ignite 'n inspire

When lovers are bounded by fate and meet again, are they going to grasp onto this opportunity and choose to love again ? Or are some relationships meant to be for specific seasons of our lives? Choi Woo-shik and Kim Da-mi's drama "Our Beloved Summer" explores second chances through the characters of Choi-Woong and Kook Yeon-Soo. Known as the worse and best student back in their school days, the protagonists had filmed a documentary that lead to the beginning of a five year romantic relationship. As they reunite for a marketing project and documentary sequel, the talented still life illustrator and marketing expert are driven to revisit their past. Ultimately, the encounters lead them to re-realize how much they still deeply love each other. Though coming-of-age dramas are common, "Our Beloved Summer" taps into how life struggles and character flaws often hinder us from being the best version of ourselves to the people around us. Perhaps in the loneliness of life...

     Tomorrow marks the last day of semester 1 with my fantastic grade 12 Fashion and Nutrition/Health class. In one week, I will have finished my first semester as an Ontario teacher. I haven't gotten a chance to document the process because it has just been so stressful and busy. As the Omicron cases have been rising, teachers (myself included) have been trying to keep our courses running while trying not to catch COVID. Although it is sometimes exciting to be riding this roller coaster, it comes with so much uncertainty and last minute changes. I have had to change my assessments twice and rearrange my lesson plans...but regardless, it has been such an amazing, blessed semester.      It all started on the day I was informed that I had gotten onto the TDSB supply list which was followed by a phone call from AI. The secretary had told me that she had a two-day supply teaching job that could possibly turn into an LTO. My confused self accepted not knowing t...

What does it look like to live in the "penthouse" of society? Very few individuals get the opportunity to experience this type of lifestyle. Through  Penthouse: War in Life , viewers are invited into the world of the rich. As always, we quickly learn that this affluent community is plagued with jealousy, greed and dirty secrets. This multi-season Korean soap opera is about the lives of several wealthy families who live in Hera Palace, a glamorous, fictional apartment in the heart of Seoul, Korea. Hera Palace, the one-hundred level building, is a symbol of wealth and great reputation, but is ultimately a house of chaos. In the first scene of the drama, the Hera Club children's math tutor Min Seol-ah is mysteriously murdered at the palace and this event sets the drama into motion. As the palace residents attempt to cover up her death, her birth mother and stepbrother work to find the murderer and avenge for Seol-ah. The thriller is centered around three women: Cheon Seo-jin...

What is my word of the year? I think the word cl arity ( / ˈklerədē /)   describes this long, quiet 2020. Amidst cancelled plans, large group gatherings and trips, the world was forced to embrace a more isolated and ever-changing mode of living. I was challenged to submit to the rules of government authorities and patiently wait for "normal" life to return (if that is even possible at this point). Just like those around me and my favourite celebrities/influencers, I embarked on a personal journey, trying to make sense of the situation and to accept this new reality with positivity and hope. Through this year, I learned that busyness has often muddled up my vision. The sudden halt to long Sundays, 40-minute commutes and "planning for my future" gave space and time for me to do a double take on my life, God's character and my community. Here are some of my valuable lessons and moments of epiphany:  (1) Less doing, more worshipping. As a ministry worker for many y...

What is youth? We have been taught that "our youth" is the brightest and most important point in our lives...as we explore career pathways, find love and grow with our friends. Park Bo Gum and Park So Dam's drama is a cinematic illustration of youth in the entertainment and modelling industry. As Ahn Jeong-ha aspires to be an independent make-up artist and Sa Hye-jun hopes to make his mark in the acting world, the young adults cross paths and learn to survive in this stormy and turbulent society. The drama is a slice-of-life drama that explores the troubles of being raised in an Asian household and living with the pressure to find and define success. Although it was shot in the conservative country of South Korea, I believe it is a relatable drama for young adults all around the world. Throughout the drama, viewers are empathizing and rooting for the two protagonists who fight to achieve their dreams and love without despair. Here are my favourite things about this drama:...

       As an Asian-Canadian, I sincerely thank the producers, actors and writers of "It's Okay Not to Be Okay" for creating a drama that sheds light on mental illnesses and childhood trauma. While illustrating a beautiful love story, they have opened the door for viewers to discuss and reflect on our mental health and emotional burdens. By breaking the stigma around mental health issues, "It's Okay Not to Be Okay" is a healing television series that explores the life of an eccentric fairytale author (Moon-young) and psychiatric hospital nurse (Gang-tae). As we learn about their childhood hardships, viewers embark on a journey where both characters learn to unleash their shackles and live for themselves. We also meet Sang-tae, Gang-tae's autistic brother who struggles with being independent and post-traumatic stress. At the psychiatric hospital, viewers are also introduced to a group of patients who are battling their own demons- from alcoholism, depressi...

Going in the fourth month of quarantine, I have been reflecting a lot about elementary school ME...the impulsive, passionate, loud teenager. I realized that I have never written a letter to my younger self. So here it is...     Baby girl, you are currently in grade 5 walking into your new elementary school for the first time. There are butterflies in your stomach and frogs in your throat as you walk up the stairs to Room 201. Although this life transition seems daunting, know that this new school experience is going to change your life. Here are some pieces of advice for you because I know you will need it: 1) Don't dwell on the concept of popularity. Popularity is no different from a fleeting breeze. It is important for you to find companions who share the same values, goals and ambitions. The quantity of Facebook friends only offer a temporary amount of satisfaction. Girl, know that you are going to meet people that will become your sisters  for life, women who will ins...