LYNN LEE ’21

When asked how one defines “passion,” Lynn Lee says many might respond that it is an academic topic, unadulterated drive, pull, inclination towards something, without goal. For her, she defines her passion as building community.

Before attending SFS for four years of high school, Lynn's experience in Hong Kong was marked by a year-level system that limited interactions between students of different age levels. Coming to SFS was eye-opening for her. She found camaraderie and mentorship, where upperclassmen treated her like a sister and female role models. “SFS took this concept to another level.” Lynn took pride in her independence but appreciated the support she received from her peers. She realized that being part of the SFS community was a unique experience. Lynn's deep-seated appreciation for her SFS classes, particularly under Mr. Hutchin's guidance, influenced her ability to develop opinions and her view of the world. The mentorship she received and the connections she made at SFS were essential in shaping her worldview.

Lynn attributes SFS’s supportive environment to the tradition of mentorship. She attributes part of this to Korea’s robust upperclassman-underclassman (sunbae-hoobae) culture and part of this to SFS’s Christian programming. Some of Lynn’s most influential female role models came from the Varsity Cheerleading team. “SFS’s athletics program, through which students across grade levels spend eight hours per week together, help foster a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork.” She also cites extracurricular programs, such as the Model UN team and Discipleship, as ways in which students were encouraged to build community. “Many of my happiest memories were formed while walk down the hill to the after school bus during golden hour,” she said.

Lynn's career aspirations are centered around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) work or a legal career, where she hopes to tackle the complex issues that arise in such fields. Her plan is to use the analytical framework gained through a law degree to change social culture and encourage thinkers who can make an impact. She believes that her passion for community, sparked during her time at SFS can be channeled into achieving meaningful accomplishments, with the ultimate goal being to create a ripple effect.

Lynn's strong connection to her Korean heritage and relationships formed at SFS motivates her to stay connected with her alma mater. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing her passion for community, as it was instilled in her during her time at SFS. At Yale, Lynn makes an effort to stay connected with her small "sisterhood" of SFS alumni, for whom she sometimes cooks Korean food. Her relationship with fellow SFS alumni remains strong, and she appreciates the SFS alumni gatherings. Lynn actively participates in residential life and leads two affinity groups for women and Asians, and is part of a co-ed social club, where she oversees recruitment. These experiences are invaluable as they help Lynn understand the complexities of gender and racial identity.

One of Lynn's heartfelt wishes for current students is to encourage them to live in the moment with their friends and support one another. She believes that the connections made at SFS are invaluable and that taking time to get to know one another is essential. Going forward, Lynn believes that hearing more from current students through articles and stories can help strengthen connections within the SFS community. As a past Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Spirit, she enjoys keeping up with new editions of the Spirit and reading stories that written by students themselves.

Lynn's time at SFS has played a pivotal role in shaping her perspective and values, and she hopes to pass on the lessons she learned to future generations. Her journey from SFS to Yale has been marked by a deep commitment to community and connections, and she plans to continue making a positive impact in the world.