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Graduation cermonies are in full-swing at colleges across the country...
And one graduate in particular is making history by being the first foreigner to deliver a
valedictorian speech at Seoul National University - one of Korea's most prestigous schools.
Our Paul Yi shows us more. It's been seven years since Hong Ya-na came to Korea, and
this special day marks the culmination of her hard work.
Out of thousands of students, Hong was chosen to represent her graduating class at Seoul
National University.
It's been a nerve-wracking morning as she goes through her speech just one more time.
"I want to come out having a beautiful appearance, and because of that I feel like there's an
even heavier burden on my shoulders."
The third generation Korean-Russian is the first foreign graduate to hold the honor of
valedictorian in the faculty's century-long history.
"I feel honored to stand here before you at this graduation ceremony as the representative
valedictorian of some 2,400 graduates."
It's been a long journey for Hong, who was accepted to SNU five years ago after vowing
to learn more about her cultural heritage.
"Even though I am Korean, I've lived my life as a foreigner. I had made a promise to myself
that someday I would travel to Korea no matter what."
Family and friends joined in to celebrate her incredible accomplishment.
In her quest to discover her family roots, Hong admits it's been a challenge learning
the Korean language and culture, but says she has never regretted her decision to do
so.
"To maintain one's cultural identity is difficult. There was not much information between my
grandfather's generation and that of my own. And therefore I came because I wanted to know..."
It's a huge milestone for the school and the nation, as Korea takes steps to embrace multiculturalism
and the future diversity of its people.
"Just as I did seven years ago, today I have hopes and dreams for the future. And therefore
I have no fear for the future."
Paul Yi, Arirang News