My first time in university was different. I didn’t have to think about anyone but myself. This time, I always have to think about my son first.

In Korea, I majored in law and worked in a legal affairs team for 10 years, but I felt I had reached a ceiling because I was not a lawyer. To me, the best solutions in the legal field are to prevent the matter from occurring in the first place – if I make a good contract, it can keep things from going wrong in the future. 

I felt that way about Hajin, who is now four years old. The education system in Korea puts a lot of pressure on children. It is very competitive and I didn’t want my son to go through that experience. So my wife and I decided to prevent that by immigrating to Canada. 

I am in my second semester in the Paralegal Studies program at MacEwan, and I have a plan to go to law school. The legal system here is different, but the law itself – the concepts and terms – are similar. English is the most challenging part, but everyone here is so nice and good to me.

I received the entrance scholarship and a SAMU bursary, which meant a lot. Those funds give me time to study and play with my son. It makes things easier for our family. Without that support, things would be much more difficult for us.

Hajin is only four years old, so he does not have the words to speak it, but I feel he is proud of me. Wanting to be a good father keeps me moving forward. 

–Junwhan Park, Paralegal Studies student

Know a student who is doing great things? Email communications@macewan.ca to suggest them for a Student Snapshot story.