Every year, my father celebrated my birthday by giving me flowers. Here, I'm smiling with my present–three roses for three years old.

While majoring in nursing science in undergradute, I found myself spending more and more time making videos for my university broadcasting club. So, when it came time to go to graduate school, I chose to pursue communication media studies.

During my master's program, I was the president of my graduate school's student council. I wrote a bill of rights, protecting graduate students from unfair treatment. In the process of making this bill, I interviewed many graduate students including law students. This experience helped me realize the importance of learning more about the legal stystem.

My first ever conference was an experience unlike any other. I was able to present at the 50th anniversary conference of Agenda-Setting Theory in front of the originators of the concept and agenda-setting researchers from all over the world. Participating in this conference reinvigorated my passion and confidence in studying agenda-setting theory.

(It also taught me the importance of saving presentation files in PDF format.)

The culmination of 4 years of tireless research and learning–my doctoral degree. I was able to complete it thanks to the Korean National Research Foundation, whose fellowship for my innovative research topic supported me through all five years. It was through their support that I was able to complete my re-conceptualization of Need for Orientation.

My father had always wanted to go to graduate school, but due to certain circumstances, he was never able to. After supporting me throughout my life, he saw me graduate and get my Ph.D., and he was able to wear a doctoral gown, as he once again gave me flowers.

Thanks to my father, Andrea An, and my mother, Theressa Kim!