My trip to Seoul was probably the easiest plane ride(s) I've ever experienced. Ever.

My first flight was from Honolulu International Airport to Fukuoka International Airport via Hawaiian Airlines on a Boeing 767. If you aren't familiar with airplane models and their comfortability, the Boeing 767 economy class seats are very uncomfortable. 

However, it turned out to be an awesome flight because I ran into this person:

Aunty Carol from New Hope was one of the flight attendants on board! She blessed me with an entire row to myself. I was able to sleep sideways during the flight, and thus, was able to enjoy a nice 7 hour nap during a 10.5 hour flight.

Fukuoka International Airport was nicer than I expected (better than HNL). Airport staff on behalf of Korean Airlines ran a security check as soon as all the transfer-to-Seoul passengers got off. It seemed pointless as the staff barely skimmed through our bags. I probably could have smuggled in some mangoes and cans of Spam without even breaking a sweat.

On the flight to Incheon from Fukuoka on Korean Airlines' Airbus A330-300, I was able to meet Dr. Schauer, a bassist on his way to Korea to teach English at Namseoul University. He shared many of his experiences in Korea as a foreigner and gave me tips and pointers to stick by during my time abroad. It was a great pleasure meeting him!

More on Incheon and my journey to the hostel soon...

One would think that the best university in the country with the fastest internet would have very efficient and easy-to-understand student IT-service systems.  However, many of Seoul National University's IT systems are much different and, in my opinion, less efficient than UH Manoa's IT systems. Today's focus is on course registration.

I think not.  

If it wasn't for a small, seemingly-normal event, I would have not known that the Freeman Scholarship even existed.  And that seemingly-normal event was...a casual advising session with Rikki Mitsunaga (Shidler College of Business's Undergraduate Academic Adviser).

The truth is, I had no interest in South Korea while applying for the Manoa International Exchange program.  I had the gung-ho intention of studying at Keio University, located in Mita, Tokyo, Japan (conveniently 15 minutes away from my grandma's house in Tokyo).  Being a dual citizen of both the U.S. and Japan, immigration would be effortless. That along with relatives living close to the school (removing the housing problem), and the fact that Keio is one of Japan's top universities, made it the "best" choice.

However, during my advising meeting with Rikki, I was introduced to the Freeman Scholarship.  She said that I would be able to apply as a viable candidate, as long as I don't choose a Japanese university.  Thus, Korea.

In the end, I did not get into Keio, as a fellow Freeman Scholar was instead selected.  As the door to Japan closed, another to Korea opened; that door would have not existed unless I "happened" to drop by for advising.  

Which then brings me to think that my time in Korea will serve a greater Meaning and Purpose than just academic growth.  I wonder what's in store for me in the Land of the Morning Calm.

To Mr. Graeme Freeman and Ms. Doreen Freeman:

Thank you for your selfless investment in my academic journey.  Because of your generosity, I am now able to experience the culture, people, and soul of South Korea.  I now have the opportunity to live and learn in a country booming in technology, style, and good food.  

I look forward to expanding my international knowledge at Seoul National University.  I will be able to establish relationships with the people of South Korea, as well as the other exchange students from around the world.  The thought of being academically challenged by South Korea's top university, as well as living and competing with South Korea's brightest students enthralls me.  I believe that after the exchange program, I will return as a smarter, wiser, and a more courageous man.  

Without the Freeman Scholarship, I could only dream of experiencing what is soon to come.  Again, with the utmost gratitude, thank you for investing in me.