Contributions from our Community: Fitting into America
Written by Tony Han
On May 2, 1976, my life changed forever. That was the day I came to America. I was petrified. I did not speak one word of English or knew anything of the culture, but I was hooked right away. This was Disneyland every day.
Even though it was not easy by any means to fit in, I made the best of it and started to fit in. I threw out all the “fashionable” clothes I brought from Korea and got “cool” clothes kids my age wore here. I played baseball instead of soccer. I made friends. Except my friends here were of different color and origin and not all the same as they were in Korea.
What a country!!! I discovered America allows self-satisfaction, and individualism whereas in Korea, it’s everyone working together and sacrificing for one cause.
Even though I am self-conscious at times around Asians because I’ve become “Americanized”, I know all of them will help me because they want to see Asians succeed and we help each other without condition. I see the joy when they realize I made our race proud by adapting and making good on my opportunities.
There are times I ask myself exactly where I belong as I’ve given up my Korean citizenship to be an American citizen, and there are places and times where I get the impression I’m not wanted.
I tell myself it’s their problem as I’m not hurting anyone or trying to convince people to accept me. I accept myself for who and what I am, and appearances and skin color are not of any concern to me. I am very thankful to live in a diverse country where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.
Tony has been with Internal Services Dept (ISD) for 21 years and is currently the Building Crafts Superintendent for the Emergency Operations Center where he is the primary contact for the CEO on all craft matters pertaining to the facility, which includes electrical, plumbing, HVAC, generator services, IT, custodial and landscaping. As second in command for Special Services, they support county events by supplying and setting up press conferences, all board member meetings and events, as well as charitable functions with Supervisor Banners and Seals, lectern, tables and chairs and canopies among other needs. Tony’s hobbies include yoga, meditation, golf and weight lifting
