As soon as Genes Seok, senior, walks through the door of her house, her brain has to switch from English to Korean. Seok’s parents only speak Korean, so at home Genes is a different person.

“At home Genes definitely [is on her best behavior]. She’s more laid back and does what her parents tell her to, but is a different person when she’s at school,” says Hannah Craig, senior, a close friend of Seok.

Along with translating Korean, Seok has the unique opportunity of growing up with a pastor- going to church twice a week. After learning about Seok, it’s clear her life is different from most high school students.

Q: Is it difficult that your parents don’t speak fluent English?
A: Because my parents don’t speak English, my sister and I always have to translate, especially me. I would always have to go to parent teacher conferences or I would call a company for something. I pretty much had to mature a lot faster than my friends because I had a lot of more responsibilities compared to them.

Q: Do your parents know any English?
A: My dad came here a long time ago so he could study because he wanted to become a pastor, and my mom followed afterwards, and then they had me and my sister. My sister and I, we are the only ones who speak English fluently. My dad knows a little because he studied here, but my mom knows a little to none.

Q: Besides the language, how else is your life different because of your parents being from Korea?
A: I have a very strict family because my parents follow the Korean culture, but it’s helped me become mature and taught me how to take charge because my parents always put the pressure to do well. When I was younger they would always discipline me with my grades and made sure I was on top of things.

Q: What is it like having your father be a pastor?
A: Hard. I love the fact that he does this and is a pastor, but it’s really hard as a PK [preacher kid]. You have a lot of people who expect a lot out of you and they always have their eyes on you and judge you. If you do something wrong, then they blame your parents. You have to set a good example as a pastor’s kid.

Q: Despite those difficulties, what is your favorite part of your lifestyle?
A: I love Korea and being Korean. Being able to speak two languages and experiencing the two cultures and how different they are that’s really cool for me. Also all of my relatives live in Korea, so it’s really fun whenever we go visit. I love the food and the culture and the music.