I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in a small town in Iowa. Growing up, I was the outsider, kinda dorky and distant, I was the black sheep. I guess I saw the world through want, my perspective life told me that I had less than those around me. I've been lucky—I've had amazing friends, they came from completely different circles. Some are athletes, some are nerds, and somewhere in between is me: the explorer, curious about the world and constantly learning.

What inspires me most is talking to people who create—whether it’s a business, a piece of art, or a clever way to turn a 5-minute job into a 4-minute, 59-second task. I love capturing anything that contributes to the fabric of our society. At the core of that fabric is our ability to protect what matters, people and our wildlife, and pass those values on to the next generation.

Serving in the military has given me the chance to experience cultures and places I never imagined. Every person has a voice and every story has a place in history.

My ultimate inspiration is my mom. She opened her restaurant in Arizona shortly after I was born, and I grew up watching her fight—financially, mentally, and physically—to keep it going. Her strength taught me everything I know about resilience. Life isn’t easy, but I carry her values with me: hard work, loyalty, creativity, compassion, and humility.

So if I haven’t opened up the conversation already, let’s talk about you. Oh, and check out my mom’s restaurant, Sunny D's Delight!