Let’s explore together
Oh, hi! I’m Jenna, formerly “Mayor Jenna” (Shout out, Royersford, PA!) and I’m living with my family in Korea on the self-governing island of Jeju.
I’m an American transracial, transnational adoptee who was born in Korea.
I’m on a journey.
Everyday, I’m unpacking and reassembling my identity after 40 years of largely overlooking how adoption and growing up as Korean in predominantly white communities may have influenced my sense of Self.
By subscribing (it’s free!), every other Monday, you can join me with your morning coffee as I write about my observations and insights about daily life in Korea. You’ll receive my update before everyone else!
Sometimes, I’ll tell you about someone I’ve met and what I learned. Other times, I just want to share - in great detail - food I’ve eaten or a place I’ve explored. Much of the time, I’ll be musing about my personal story and how I came on the other side of quite unexpectedly discovering, meeting, and forming a relationship with BOTH of my birth parents and entire extended first family.
Looking back, my favorite moments serving as mayor were when I discovered a new insight or perspective from meeting someone new. Without exception, inquiring, writing, and connecting causes me to reflect on my own life and experiences.
I advocate for anyone exploring their past and origin story, especially adoptees on the journey to finding their truths. I’m uncovering mine by experiencing Korea and inquiring about yours.
Join me. Let’s explore together.
Why I do this work
No one should travel this journey alone.
For the cost of 2 cups of coffee a month, you can support my mission: ensuring no one does.
Believe me when I say: I “get it.”
I’ve had 4 names, 3 birthdays, and now have 4 parents. Each person I met, story I heard, fact about adoption in Korea, research on identity development… uncovered clues to large, unexplored pieces of my Self and how they impacted my life.
Once I realized it, the wall I had previously built to shield myself from these complex truths began to slowly crumble.
Until the day it exploded.
When it did, I felt blindsided, alone, confused, and in crisis… All feelings that were invisible to my loved ones… none of whom had the tools to support me.
What I “know” changes every day, but here’s what I have discovered:
Stories like the one I’m sharing saved me. The more visible we are, the louder we can be. The louder we are, the easier it is for people to hear us… especially those who are just realizing they’re ready to listen.
When they are, it’s important that people like me easily discover the art and writing, theater and documentaries, music and research, regional and international organizations, and resources out there to make them know:
You’re exactly where you’re meant to be. And there’s always someone who can relate and understand where you’re at.
No matter who you are or what’s in your story, there’s more to it than you think. We’re all seeking connection and belonging as we figure it out.
In supporting me, you’re supporting all of us. Thank you for your consideration.
What you receive from your support
Paid monthly, annual, or founding subscribers will receive:
Active engagement with me in the “notes” and features on Substack to continue the conversation about topics I introduce and musings I publish (Download the Substack app for more accessibility!)
Occasional Paid-Subscriber-Only newsletters… including exclusive excerpts from the memoir I’m writing!
Connections to experts and guests I feature
A full archive of past newsletters
First notifications about upcoming events and special promotions
Founding members may schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting with me (this option is fully transferrable!)
You can also Buy Me a Coffee, a one-time contribution that will actually be used for - you guessed it - my coffee-when-writing ritual
