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By Linda Loi My Interview with Michael Benedict Chung Michael Benedict Chung -- the first time he ever impressed me was when he wrote his name in three languages during the name presentation in our class; the second time was at our introductions, after I took a peak at his business card; and the last time he caused my jaw to drop open was during our interview at a Price Water information seminar. These moments were not the only times Mike impressed me, but they are significant because they sum up this very complex individual in the most simplistic way. For the most part, Mike is a proud Korean Christian leader with more of an objective than just making a six figure salary. You would not be able to tell by first glance because of his all Polo attire and his very "Asian" Honda Civic car, but his views, goals and personality allows him to stand apart from any other Asian. Although he is a second-generation child who grew up in a 95% Caucasian-populated town, Mike never lost his pride and knowledge for his culture. As previously stated, although he was given an American name at birth, he was still able to write and explain the meaning of his name in both Chinese and Korean. Instead of fitting into the mold of a "normal" second-generation child by assimilating and forgetting his roots, Mike holds true to his culture not only by knowledge, but also by serving his fellow community. The very first sign of his pride would be his major of Asian American Studies. He is also very active on and off campus in various Korean Leadership and Christian groups. As a fifth-year graduating senior at UCLA, he prides himself on opening doors for younger students who need a hand in finding their future goals. Mike is heavily involved in a program that holds conferences on leadership and community awareness. He also sets an example for the younger generation by not only going to church but actually living by the bible's teachings. Thus, Mike does not drink, smoke or do anything else that would go against Christianity, which he believes to be the "stabilizer" for his life. Being the very busy man that he is, we were not able to meet for an interview until a few minutes before a Price Waterhouse consulting seminar. It was during this seminar that I realized Mike was a worthy person to get to know, not only because he is going to be a success, but mostly because his definition of success does not solely revolved around money. While everyone else in the seminar asked what kind of salary, pay raises and bonuses they could expect from this company, Mike asked a question that dwelt with the type of growth he would achieve within a few years. Among the pool of money hungry sharks sat a man that was more concerned for the thirst of knowledge. Although he would like to start off his career with a high-paying consulting job in order to pay off his loans, his ultimate goal is to become a teacher. He would love to be able to inspire people, the way a former high school teacher influenced and inspired him to travel the path that he has currently chosen. His dream of teaching also reflects a type of optimistic hope that can be seen within his personality. His vision sees the good in all kinds of people and the existing hope needed for good relations with each other. Mike believes that improvements would exist by the simple act of trust. If every race would sacrifice one aspect that causes tension and trust the other groups to do the same, a certain peace would be accomplished. Although this solution seems a bit optimistic for my pessimistic eyes, what is admirable is the trust he has in people. Underneath his all Polo attire and very "Asian" car stands a man that would like to make a minor contribution to the world. His biggest fear is to turn old and realize that he "should of, could of, would of." That is, that he "should of" worked less, "could of" spent more time with things that were more important, and "would of" done it all differently if given the chance. Mike realizes at an early age that there is only one chance to live during your life on Earth, thus, he is going to make the best of the present while he prepares for the future. This realization allows him to stand apart from not only the Asian Community, but mankind in general. (Linda Loi is a Junior majoring in Asian American Studies.)