Dael Ki
About
Hi! My name is Dael Ki, and I'm an honors English student entering my senior year at Fordham University. Originally from South Korea, I moved to Westchester, New York, when I was six years old. On the plane ride over, I opened my first English picture book and instantly fell in love with the language. This, along with the necessity of learning to communicate in a new country, sparked my passion for reading and writing.
Writing
Upon entering university, I initially decided to major in journalism. However, after taking a poetry workshop led by Joseph O. Legaspi, I almost immediately made the switch to English. I rediscovered my love for poetry and creative writing, which has profoundly contributed to the development and refinement of my voice. This change allowed me to not only practice and study the art of journalism but also dive into the realms of prose poetry, flash fiction, and professional writing. I've taken a wide array of courses, from Literature, Law, and Justice Writing to Advanced Victorian Literature, demonstrating my boundless range.
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During my time at Fordham, I've written articles for the school newspaper, The Observer, which gave me the chance to pursue my passion for covering news all over New York City. Additionally, I served as an administrative assistant at Columbia University’s Center for Justice, where I proofread, revised, and copy-edited numerous policy proposals, court letters, implementation manuals, and manuscripts. I also prepared and presented weekly progress reports and meeting summaries.
Teaching
Since 2018, I've been working as an English tutor and teacher. I served as a teacher's assistant at both Seven Bridges Middle School in 2021 and PS 129 John H. Finley School in Manhattan in 2024. In these roles, I developed ESL lesson plans, revised and edited hundreds of papers, and participated in educational conferences. I deeply enjoy helping students who face challenges in learning or understanding English, much like I did.
Fashion
In the spirit of all things creative, I would be remiss if I didn't mention my passion for fashion. I’ve worked in the fashion industry in New York City for quite some time but ultimately decided to prioritize my academics. However, I am always looking for ways to marry all of my interests; magazines like GQ and Vogue have adorned my nightstand for years, and Fashion Journalism has always intrigued me as a potential avenue to blend my love for writing with my enthusiasm for style. and instantly fell in love with the language. This, along with the necessity of learning to communicate in a new country, sparked my passion for reading and writing.
Tidbits
Like a true South Korean, I am indeed a self-proclaimed dermatologist, which is to say, I know more about skincare than my bathroom shelves can possibly accommodate. Alongside this, I'm a closet theater enthusiast; my dad ignited my passion for theater at the tender age of five with a trip to see The Phantom of the Opera. From Rent to Les Mis, In the Heights to Chicago, and Into the Woods to Spring Awakening, I can recite every lyric... but I'll spare you the one-woman show. Lastly, I have a knack for cardmaking, ensuring each and every card I give to friends and family is hand-written and drawn!