MEET DAWN TOMLINSON
Adoption details: Dawn was adopted in 1958. Her Korean name: Kang, Soon Ja.
Current city: Eagan, MN
How has being a KAD influenced your personal life? "I have always had a profound feeling that I didn't really have a home. I remember as a child being afraid I would be sent back to the orphanage. As an adult, that fear of not really having a home has persisted. It manifests itself in odd little ways and I can go on for months not realizing what it is. Once identified, it is a struggle to reclaim myself as a person deserving a home."
Thoughts on the KAD community in MN? "My vision is to see all of the Korean adoptees in Minnesota at adoptee events - get-togethers, cooking classes, conferences, film festivals - anything they'd like to attend. Let's all meet one another!"
Favorite K-Dramas: "I like the historical dramas, but just started watching other dramas, like Boys Over Flowers - so fun! Now I want to see more. Coffee Prince next?"
Favorite Korean food: "This is a toss-up, because I love dolsot bibimbap so much. But the barbeque in Korea is so amazing, and has so many good memories! The service has always been so fast, so charming. And the food. I remember one place near the guest house we were at near Hapjeong. Such fabulous pork barbeque and the most flavorful soup I had tasted in Korea. We went there every night."
Current city: Eagan, MN
How has being a KAD influenced your personal life? "I have always had a profound feeling that I didn't really have a home. I remember as a child being afraid I would be sent back to the orphanage. As an adult, that fear of not really having a home has persisted. It manifests itself in odd little ways and I can go on for months not realizing what it is. Once identified, it is a struggle to reclaim myself as a person deserving a home."
Thoughts on the KAD community in MN? "My vision is to see all of the Korean adoptees in Minnesota at adoptee events - get-togethers, cooking classes, conferences, film festivals - anything they'd like to attend. Let's all meet one another!"
Favorite K-Dramas: "I like the historical dramas, but just started watching other dramas, like Boys Over Flowers - so fun! Now I want to see more. Coffee Prince next?"
Favorite Korean food: "This is a toss-up, because I love dolsot bibimbap so much. But the barbeque in Korea is so amazing, and has so many good memories! The service has always been so fast, so charming. And the food. I remember one place near the guest house we were at near Hapjeong. Such fabulous pork barbeque and the most flavorful soup I had tasted in Korea. We went there every night."