#OurPatriotism Profile: Korean & Black American: Rynaidrosa
The #OurPatriotism project highlights community members exploring the meaning of patriotism. Our next profile is of co-founder of Village Values, one of three sisters, Rynaidrosa.
Korean & Black American: Rynaidrosa
Hakuna Matata: it means drop the bass
Just kidding of course, welcome to our corner of the internet, where I hope to spread kindness and expand understanding or connections through self reflection.
I wanted to contribute to this #OurPatriotism project as a means of compiling some soul searching and to inspire others to share their stories. I find that storytelling and food are some of the best ways to connect with others.
My Ancestry
*Includes countries/regions from my ancestry (DNA) profile.
#OurPatriotism Profile
I. Where Are You From?
BORN: Fairborn, Ohio
RAISED: Fairborn, Ohio
VISITED: Over 16 different countries.
IDENTIFY AS: Blasian
MISTAKEN AS: Full-blooded Cherokee, Maori, Dominican, Hawaiian, Filipino.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English
II. What are your faves?
FOOD:
Comfort: Anything with potatoes and Korean food.
Celebration: Korean food
Convenience: Ramyun, chicken nuggets, hash browns
Fusion: Asian plus anything: “Kimchi Alfredo with Pork Belly” (Double Chin (Boston))
MUSIC: Rock, emo, metal core, but I’ll listen to anything: The Used, Sleep Token, Magnolia Park, and Witchz
MOVIE: The Lion King (Animated), The Princess Bride
TV SHOW: What We Do in the Shadows, Letterkenny, Ancient Magus Bride, Outlaw Star, Game of Thrones, the list goes on
BOOK: Harry Potter, ACOTAR, Wheel of Time
SPORTS TEAM: Pittsburgh Steelers
BOARD GAME: Anomia, Throw Throw Burrito, Ghost Ink
HOLIDAY: Halloween
FLOWER: Rhododendron, Azealia, Chrysanthemum, Peony
ANIMAL: Cats, owls, horses
HISTORICAL FIGURE: TBD
SUPERHERO: TBD
TRAVEL DESTINATION: Want to visit Japan or the UK next
III. Share a cherished tradition, fable or advice.
“Some people are like poop. If you let them touch you, then you’ll smell like poop too.” - My Omma (Mom)
IV. Share a funny cultural misunderstanding or dispel a stereotype.
I traveled to China for a summer between college years and part of the trip we went backpacking through Tiger Leaping Gorge. It was the most time I had spent outside in a while and I had tanned quite a bit. People often could recognize that I was some kind of Asian and would often try to speak to me in Chinese, which was fascinating because most of the Chinese people I came across looked so different with pale skin that they often maintained with parasols even out in this more rugged kind of sightseeing.
My recent birthday dinner at Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen of Troy, NY, including Kimchi Pancake (on the white plate), Spicy Tofu Jigae and Bibimbap in traditional Korean stoneware bowls, and an assortment of fermented foods also known as banchan.
V. Share an experience of being excluded or unwelcome (personal or witnessed) and what you learned.
It’s rare that it has happened or at least it never left enough of an impression to scar me. The few times I’ve felt excluded was when I attended a few racial identity based clubs and felt like I was not enough for whichever group in front of me. I distinctly recall feeling awkward, and that the groups weren’t particularly warm. I felt like they questioned my attendance based on my appearance even though I have had plenty of experiences where others could make a reasonable guess as to my racial background. I ultimately did not continue with those groups. I may be a more extroverted kind of person than others, so my takeaway is to be warm to people whenever possible, even if I don’t know where they may be coming from. I’m not going to let others ruin my sense of self. I know who I am, I take pride in it and what I’ve accomplished.
VI. Share the kindest thing someone has done for you.
Honestly, I don’t know that I can name any one thing as the most kind. I’ve been blessed to have amazing people in my life who care for me and about me. Whether it was to rubber duck (let me vent/talk) with me about something I’m fixating on or keep me fed. I’ve had family and friends come through for me when I needed them. I think one of my favorite acts of kindness was when I was mentally spiraling about a career change. that I explained to my best friend. After we talked through a lot of the insecurities, she sent me a cake and a Pikachu plushie even though I hadn’t asked for anything and was just grateful to talk.
VII. What are you most proud of (personally and/or collectively)?
The amount of pop culture and technological contributions of my ancestors have given to the world throughout history. Seeing food, music, dance, fashion, and more being celebrated and sought after. The fact that kimchi is no longer something looked at with disgust but is actively integrated into so many kinds of dishes, even if it’s not necessarily an Asian one. That there are fantastical artists who can manipualte hair into true works of art (Laetitia Ky). I’m so proud of my family and all that they have done and set out to do.
VIII. What do you miss most about “home”?
When I’m missing home, it’s really the sense of peace and love that I miss. That moment when you can let go of a breath you didn’t realize you may have been holding. Home includes the people that provide that sense of tranquility. Also the food.
IX. How can the community support? How can they find you online?
Share the stories and art that touches your heart or broadens your mind. If something made you think, huh? or hmm?, then share that with us!
I’m kind of funny about my online presence, where I have accounts on most social media platforms as @Rynaidrosa, but it’s mostly used for lurking because I enjoy taking in the world and learning as much as I can. But I do try to share what fascinates or inspires me when possible.
X. “Beyond symbolism and celebration, #OurPatriotism means solidarity.” What does patriotism mean to you?
I would agree with that; it’s a kind of pride in a collective typically defined by country, but not just limited to it especially as people move away from countries of origin (by choice or otherwise).
*Is there anything else you would like to share?
Take time to understand and share what stood out.
Nominate a Patriot
Nominate a patriot in your community to be featured in #OurPatriotism project!
Thank you [Xièxiè (谢谢), Dhanyavaad (धन्यवाद), Gracias, Merci, Shkran lak (شكرًا لك), Dhan'yabāda (ধন্যবাদ), Obrigado, Spasibo (Спасибо), Shukriya (شکریہ), Asante) for reading! #OurWorldOurHeart #VillageValues
