Sometimes Change Is Not All That Bad

By Kristine Kim

Crystal Lee always wanted to become a singer and pursue a successful career in the music industry one day. Crystal loved to sing ever since she was a little girl and was determined to become a star. She was first exposed to the world of the music industry when she entered into the “Little Miss Washington” talent show back in 1997 and that experience ultimately became the defining moment for her life. Crystal soon began to enter into talent shows and global auditions which ultimately helped her to become involved with the SM Korean entertainment music industry. She worked hard and trained vigorously in hopes that her talent would be soon discovered. She had an exceptional gift of singing and her strong determination was what helped her chase her lifelong dream.
The biggest obstacle that kept Crystal from achieving her dream was her parent’s strong sense of disapproval of having a career in the music industry. Crystal’s parents did not support her because they felt as though her dream was not realistic and that it would be too difficult to be part of such a demanding industry. In the midst of it all, she continued to follow her heart until she came to a sudden realization of truth; the harsh reality of the music industry.
Crystal realized that in order for her to be part of such a demanding industry, she would have to change herself and become someone that she was not in order to fit in. She experienced firsthand what it was like to be pressured to change. “I really thought that I could do whatever it took for me to become a singer but, I realized that I wanted to stay true to myself and not change for the sake of being part of music world”.
Crystal struggled to figure out what she wanted to do with her life after coming to a dreadful conclusion that the music industry was not for her. Crystal had spent so much of her life trying to achieve her music career that she was unsure whether she could find another career route to chase after. “Sometimes change is necessary. Music has been an ultimate career dream for me, but things have definitely changed for me after my experience in the industry”.
Crystal now sings for a hobby and is currently trying to pursue a successful career in the fashion PR industry. Crystal not only had immense passion for music, she always wanted to use her adroit management skills to organize fashion shows and other events in the near future. Crystal’s inspiration to be part of the fashion industry as well was ultimately her mother. Crystal grew up watching her mother work passionately in her own wedding shops and working as a make-up artist which ultimately inspired Crystal to be a part of the fashion world. “Growing up, I loved watching my mother work in her wedding shops. Her enthusiasm and zeal for the fashion industry made me want to follow in my mother’s footsteps”.
Crystal’s dreams might have changed over the years, but she still is deeply passionate about her music. “This was an extremely bitter sweet experience for me but I do not regret any of my decisions that I have made. Everything happens for a reason. You just have to have faith no matter what circumstance and situation you are in”.
Crystal is now waiting fervently to see what the future has in store for her. She is a senior at George Mason University studying Communication with a major in Public Relations and a minor in events management. She is desperately looking forward to graduate next spring with strong hope that doors of opportunity will open up for her.