Woo Jae Kim
On July 1st of 2015, on Canada Day, I started my new life in Canada as an Assistant Professor. Even though everyone has his or her own story, my journey as a scientist was not smooth sailing. I had submitted job applications to most of the continents, except for Africa. Even now, it surprises me to see the records. Especially when I think of the efforts of those who provided recommendations to go along with my applications.
After all the turmoil, the opportunity came from Canada. And after more turmoil, I started my position as a professor in the capital of Canada on Canada Day. It has been two years since that day. In those two years, I have learned a lot. More difficult than adjusting to a new culture and scientific systems, was meeting new people and creating shared goals. If someone were to ask if I had tried my best in the past two years, I would not answer yes with certainty. However, I am not ashamed of those years passed.
All my living expenses and research grants are provided by the Canadian government. Since I have yet to succeed, the research assistants’ and students’ salaries all come from tax revenue of Canadian citizens. As a Korean who carries on research on Canadian government’s funds, I am always filled with concerns. I am have seen many Koreans in similar situations. Some avoid other Koreans, and some live on without any attempts to learn about Canada while being funded by the government. The answer probably lies somewhere in between.
It’s Canada Day again. I have met Canadian rhinologists for the first time, and have made plentiful progress prior returning to Ottawa. In Korea, there are people that I love. However, Canada provides the nest for me to live and live on. It was a blessing to begin professorship in a country that embraces and promotes diversity. I wish infinite growth for Canada, and I plan to do my part to help Canada implement long-term development plan based on my two years of research.
I believe that it is the way to show my gratitude towards Canada, as a scholar funded by the government, and as a person who is able to express thoughts only in Korean. I believe that is the way for a Korean scientist in living in Canada to contribute to both countries. I believe that is how I can keep identifying myself as a Korean, not be parasitic, and contribute to Canada.
Happy Canada Day!