How Do We Find Our Purpose?

In 2022, I had this one question: “Sola, What do you want to do in the future?” I have asked so many times in my life since I was almost 5 years old. The answer used to be a job such as a doctor, judge, pilot, etc. However, as time went by, I was not able to figure it out at all because I just did not know what I wanted. That is why I could not get along in university because I lost my “why,” which is a purpose.

Therfore, I came to the U.S. because I wanted to find it through experience.

Q1. Did I find my purpose?

A1. Finally, YES, at this moment. But, It has taken 3 years to figure out.

Q2. Was it easy to find it?

A2. Definitely No. I have changed my mind a lot. From time to time, I did not even like to see myself consistenly changing what I want. I admired a person who has endured her or his job. Even though I was not aware if the person had discovered their own purpose or not, it seemed effective and great to be settled. Consequently, I would ask myself “Well.. is it my problem to try to figure out my purpose?”. I mean, the reason why I live as a human being on earth and what I want to leave during my life.

In 2021, I resolved to come to the U.S. and I was determined to go back to Korea after a year. But, my thought changed, and I liked living in the U.S. So, I decided to stay one more year and go back.

In 2022, I thought that I would find my purpose soon and assumed that I would go back to Korea in 2023. Did I return? No. I was determined to live and study in the U.S.

In 2023, I finally became a student in the U.S. I was very content feeling independent and living in the U.S. I was determined to stay in the U.S. until 2030, dreaming I would be successful.

Did I still have the same plan? No. I am actually moving to Korea next Feburuary. Did I dislike to live in the U.S.? No. I really love this country, especially how the country has developed its freedom and technology. Of course, there are always pros and cons for everything. However, I have enjoyed living in the country,and I know that I prefer to live in the U.S. rather than in Korea.

Then, Why am I leaving?

I ended up finding my purpose, a profound feeling about what I want to contribute to the world. Why was I eager to find it? When I explored the world, I realized that everyone has their own talents. Some people are definitely interested in technology, others in art, math, business or politics, etc. So, for me, it was apparent that humans have their own strength to be responsible for expressing and fulfilling their dreams. Albert Einstein also mentioend it: “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Right. Humans are meant to be different. Then, it was my job to figure out about what I am a genius or what makes me happy.

So, for three years, I have discovered my strengths and weaknesses as well as the moments when I am happy. Well, there were a couple of things. I don’t feel like I am working when I write and play piano. I gain energy by being outside. I like to talk about the world, such as philosophy, idea, how the world will be in the future, etc. But, I do not like coding, and I am not great at using technology. Last year, I decided to quit computer science course when I found out I was sleeping during the final exam. I had no interest at all. Moreover, I can’t organize my thoughts when I speak to people, while I can organize my thoughts in writing. I don’t learn by listening and reading, but I easily learn from experience and physical activity. I have experimented with myself a lot by exposing myself to different situations to figure out who I am.

But, I could not find my purpose until I asked this..

What is my unique question to the world?

People want to solve the problem and answer questions they are most interested in the world.

Think about people such as Albert Einstein, Henry Ford, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King, Elon Musk, etc.

They knew who they are. But, most importantly, they had their own interests and questions based on their temperament and traits.

For Albert Einstein, his question was about space and physics.

For Henry Ford, his question was about cars and industrialization.

For Oprah Winfrey, her question was about people and communication.

For Martin Luther King, his question was about African American, equality and justice.

For Elon Musk, his question was about space, climate change and technology.

That is why I had to figure out ..

“What is my question to the world?”

It was about people, humanity and education.

• “Why are some people poor, while others are not?”
• “Why are some people born poor, while others are not?”
• “Why can some people not have the same opportunities?”
• “Why are some people easy to change thier minds, while others are not?”
• “Why can politicians not implement the best education policy for people?”

And, those questions led me to the next questions.

• “How can I contribute myself to people who deserve to have a basic opportunity as I have had?”
• “How can I change people’s minds?
• “How would I like to live my life in 2050?”

And those questions led me to the next answers.

• Internationally, there are many people in poverty and need due to war, climate change, domestic harassment, political issues. Espcially, refugees are the ones who desperately need support. I can help them. I should go back to Korea to continue international Studies by utilzing resources there. Because I can receive support from institutions without worrying about financial problems and save my time, allowing me to focus on studying solely.
• Let’s motivate people by publishing my book about experience in the U.S. because people may not want to change unless they see an example or experience it themseleves. From my background, as I was born in the countryside of South Korea and not being able to speak English at all, I can share my story by describing many moments and amazing people who inspired me in the U.S. Let’s write and share it. To women, go find your dream and it is never too late. To teenagers, find what you want first. Once you discover who you are and what you like, you would not be concerned about what other people say.
• In 2050, I want the world to be trustworthy, happy, authentic, and empathetic between people. I am quite worried about technology such as GAI, Generative Artifical Intelligent, and robots. Because it might harm aspects like creativity, humanity, emotion and beliefs, it is essential to research a proper education system and implement a policy that encourages people to think creatively and critically.

Therefore, I finally obtained my purpose:

• Motivate women and teenagers in Korea by sharing my story
• Research an international education system and implement a new policy in Korea in the future
• Learn about international wars, poverty, and conflict and work for refugees

I actually cannot guess how long it will take to acheive them. I might not see some of them being accomplished during my life, but I could pave the way for the movement.

In conclusion, since I ended up acquiring them, it has been easier to know what I should do than what I could do. That is why, even though I do like to live in the U.S., I decided to return. It was obvious that I should motivate others by publishing my book and use resources that I can acquire in Korea.

So, What are your main questions to the world?

I encouraged you to discover the questions that you have not solved and could not solve because you will solve the problem during your life. It could be related to animals, food, climate change, finance, policy, clothes, medicine, technology, history, etc. Anything could be related to your question. But, the core thing is not to follow others’ questions but only YOUR questions by being persistent at it.