"Growing up, a bowl of rice and 김 meant warmth, family, and home; yet in the cafeteria, I dreaded that same meal. Opening my lunchbox, the food that once comforted me suddenly brought me shame. Surrounded by “normal” lunches, I felt isolated and exposed. Judgmental stares and whispers made me wish my food looked like everyone else’s. At the time, I wasn’t proud of what I loved. My painting captures the quiet shame of loving your culture, yet being too embarrassed to show it."