How I Learned to Bake and Other Lessons from my Grandma
While I was at work this morning, the phone to the office rang, and my mother told me the news. My grandmother died in her apartment. My grandmother, the woman […]
Category Archives: Reflections
In Memory of Emilie Grace Olsen and All Adoptees Gone Too Soon
At eleven years old, I was physically small, wore the color pink everyday, and had a constant smile on my face. In many ways, I still resembled a child much more […]
The DNA Double Standard
Originally published in Gazillion Voices Magazine | November 11, 2014 In a recent article, CNN reports that an estimated 5 million children around the world have been born as a […]
The House I Make
by Jake Neuman – Korean adoptee, film student, martial artist I am a young man, and I was adopted from South Korea in 1994. My two very loving parents have given […]
Lost Language and Compromised Confidence
Recently, an interesting article regarding the impact adoptees’ “lost languages” leaves on their brains has been circulating all of my feeds. The study indicates that the same areas of the […]
Twin Sisters + Response
Last month, the independent film Twin Sisters aired on PBS. This documentary tells the story of twin sisters from China who were separated, one adopted by a Norwegian couple and the other […]
Open Oval Office Door to all Americans
When I was younger, I proudly declared I wanted to be the president of the United States someday. This lofty dream of mine was crushed when I learned that only natural […]
Voiceless No More
Update: I’m happy to report that the administer and I have been able to resolve our differences and move forward in a respectful manner. Nevertheless, adoptees’ voices are still largely […]
How One Class Changed My Life
Last night, I had the privilege of giving this (modified slightly) speech at my college for the incoming first year students. My story stood next to seven other remarkable narratives […]
Miss Saigon Comes to My Hometown
A modified version of a letter I sent to my city’s local theatre company ———————————————————————————————- To Whom it May Concern, I recently enjoyed a wonderful production of A Chorus Line, performed […]
Red Thread Broken 