Young Been Lee
A First Journey Abroad That Changed a Life
For Young Been Lee, Marywood University was the place where his first experience abroad began and where a lifelong appreciation for different cultures took root.
“In the summer of 2008, when I was a 5th-grade elementary school student, I was given the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Catholic Korean Youth Intensive English Program. It was my very first experience abroad, and Marywood was the perfect, welcoming place for my first connection with the United States.”
Looking back, Lee says the people he met during the program had the greatest impact on his life.
“Even back then, so many professors and local peers welcomed and loved me without any hesitation or discrimination. The pure love and warmth I received from those people had the single biggest and most lasting influence on my life. It opened my eyes to the wider world and shaped my lifelong curiosity about different cultures.”
Today, Lee works as an Operation Planner Team Manager at HJNC in Busan, South Korea, where he communicates daily with people from around the world.
“To be honest, during my summer camp at Marywood, I was placed in the class with the lowest test scores. However, I didn’t let that stop me. I vividly remember playing and hanging out with the professors and foreign friends without any hesitation. That childhood memory gave me the lifelong courage I use today to handle my global duties in English without fear. To me, being able to do this work confidently is my proudest accomplishment.”
When reflecting on how the program shaped his personal growth, Lee often returns to a simple philosophy:
“Make friends and live twice.”
“Although it was a short-term intensive program, the experience broke my fear of foreign languages and cultures at a young age. It planted a seed of global awareness that eventually helped me navigate my professional career with an open mind.”
“Ever since that camp, both in my personal life and during my college years in Korea, I have always loved joining various clubs and organizations to meet new people. I was deeply curious about how others think, how they live their lives, and what I could learn from them. To me, interacting with diverse people means more than just living my own single life. By sharing experiences with them, it feels as though I am living multiple lifetimes through their stories as well.”
The experience also inspired his commitment to service and faith.
“When I visited Marywood in 2008, the supervisors who guided us were Catholic seminarians and Sunday School teachers. The memories of being with them were so incredibly happy that they inspired me to become a Sunday School teacher myself once I grew up.”
“Through this experience, I not only deepened my faith, but also connected with students ranging from toddlers to high schoolers. Engaging with them felt like traveling in a time machine. It made me feel as if I became an elementary school student again, allowing me to live my life twice.”
Although nearly two decades have passed since his time at Marywood, his connection to the university remains strong.
“Seeing how the Global Initiatives department warmly welcomes back a student from an elementary school program after 18 years shows that Marywood’s heart and dedication to its students have only grown stronger and more beautiful.”
Lee is currently planning a long solo backpacking trip across the United States, with one destination at the top of his list.
“My top priority is revisiting Marywood University to reconnect with the place where my childhood memories live.”
His advice to current students is simple:
“Life is a one-time journey, so embrace challenges and be the first to reach out. Look at my story. Though my time here was just a very short encounter 18 years ago, because I took the courage to send an email, I am now being warmly welcomed back by the amazing staff at Marywood University.”
“Deep down, you already know who the people are that can truly guide you and have a positive influence on your life. Don’t hesitate to take the initiative and actively approach them. Whether it’s about landing your dream career or finding true love, remember that wonderful things happen when you are brave enough to make the first move.”
While he lives in South Korea and cannot easily participate in campus events, Lee hopes to support future Marywood students in any way he can.
“If there are any Marywood students planning to challenge themselves in South Korea, whether for studying abroad, traveling, or pursuing career opportunities, I would be more than happy to support them. I want to be a bridge and a source of courage for current students, just as Marywood was for me.”