HOPE IN UNCERTAINTY SCHOLARSHIPS ALLOW STUDENT TO SERVE A GREATER PURPOSE

BY BETHANY CONLEY ’20

Formost of us, COVID-19 interrupted our plans for the future in one way or another, and for Jaehee Jun ’23, the challenges were especially discouraging. Jun came to JBU from South Korea in August 2017, with plans to graduate in 2021. He initially enrolled in JBU’s prepharmacy program but later discovered his an affinity to the natural sciences and switched to biochemistry.

“One of the biggest attractions of the natural science department is the resources available for research: great instruments and advisers,” Jun said. “I especially enjoyed the chemistry labs where we had hands-on experience with professional laboratory instruments. I have gained confidence and skills in the laboratory setting that are so valuable for my future career options”

When JBU classes went online in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Jun felt the virtual coursework made his academic success more difficult. He decided to put his education on hold.

“After much contemplation, I decided that it would be wise to leave school and carry out my duty in military service in South Korea,” he said. “I was reluctant and disappointed as I did not want my academics to be interrupted and be behind most people by two years.”

Nevertheless, Jun’s experience at JBU prepared him for his future career in science and military duty overseas.

“With my background in biochemistry, I was stationed at a chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear unit working for the information/operation department for 18 months,” he said.

Jun always planned to return to JBU, but he said financial difficulties, visa complications and other factors sometimes made him lose hope. Jun shared that he would not have returned if not for the financial support he received through scholarships at JBU and God’s work in his life.

“All the problems with my visa, housing and financial issues were solved in the end, and it finally hit me when I got on the plane to the U.S. that God granted all that I needed,” Jun said.

Jun is grateful for the financial support and encouragement he received that gave him courage to persevere through uncertainty. Without financial aid, Jun would have been unable to complete his degree at JBU and pursue a master’s degree. But, Jun graduated on May 6 and plans to attend graduate school in the fall to advance his studies in the natural sciences.

“It is apparent that God has connected me to this place and these people for his good purpose,” he said.