Support for Korean Youth Aging Out of Care

Earlier this year, we checked in with Taehyeon as part of his January mid-year progress report. As he enters his final semester of college, Taehyeon is focusing on strengthening his skills, preparing for his future career, and making the most of the opportunities made possible through the KKOOM scholarship.

Academics

Last semester, Taehyeon completed a full course load that included Business Law, Accounting, Economics, Communication, and Computer & Information Systems Technologies. Among these, Economics 4000 stood out as his favorite class. He particularly enjoyed exploring how economic theories connect to real-world situations and financial decision-making.

At the same time, the semester also presented challenges. Accounting 3000, an advanced course designed for accounting majors, proved to be the most difficult. Because Taehyeon is majoring in Finance, many of the accounting concepts were unfamiliar and required additional effort to master. To stay on track, he regularly studied with classmates and asked questions to deepen his understanding.

Despite these challenges, Taehyeon reports that his classes are going well. This spring semester, he is especially excited to take more finance-focused courses, where he hopes to further develop his analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of financial decision-making.

Preparing for the Future

With graduation approaching later this year, Taehyeon is beginning to focus on the next stage of his journey. His primary goal is to secure a job in the finance field. This semester, he has started preparing for interviews and professional certification exams that will help support his career goals.

The Impact of the Scholarship

The KKOOM scholarship continues to play an important role in supporting Taehyeon’s daily life while he focuses on his studies. The funds help cover essential living expenses such as groceries, transportation, and other everyday needs.

Recently, Taehyeon faced an additional challenge when he needed to move apartments in New York City. The move brought significant costs, including deposits and moving expenses. With KKOOM’s support, he was able to navigate this transition and reduce the financial stress that often accompanies housing changes.

Without the scholarship, Taehyeon shared that he likely would have needed to seek additional work while studying. Instead, this support allows him to remain focused on his academic progress while continuing to save carefully for future expenses.

Mentorship and Community

This year has also brought meaningful professional connections. Since the beginning of the fall semester, Taehyeon has connected with a mentor in the finance field who has helped guide his career development. Through this mentorship, he has received advice, attended networking events, and gained insight into potential career paths within the industry.

Outside of his academic and professional goals, Taehyeon enjoys going to the gym and spending time with friends, activities that help him maintain balance during a demanding final year of college.

A Message of Gratitude

In his mid-year check-in, Taehyeon shared his sincere gratitude for the KKOOM supporters who make this scholarship possible. He noted that the scholarship not only provides financial assistance, but also gives him the confidence and motivation to continue pursuing his academic and professional goals.

As he prepares to graduate and begin his career, Taehyeon remains committed to working hard, staying disciplined, and using his education to positively impact his community in the future.

Thank you for your continued support. Your generosity helps students like Taehyeon pursue their education and future careers with greater stability and confidence.

Stay tuned for more updates from students in KKOOM’s U.S. College Scholarship Program.

Links:

• Keep track of updates on Instagram
• Learn more about our Scholarships Program
• Read more KKOOM stories on our website