“Love the life you live, live the life you love” -Bob Marley

My legal name is 金承我 (Kim Seung A), which translates to “follow my dream”. It is a name that has always served as a reminder to me to pursue my passions and to make the most of the life that I have been given. From a young age, I knew that my passion for art would always be a part of my life. I found that art is not only a medium of expression but also a powerful tool for connection and cultural exchange. Whenever I lived in non-Asian communities, art has helped me to blend into the community. As a universal language, it allowed me to fully express myself and also bridged gaps to create understanding where I may have otherwise felt like an outsider.

This passion for art and connection has led me on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression that I will always cherish. As I grew older, I realized the true power of art to impact communities beyond just individual enjoyment. I am grateful to have been able to use my artistic talents to give back to my community in a meaningful way. Through my experiences in volunteering at retirement homes and orphanages, I have encountered the positive impact that art can have on people’s lives. I have witnessed firsthand how it brings joy, hope and a sense of belonging.

But my passion for contributing through art does not stop there. I believe that protecting intellectual property in the creative world is crucial to ensure that artists and creators are able to continue sharing their stories and experiences with the world. In addition, I wish to pursue a law degree in the future to contribute to the art world with diverse perspectives and professions. As a woman of Asian heritage, I am currently aware of the lack of representation in both fields of art and law. It is my desire to make a difference in both of these areas and to empower other Asian women to follow their dreams and passions.

To me, Bob Marley’s quote is not just a famous lyric, it is a way of life. It is a reminder to pursue our passions, to live our lives with purpose and meaning and to make a difference in the world around us. I am excited to see where this journey takes me, and I believe that participating in Miss Asian Chicago 2023 will provide me with a platform to share my passion for art, diversity and empowerment of women. I am committed to making a positive impact on the world through my love of art and my desire to promote greater diversity and representation in both the fields of art and law.