# @diane.mi on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DERAXBtRzeE
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/67281899-dianemi-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b7ce9021b7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-01-01T02:11:52.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Dee 최미 (@diane.mi) — https://gondola.cc/diane.mi

## Caption

My parents immigrated to Nebraska in the late 90’s following their wedding. The question I get asked most often is how I ended up here…

My dad was offered an opportunity to study in Nebraska on a scholarship granted to one person a year. In the midst of pursuing his education, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and given 3 months to live. He received his diploma a day after he passed away. 

Since I was a child, I’ve been acutely aware of how fleeting time is, and how some never live to see their dreams come to fruition. My whole life, my mom expressed deep regret, sorrow, and anger. There were many points in my life where picking up the pieces felt like my never-ending responsibility. It’s been a constant mental battle to prevent my struggles from negatively affecting my own mindset and path. 

To be honest, this whole year didn’t feel like I was doing much, my money was trickling faster than I could manage and I was starting to feel weighted by my lack of planning and impulsivity moving to NYC. I prepared myself for the possibility of eventually going home empty-handed. 

By the end of the year, something shifted. I bought a sketchbook to create again. I gained some momentum. I sold more art in a single night than I ever have. Every time I don’t know what to do next and I feel like I’m at my wit’s end, something comes flying in, offering me some clarity and a next step. I can’t help but feel my dad’s presence, extending a hand each time I need one. 

Though memories with him feel more distant as I grow older, our connection is unwavering. My mom told me she spoke to the sky on Christmas morning. Unknowingly, I gave this drawing to her- she said she knew he had answered her through me…🥹

This entire month, I’ve been marinating in these thoughts and processing my progress. This year I’m embracing the uncertainty, knowing that even in the face of the unknown, something greater continues to guide me forward. ❤️🪽 Happy New Year !!! 
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#immigrantstories #igreels #reels #explore #firstgenerationamerican #penart #koreanamerican #2025 #happynewyear

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 3,980
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- **Comments:** 66

## Tags

koreanamerican, firstgenerationamerican, immigrantstories, igreels, explore, reels, 2025, happynewyear, penart

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