trails of a twinkie

KAD Heather Schultz returns to South Korea for the first time since her adoption.

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Seoul International Fireworks Festival

As an Independence Day baby, I have always found serenity in fireworks. While pets often seek refuge from the massive explosions of color and shapes that line the sky, my inner child recoils in glee. Although I've seen some of the most elaborate fireworks shows in Long Island and New York City, watching the Seoul International Fireworks Festival surpassed them.

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Both My Names in Korean Calligraphy

My friend, Bora, wrote both my Korean (top: Huh, Mee Young) and American (bottom: Heather Schultz) names in Korean calligraphy at the 2014 Jarasum International Jazz Festival.

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2014 Jarasum International Jazz Festival

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Thanks Tatiana Valerie (Artvesta Studio) for lending me your Nikon D70. It was instrumental in capturing the breathtaking views during my hike up the Bukhansan Mountain and visit to Seunggasa Temple in Seoul.

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Homeland Pride

After 18 hours and 27 minutes in flight, I finally arrived to Incheon International Airport at 3:05 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2. As I watched Koreans holding up signs for their respective family members and friends, my new friend (a middle-aged woman from Spokane, Washington who sat next to my left on the flight), told me "You're with your peeps." The outsider tag I wore growing up in a Caucasian household was removed. My inner child giggled as tourists posed with a couple dressed up as oversized characters in traditional Korean costumes.

After we exchanged our U.S. dollars for Korean currency, we shared a cab to our respective destinations. My gracious hostess (a family friend's friend) treated me to a Korean feast before I collapsed from jet lag. Now I understand where my healthy appetite originates.

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Finding My Inner Peace

Given my nocturnal nature and last-minute packing, I have decided to stay awake until I collapse on the plane in less than six hours. Looking forward to sharing my seoul-searching journey with the world and finding my inner peace like Kung Fu Panda.

Photo Credit: http://cartoonsimages.com/kung-fu-panda/kung-fu-panda-2-movie-wallpaper-hd-desktop

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Most Influential Book: The Catcher in the Rye

Throughout my education from elementary school to grad school, no book has ever impacted my life as much as J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye — primarily due to the unorthodox and collaborative learning environment fostered by my English student teacher in 11th grade. After reflecting on my own inferiority complex — similar to Holden Caulfield — I boastfully described my memoir writing gameplan with Mr. Budde. He gently informed me that my narrative will naturally unfold within time and to be patient.

Wise words from Mr. Budde in my copy of The Catcher in the Rye:

Heather — You truly deserve to be proud of what you have accomplished through The Catcher in the Rye. I hope that the story continues to inspire and encourage you on your journey through life. Any time the road gets bumpy, do not hesitate to turn to the book for guidance and enlightenment — it will always be there for you.

Since 2001, I have survived a physically and emotionally abusive three-year relationship, conquered depression without medication, obtained both my Bachelor of Arts in journalism and Master of Public Administration from Baruch College and contributed articles to the Sunday Styles section of The New York Times.

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Half-Time Hooves

Mighty I am fast, victorious and decisive

Galloping in half-time as my offbeat hooves

Strike the dirt of yesteryear.

(I wrote this short poem to accompany Laura Cerrano's powerful painting, "Spirit of Inner Strength")

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Late 1980s: Reading my favorite childhood book, The Sweet Smell of Christmas with my beloved mother in our backyard in Farmingdale, NY. Mom wanted to enroll me in Korean school. I know she would have been supportive of my seoul-searching journey.

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Independence Day Baby

To announce my arrival in November 1984, my parents sent their family and friends a pink koala and card with an adoption poem by Fleur Conkling Heyliger. As an Independence Day baby born in Seoul as Huh Mee Young, I was destined for America. My mother named me after “Heather,” an outdoor plant which can be kept in a pot or as an ornamental bush. Heather is low maintenance and able to thrive in marginal soil and is resilient through year-round seasonal changes.