It's hard being a first generation child to immigrant parents. I am a first generation American to Korean parents. Of course, they are now citizens too but they immigrated to America from Korea.

There are tons of perks being a Korean- American. I can enjoy a slice of pizza with Siracha or spaghetti with kimchi. Sounds weird? Try it and thank me later. I get to enjoy both cultures and become more knowledgable about both countries. But with all pros come cons and there are actually quite a few, especially being from two very different cultures. (Like do I cheer for America or Korea during the Olympics?)

My parents were always the type to make sure I knew how to speak, write and read in Korean, and I take pride in that because I think I'm actually kind of good! I understand both languages and can interchange languages mid-conversation (should I add that to my resume?) and am pretty knowledgable about both cultures.

I would say that I am an exact 50% Korean 50% American but this isn't good enough for either countries. I'm sure this is relatable to any person who has to live with two cultures, but I am "too American" when I go to Korea, and "too Korean" when I'm here in the United States.

In Korea, they can tell by the way I dress and talk that I am in fact, American. But I've experienced on multiple occasions someone talking down or slowly to me assuming I cannot speak English, even though I was born in America. This makes me feel conflicted and unsure of where I belong which has me confused with my identity.

I learned to adapt pretty quickly to both cultures so I can immerse myself 100% in the culture setting I am in. When I'm at church or in Korea, I find myself having a little more of a conservative and closed-minded view on things. I catch myself acting a little more cuter, nicer, and to put it bluntly, almost fake.

I dress a little more formal and conservative, my voice gets a little higher and I am always smiling. I am always ready to talk about the most recent episode of a new drama or the debut of a new idol group. But when I'm in school or most public places I change myself to be more "American."

I find myself swearing more often, wearing clothes that are more trendy and casual, and wanting to fight and speak my mind on certain topics. Also, I am always ready to talk about the latest drama happening to the Kardashians and the hottest new actors.

All of this is completely fine and I'm okay with doing this, but I sometimes wonder what MY views really are. Am I more quiet and conservative or am I more independent and liberal? Do I actually like Chipotle or am I just convincing myself I do?

I also find myself stuck between satisfying both beauty standards of each culture. In America it is all about being satisfied with who you are and appreciating what you have. It's about loving yourself and not caring what other people think of you.

On the other end of the spectrum is Korea, an extremely appearance orientated country. Koreans encourage each other to look their best anytime, anywhere, and they think there is always room for improvement, visually. It is very common and normal to encourage plastic surgery for beauty improvements, which isn't weird to me at all, but only because I grew up with this side of the culture too.

One day I'll wake up thinking I look smokin' (is that word still a thing) and feel amazing about who I am. But the very next day I might be looking into a nose job or calve reduction (yes, they exist). It is "hot" to be tan in America but "hot" to be pale in Korea. Heavy makeup is a trend in America but having a natural look is preferred in Korea. Education is important but not necessary to Americans as much as it is in Korea.

The two countries can't be more different, but I love both cultures equally. I am lucky to be able to understand and experience both cultures. Although it's hard sometimes, I believe it is worth it and beneficial!