your experience Jenn❤

부모님이 이민 1세대이기 때문에 고생을 참 많이 하셨을 것 같아요. 슬프네요...그래도 그 덕분에 지금의 삶을 살고있는것이기 때문에 참 감사하지요.

As the son of Italian immigrants in Canada, I can truly relate to your story. It brought me to tears thinking back about what we went through. Today, I am a proud Canadian, but also so proud of my Italian heritage. It's my soul. What an amazing video Jenn. Thank you. Bless you girl.

Last year, I tutored a 10 year-old Korean girl whose family moved to America for a year. One day, I showed her one of your videos as part of a grammar lesson-- I think it was your morning routine from years ago. She had some self-esteem issues because her english wasn't as good as her younger brother and she had glasses that she hated wearing but I wanted to help her feel more confident. She often felt discriminated against by teachers and classmates and I felt so bad. I showed her your video and told her about how you're Korean American and I that I thought she was going to look like you when she grows up. I wish you could have seen how she lit up! I truly think it meant a lot to her and you became someone she could look up to. I just wanted to share this with you in hopes that it makes you happy! This girl may have been able to relate you a young Jenn and I hope it feels great to know that, as an adult, you helped a girl in a similar situation. I love you and I teared up with you in this video!

I feel ya when it comes to articulating what's in your mind. I can never express well enough because I'm not that great in all the languages. There's always a barrier between my feels and my words! 😂To be honest, I always think that you are such a great speaker, in your videos and also in real life. Yeah the bullying part definitely sucks, mine started quite a bit later since I moved to Australia after high school. I wish I had to courage to shut them up then as well. lol. Look at you now! So proud of you ! ❤

Seeing the way Australians treated my spanish parents growing up was really hard. The lack of respect and unwillingness to help made my heart break for them

부모님이 정말 힘드신 시간이셨을텐데 특히 트라우마를 가질만한 사건이 있으셨던 어머님께서.. 그래도 따님이 이렇게 잘 자라줘서 자랑스러우실거에요 응원합니다

I am at a loss for words really, you’ve said everything I’ve been feeling about my Vietnamese American identity for the longest time - the discrimination against my parents (a similar dangerous situation happened with my parents’ small businesses too), the inability to articulate what you want to say, and having to go to church and Vietnamese school and not really retaining it all. I’m really glad you made this video

I almost cried listening to your mom's story. It must have been so tough for your parents to settle down in America. I think their hard work has already paid off. Look what a great person you are now! You are inspiring all these people from all over the world!!!

저 진짜 울면서 봤어요...눈물, 콧물 다흘리면서...ㅠㅠㅠ 진짜 부모님께서도 너무 힘드셨을 것 같아요.. 저는 미국유학때문에 시험보러 한달간 다녀왔었는데 말이 안통하고 영어를 잘못해서 무시하는듯한 느낌에 소심해져 있었거든요..근데 jenn 부모님께선 계속 거기 사시면서 일도 하시고 사람들과 부딪히는 일도 많으셨을거고...너무 고생하셨을 것 같아요...

모야 눈물나는 이야기인줄 알고 힘이 되어주려고 들어왔는데 희망찬 구독자 245만명 이였자나!!

omg jenn... i had no idea what happened to your mom. i have no words. im just sending you and your family all the love i can. youre a wonderful woman!

Jenn, you are crazy articulate in your videos and for me that is a huge part of what distinguishes your content from a lot of other creators’ out there. It’s so surprising to find out that you feel like you’re not good at expressing yourself! Your voice has always been so genuine and candid in a sea of manufactured beauty/entertainment content, which is what I think has built you a huge following. This video in particular showcased that incredible ability of yours to emote and engage your audience. Shout out to Amy’s thoughtful questions, too! Thank you so much for making this video. As a non-American Asian living in the West, I have my own struggles as an immigrant, but it was really inspiring and educational to learn about you and your family’s struggles and resilience as Asian Americans. It’s so great that you’re putting in effort to learn Korean now, never too late; our relationships with our parents will definitely improve with time, improved communication, and patience. I wish you guys nothing but the best in the future!

It's so heartbreaking. That's why it's very important for parents to teach their kids about cultural, ethnicity and race diversity as well as respect and compassion.

hey, I am korean American too (1st generation) I was born in Korea but lived out here for the rest of my life since I was a baby and whilst watching your video, everything linked up because I am not great at explaining things and you had the exact same struggles as me and it felt like you told the world who we actually are and things we desperately want to say. Every single sentence and word you said were relatable. It felt like you were telling my story. I just want to say thank you for doing something that I've always wanted to do, but couldn't. You don't know how much it means to me❤️

i am mexican american and I can relate to so many of the things you experienced. glad you made this video!

I remember I brought kimchi to elementary school one time and people made fun of me saying it stunk. After that I told my mom to only pack ham and cheese or pb and j sandwiches. Now, everyone is loving the kimchi! I hope my future children don’t have to go through what we did. That little boy who called kare rice poop is missing out! But these things made us who we are now. My family has a similar story to yours; they came to America and worked three jobs at the same time to make ends meet so us kids could have a better life. My parents always got discriminated against because their English wasn’t perfect, but they always stayed strong and carried on. We should be so proud of our parents! 😄

The story about the curry made me so sad because my mom is Korean (dad's white) and everyone was really mean to me and they called me crazy whenever my mom packed my lunch. It really sucked

I am Chinese American, age 70, and I find a lot of similarities that you went through in your youth. I am writing an article now on Asian wine professionals (I am in the wine business). I just interviewed to Korean American winemakers and what you are saying resonates. Thanks for doing such an honest, real-life RU-vid. Keep up the good work, this is important for all of us, and I mean everyone include in white and black Americans.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Jenn! Especially the story about what happened to your mom, i actually teared up

I'm so sorry about what happened to your mum, it breaks my heart into pieces. I related to you so much when you said that if your language isnt good enough people tend to underestimate you, it's so sad and should definately be changed :(

I was adopted from Korea and I am interested in learning more about the Korean culture. This was a very deep and personal look at your experiences and I appreciate the time you took to create this video!

와... 저 아무생각없이 유튜브 들어와서 보다가 처음으로 유튜브 보다가 진짜 대단하다고 느꼈어요 먼가 세상에 개념없고 생각없이 살아가는사람도 많은데 이렇게 그것도 어릴때부터 그런상황을 경험하고 이해하고 받아드린다는것이 정말 놀랍달까.. 14분안에 되게 값진 영상 본것같아요 감사합니다 구독누르고 영상 다 챙겨볼게요 코로나 조심하시구..

I'm sorry about what your mom went through. Your words n honesty about growing Korean American is inspiring. My parents are the first generation American so when you talked about the shit that they go through to have a better life for the next opened my eyes. I'm proud to say that I'm a Vietnamese American and I live who I am n my culture. Love you JENN!

영어 공부하면서 우연히 영상접했는데 처음엔 톤이랑 발음이 넘 멋져서 배우고싶다고해서 쭉 봤는데 예전 영상들을 보니 성장과정들이 많은시행착오끝에 이렇게 올수있었구나싶더라구요 멋져요 멀리 한국에서 누군가는 당신을 닮고싶어하는 사람도있으니까요 응원합니다!! 잘해왔고 지금도 잘하고있으니까요♡

Seeing you vulnerable and crying felt like a real face to face connection with you. I appreciated this so much. Thank you for being you!

oh man, I wasn’t ready for the waterworks. you’re such a role model jenn. we love you 💖

OMG GURL I CRIED WATCHING THIS VIDEO, I'm so sorry that your mum had to go through that. You also had a lot of difficulties thinking that you'd never satisfy "the Asian standards", but you parents must be SO SO SO proud of having such a smart and beautiful daughter like you!!! Lots of love Jenn! from Korean Canadian

I got emotional when you told me what happened to your mother. That was horrible. I’m SO sorry. 😢 I’m a Black, disabled, neurodivergent lesbian. Growing up and trying to fit in with mainstream society was very traumatic for me. I’ve struggled with anxiety for most of my life, and with depression since I was 12. Learning to accept all of who I am took some real introspection and soul searching, and now I’m not only starting to accept who I am, but EMBRACE who I am as well. I love the diversity here in America, and I believe that we should embrace each other’s differences, not criticize or ridicule them, because I believe that we all have inherent value, and that we all have something to bring to the table. 🙂

This is so honest it makes me cry. I can connect with you on so many levels. So happy that you found your peace!

한국에 사는 한국인으로서 한국인이라는것에 자부심을 가져주시고 있다니 고마워요. 어린시절의 상처와 어머님의 사고가 트라우마로 남지 않아 다행이에요. 아직은 세계속에 작은 나라이기에 무시 당하는 아픔도 있지만 인터넷을 통해 알고 있겠지만 점점 좋아지고 있어요. 국력도 올리고 있어요. 그러니 한국인으로서의 자부심을 놓지 말고 가슴속에 담아주기 바래요.

I cried when you mentioned your moms story :( thank you for this video, this is so relatable

와진짜너무예뻐요..그냥 외모 칭찬이 아니라 사람이 예뻐요 사람이.. love you❤️

Wow, this is amazing. My daughter is half korean and she is so proud of being Korean. Me too.

Loved this video, your mom's story was very sad and touching. I am Greek/Dominican and there was a time when I was younger that I didn't take pride on my ethnicity. Let's just say that kids can sometimes be assholes. I didn't feel neither greek nor dominican. Now as I've grown older I could not be any prouder for both of my backgrounds and this mixed culture that I have obtained.

"Where did those years of Korean school go?" GIRL I RELATE I used to go to Chinese school every Friday evening - FRIDAY EVENING I HAD TO GIVE UP MY FRIDAY EVENINGS that's social suicide for a teenager - and my Chinese level is probably about the same as your Korean level.... Watching the news is a STRUGGGLLLEEEE

This made me cry. I love your honesty and how genuine you are. Your love for your mom is amazing

와 저도 한국인이예요! 왜인지는 모르겠지만 그냥 끝까지 보게되었어요..

I never really comment on videos and I only shed 2 tears watching Les Miserables but damn... you had me tearing up hard when you shared what your mother went through! For myself, race/ethnicity has always been an awkward subject at best.. I'm a bit over half Native American and the rest white (Italian, German and Irish). My white relatives are fairly recent immigrants, so I got a decent amount of cultural immersion on all fronts. My father's side is mainly native and I grew up on pow wows and fry bread. He is an excellent beadwork artist and has even had me help him pluck a porcupine (it hurts. Like, a lot. LOL) It's always been weird for me though because, for one, people very often mistake me for being Asian. Being Asian isn't necessarily bad, but.. I'd like to be recognized for what I am, and those who get it right are usually other natives. Go figure! What's also weird for me is that I am in my own native country, yet I've seen less natives than anyone else. There's not a big enough native voice to deflect the misrepresentations and stereotypes about us. It's a damn shame to me, honestly.. The constant media focus on race issues can be a bit overwhelming these days, I won't lie, but I do hope that it will all come full circle in a positive way and that people will dismiss harmful stereotypes rather than perpetuate them. Stir the pot enough and hopefully things will all mix smoothly! Because optimism!! 😂😂😂👊💖

Jenn, your story about your mom and how it impacted you lit a fire under me as well. I can totally relate as a Korean-american with a korean mom. This inspires me to do my own tag. Thanks for sharing. 화이팅!

I cried at the part you were talking about your mum 😢 your parents must be so proud of you!! All the best and love your videos 👍🏻

Man. I know exactly what you're talking about.

It's crazy how almost every Asian American I've seen online (including me) has had a story similar to your curry rice one. I'm Japanese American and my mom used to always packed me bento boxes in elementary school and while some teachers loved them and would tell me how cute they were, my classmates and friends would comment on how it smelled bad or looks weird. I was so embarrassed by the attention my food got I eventually told my mom to stop packing me lunches altogether. I felt bad because I loved my mom's cooking and she prides herself with it so for a long time she wasn't aware of the real reason I asked her to stop, she believed my little lie about how the kids would take my food and eat it. Throughout my K-12 life I would rarely bring lunches but I always made sure they were more "acceptable" to eat in front of the kids who would only bring/buy sandwiches or pizza for lunch. She's aware now why I actually asked her to stop making me bento boxes and thankfully she isn't hurt or offended but I do wish I didn't miss out on some amazing lunches haha.

Oh my gosh, I can totally relate to your mortification over food. Even though it may seem trivial, at that age it really is tough being different from others.

wow it is so unbelievably eye-opening to hear that you experienced and still experience the same exact thing I did and still do. the part about your mom and your family is so inspirational and really made me see my own family differently. thank you for this.

I love the Korean culture and the food and I’m originally from Somali❤️ We have to accept who we are regardless of our background because it wasn’t our choice to be born black, white, Asian. All human beings are amazing regardless where you are from. Peace and love and unity❤️❤️

Everyone needs to watch this video!! It's so awesome reading through these comments and seeing how much positive impact you are having. I can see people in the comments being instantly more proud of their heritage because of you! I really hope in this country we are becoming more open minded and accepting of different cultures and just being more kind to everyone we meet.

I grew up in Paris, I was born in the South of France and my parents are coming from Senegal (Africa) and Guyane (South America). I to-ta-lly resent you when you said that in Korea you are considered American and vice versa. It was exactly the same when as a kid I was in Senegal and people on the street once called me "a white french person" because I couldn't speak wolof (Senegal's main language after French). Now, as a grown women, I am also planing to learn wolof because I feel like I am finally ready for it. I really want to thank you for sharing this experience because you are right : our parents paved the way for us to integrate in the country they choose, they went through a lot to integrate as immigrant, and for that we have to show them gratitude every single day. I wish you the best Jenn, this video made my day.

I’m so sorry to hear about your moms experience at the store. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story, I’m so thankful to come across your page. You are such a beam of light and resilience and you’re so inspiring to me.

Thank you for this video. I didn’t grow up in America - but I am a Vietnamese-Australian. I was born and raised in Australia. I’ve had to deal with a lot of racism and bullies as well, growing up. Thank you for sharing your story, it made me cry when you spoke about your mum. Made me really miss my mum - who passed away when I was 4 months pregnant with my first child. Currently I’m going through such a difficult phase in life, but what you said towards the end of the video has pretty much slapped me in the face! It’s reminded me how hard my parents worked to give myself and my two brothers a better future. It’s reminded me of the tough and low-paying jobs they worked, all kinds of crap they had to deal with...all for a better future for me and my brothers. Therefore.. I cannot give up. Thank you Jen. Thank you.

First-generation struggles, man. I feel you. I'm first-generation Mexican American.

Oh goodness, Jen. I loved this and of course your Mom’s traumatic story made me cry. I appreciate you sharing your growth and experiences because it has been something that I have been to expressing to friends and people around me, saying that not everyone was born “woke” or aware of themselves in a cultural aspect, specifically in America. We need to give ourselves space to grow because life can be so hard on us, even at an early age. During my childhood, assimilation was shoved down my throat as an African American too and even though I am not first generation (but a proud descendant of those in chattel slavery), and I was hit hard with the “model minority” stereotype for the opposite reasons. People always thought I was less smart and put me in lower classes, and I worked my butt off to show my smarts while at the same time thinking that later in life I would be properly rewarded for all the work that I had done (and you can guess how that went in college). Either way, I am extremely blessed to be where I am at now, to have all that I have (not just my degrees), and to claim my heritage as a Black American, and wouldn’t have it any other way. As for the other questions, I am Black American and I have not always been proud of who I am but now see the beauty of my culture and my people, who make me proud every day. Because I was born in CA and lived there long enough to get the accent (yes, Californians have accents), I dealt with the stereotype of being told I talk like a white girl, and this mostly came up in middle school since I lived in Baltimore, MD (from a white guy nonetheless 😅). I resented it because of a few things. 1 - Just because you have an accent, speak Ebonics and/or broken English, does not mean you are less educated. 2 - Just because someone has a Californian accent doesn’t mean they are smart. 3 - There are different kinds of intelligence out there that is necessary to survive (book smart, street smart, etc) and speech does not always denote that intelligence in ways that you expect. And 4 - Black people speak in all different kinds of languages, accents, etc just like everyone else and there is no way to speak “white”. It’s a classist and racist stereotype that needs to end. Either way, we were young and I hope he stopped saying that cuz I just gave him a dirty look as a kid. I didn’t have time for it. 😂 It should not only be the way that negative stereotypes (racism, classism, sexism, etc) affect us that unites people, but our personal internal struggles, defeats, victories, and triumphs. And it takes so much grace and vulnerability to share these stories so I appreciate you sharing yours, Jen. I am happy continue watching your journey as long as you choose to share it with us on here. Much love. 💛

jenn you are sooo brave to tell us about troubles your family had to undergo as a first generation and your message always inspires us, im so pride of you >>from korea

Seeing you vulnerable and crying felt like a real face to face connection with you. I appreciate this video. Thank you for being you!

오늘 처음 봤는데 미소가 너무 아름다우세요 부모님 강도 얘기 들었을땐 같이 울컥했어요 해외에 체류한경험이 있어서 봤을때 정말 1세대는 오직 자식들을 위해 더 좋은환경을 주고자 헌신하고 희생하고 고생하는 모습에 후에 철이들면 그걸알게되죠 앞으로 구독할께요

My son is Japanese American. I’m sure he will go through the similar situation as yours, but I will keep telling him that his ethnicity is not the thing he need to be ashamed of, but something really shines him up. Thank you for sharing this video, Jenn. You always inspire me so so much. Love from Japan.

As a Korean currently living in America, thank you for sharing your experience. Tears came out when I heard about your mom. Jenn, you must be your mom's greatest pride. Look at you, you are so nice, wonderful human being. Also there are some comments like everything in my head comes out of a language that I've been thinking about-- thank you all. for sharing your stories.

As a first-generation Asian, I really love how you feel about your background and resilience.

I actually shed a tear when you started talking about your mother. I am from a completely different country but completely relate to you as a first gen british from Africa - I was relating to every single point you were making even the language issue. Our parents have done so much for us

Such an amazing video! I was born in Korea, but adopted by an American family when I was 7 months old. I grew up in a rural area of Idaho that had zero Asian people. I had a difficult childhood of being bullied, getting into fights because of being bullied and having to grow up fast when my parents got divorced when I was 8. I never felt accepted by Asians or Americans. As I have gotten older, I have pretty much created my own path. I don’t really allow one thing to define who I am. I am many things and that makes me unique. I embrace my differences and hope to travel to Korea someday with my daughter, so we both can experience that part of our heritage together.

Hi, I’m normal Japanese living in Japan. Recently, I don’t know why myself, I worry about my Low self-esteem. But I’m totally moved by your video and very encouraged as an Asian:) I fell like I can love myself! Thank you for posting this video and who making Japanese subtitle too❤️

You are an amazing storyteller. I am so moved of what you have been through. I’ve always so inspired by your positive attitude towards everything. I am sure your parents is so proud of what you have achieved.

Thank you for posting this video

한국인으로서 응원해요

Literally every single thing you said I can relate to, thank you for such a raw, wonderful video

Just found your channel. Already cried 2-3 times. I’m first generation Indian American and this video was so freaking relatable, thank you for sharing. ♥️

I was crying when you were crying because I felt your pain. My parents owned a small grocery store and worked very hard, 7 days a week and one day, while my father was at the store alone, 2 men came in with guns and robbed the store. My dad was hit across the face with a pistol and locked inside a walk-in refrigerator box. Til this day, I cry when I think about it and it breaks my heart. I'm also "Korean American" and I related to a lot of your struggles, especially communicating with my mother. You're right, things always get lost in translation and even though I consider myself fluent in Korean, it's hard for me to articulate my feelings in Korean and I always felt misunderstood. I was NOT good in school and it didn't help that I was painfully shy and so I use to hate it when people would expect me to be good in math etc. Also, the cultural difference between home life and social life was a struggle for me. As a kid, I absolutely hated being Korean American but now, as an adult, I'm proud to call myself a Korean American and it took me a long time to get to this place.

I’m in tears 😓 mi corazón feels so much for your mama. I really relate to first generation struggles our parents face and it saddens me that similar experiences have occurred to my family as well. We are resilient people. I appreciate you so much for your courage. For your words. For your existence. This is for them. ✊🏼

계속 궁금했던건데 이렇게 영상 만들어주셔서 감사합니다. 부모님 얘기 하실때 저도 같이 울컥해서 울었네요.. 그리고 자기 자신을 있는 그대로 받아들이는 게 어찌보면 쉽지 않은 일인데, 한국인 미국인이 자랑스럽다고 얘기하실때 정말 멋져보였어요.. 후광이 비치는 느낌.

Thank you so much for making this. I’m Filipino American and this was AMAZING. I’m a very stoic person and I’m just like crying right now lol. I have been oppressed and felt distant from my heritage and since coronavirus I have been shown a lot more racism in my everyday life and I really need this so that I could relate to someone. You are so strong, thank you so much

You are so strong to tell that story about your mom and it shows that even if she was a fearful person. She was strong because of her love for her kids. I started crying because I feel the same way with my parents with my mom running a food service store. Love ya Jenn From a Vietnamese American

Thank you so much for this video ❤️ you’re truly inspiring in every way

It's so interesting how first generation Americans share similar stories. My parents came to the U.S. from Jamaica and I can literally relate to almost everything you said. I'm glad you're finally at piece!

I have crush on your smile!I'm Japanese girl and your talking makes me happy.thank you💗

I am so sorry that something so traumatic happened to your mom. I am so thankful that she stayed strong and continued to raise you in that fearful time.. I was born in Cambodia but moved here when I was 5... I had a hard time adapting because I loved speaking my languages, mandarin, teochew, and Khmer, but here in California, nobody I knew spoke those so I didn’t want to adjust. I remember in elementary school we had to write out numbers and such, I had already learned to do that back in Cambodia when I was much younger, but I refused to write the American numbers... so I wrote in Chinese instead. Adapting and accepting a new place was hard for me but in the end, it had to happen for me to “fit” into this world.

So much love girl!! Growing up 1st generation Australian from a Vietnamese family I can totally relate to what you've been talking about so far. The world needs more videos about peoples ethnic stories like this! And let Ben know we've been missing his videos too! Xx

Thanks for sharing your powerful story. The story of your Mom is touching and reminds me of my Mom, who passed away five years ago. She brought my brother and me to the States and worked so hard so we would have good education and professional careers. Just like you, I find my Mom a source of inspiration every day, and a force to help you standing up when you’re down. Thanks for being genuine and inspiring!

Watching this again because 😔 the world feels tremendously shitty right now .

I'm not even Korean-American, but your stroy encourged me a lot because of the fact that you're still a warm and bright person even though your childhood has been very tough for you.

I just can't help but tear a little because I could actually feel how much you love your mom and how much you want to protect her.. My mom pass away when I was 7 so I do wish I was older back then to love her more in any ways I could. But that aside, you're such a ball of sunshine!!! Don't ever let anything brings you down! 💞

Thank you so much for you honesty and vulnerability! Thank you for being so open and real! It is so rare and special to see a person sharing her soul story with such an open heart 💛💛💛 Thank you!

Omg, Jen. This was beautiful. I love to see where your inner fire comes from and your pride 💕

Aww SO happy you made your version of this video, Jenn.❤️ it was comforting in a way when we chatted and you told me that you also had a very similar experience in elementary school b/c I thought I was the only one... (i would’ve totally shared my sushi with you if we went to the same school in Cali😂) Thank you also for speaking about your very personal story. Lots of love & power to you, your amazing mom, and family for being so strong and full of love. Keep shining!!💎✨

Thank you for opening up about this Jegg. This video was lovely and made me even more proud to be a Korean American! ❤️

Thanks for the courage to share those stories about you and your mom. I was tearing up hearing your mom's experience because it reminds me of my mom, who was also a fearful person. I didn't know how to comfort her and protect her back then because I was so young and stupid. I'm Chinese and have lived in US for 5 years. Though our background are very different, I can relate to a lot of what you shared. That feeling of lack of integration with the main stream culture and that struggle of want to fit in. I'm still learning how to enjoy the best side of each culture. Wish us all good luck!

I could relate to you on so many levels, especially seeing my umma and appa working in convenience stores, dry cleaners and their own little coffee shop. They were constantly stressed financially and emotionally and it pushed me to study till 1am everyday and get a good job so I can give them the respect and recognition they deserve (and buy them food and presents ^^). I totally relate to the communication difficulty, and I don’t have a propensity for language, so throughout Saturday korean school, I constantly felt very lost! Now I’m using Duolingo to try to learn better. My heart goes out to you and your family for what your mom experienced. I hope she heals and can be carefree again. It brought tears to my eyes because my mom sacrificed tremendously for us too and I can see how much you love her. I am proud to be Korean Canadian, and we all need to remember our beautiful heritage ❤️ Thank you for sharing this!

So sorry that happened to your mom 😔 immigrant parents are truly the hardest working people. And I’ll always be grateful that my grandparents made their way to the states to escape the secret war. Love you sooo much Jenn and Thanks for making this video! ❤️

I was born and grew up in Portugal as a Chinese, I found this so relatable. When I look back to my younger self, I hope there was more strength in me and just be confident with who I was. Specially when you are younger it is hard no to absorb what others say and think about you, I would tell people who are experiencing this kind of cultural diversity within themselves now, just to know that this is a gift. You are opened to new ways of thinking and being, you can be so much more! This world is becoming more integrated and globalised, so be proud of who you are. Close-minded people should open their minds before opening their mouths! Express yourself, be proud of who you are

저도 한국계 미국인인데 이 영상이 감동적이었어요. 이야기 해줘서 감사합니다! 저같은 한국계 미국인을 유튜브에서 보닌가 자랑스럽네요. 새로운 구독자가 생겼읍니다 ^^ 응원하겠습니다! I'm a Korean American, too and this video resonated within me and made me emotional. Thanks for telling your story! I'm proud to see someone like me who is successful on RU-vid! I'll cheer you on!

Hi Jenn, my son was born in Germany and he is half Hong Kong Chinese/German. I guess he is going to face all the problems during his journey in life here. Its so great you shared your experiences so whole-heartly. Being able to be born and embrace two cultures are a great things. There are so many interesting things that people who grew up with a single cultures won't be able to have. Thanks so much for sharing!

Thank you for sharing your experience Jenn! I really relate to your struggles and thoughts, especially having to try harder to provide for your parents and make sure they don't live through that bad experience again (That hit me hard.) Similar to you, I also remember being disconnected with my culture (almost to the point, hating my own culture) because of some people's upbringing of negative ideas, which almost made me disconnected with it. Lucky for me, I don't hate it anymore.

😭 Beautiful video Jenn! Made me tear up. I'm Native American and was born and raised on the Navajo reservation. Love you and your content. ❤️

This video still touches me in a very special way. I don't think I have ever heard someone describe an experience so similiar to mine growing up

어쩌다, 유튜브 알고리즘으로 Jenn 영상을 보게 되었어요. 저는 미국 1세대로 영어는 잘 못하지만, 어머님처럼 많이 shy 한 사람이예요 ㅎㅎ 저희 아들은 미국에서 태어났고 큰아들은 이제 고등학생이 되었답니다. 영어를 공부하고 있어요. 아직 아주 잘 하는것은 아니지만, 아이들과 더 깊은 대화를 나누고 싶고 내 자신에게 더 자랑스럽고 싶어서 시작했지요. Jenn 이 한국인인게 자랑스럽고 부모님을 생각하면 더 열심히 살수 있는 힘이라고 했을때 우리 아들도 그렇게 생각할수 있게 잘 살아야 겠다는 생각을 했답니다. 솔직한 이야기 들려주셔서 너무 감사해요^^