My name is Dagyeong Jeong, though many know me as Amelia. I’m a senior studying Strategic Communication and Political Science, and I’ve had the unique opportunity to spend three years at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in South Korea before moving to Salt Lake City to complete my final year. Transitioning between campuses has been a journey filled with new discoveries, challenges, and growth.

Finding My Way Around

One of the first surprises I encountered when I came to Utah was the size of the Salt Lake campus. At UAC, everything is located in one building – it takes less than five minutes to get from one class to another. In Salt Lake, I have learned that campus shuttles are your friend when traveling across a large campus. During my first week here, I often walked over 15,000 steps a day! Now, I utilize transit options as much as I can, which has made navigating campus much more accessible. I love taking in the beautiful scenery around me on my commute to class.

Life In Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City offers a very different atmosphere compared to Seoul, where I grew up. Seoul, as the capital of South Korea, is highly urbanized, always buzzing with life. While I sometimes miss the late-night dining options, and the convenient public transit in Seoul, Salt Lake City has its own charm: wide roads, clear skies, and mountain views in nearly every direction. On clear days, it feels like the landscape itself invites you to pause and take a deep breath. Many people here are surprised when I mention how refreshing the air feels compared to what I’m used to, but it’s something I genuinely appreciate. The differences between Seoul and Salt Lake City have encouraged me to adapt. For example, since eating out is more expensive in the U.S. than in Korea, I’ve started cooking more. What began as a necessity has become a skill I’m proud of. I sometimes joke that moving here turned me into a chef!

Building Community

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been finding community on campus. I was nervous at first, wondering if it would be difficult to connect, but students and faculty have been welcoming and supportive. Being part of the Honors College has given me a sense of belonging and serving as an Asia Campus Ambassador has allowed me to share my experiences while also learning from others. I’m reminded that, although the campuses may be different in size, setting, and daily rhythms, the sense of community is strong in both places.

Looking Back & Ahead

Studying at both the Asia Campus and in Salt Lake City has shown me how the University of Utah connects students across continents. Each campus has shaped me in unique ways: UAC provided an intimate, close-knit environment where I built my academic foundation, while Salt Lake City has given me the chance to broaden my horizons, experience a larger campus, and immerse myself in new opportunities. As I finish my senior year, I’m grateful to have called both Incheon and Salt Lake City home. Together, they’ve shaped not just my education but also my perspective on what it means to live, learn, and grow as part of a global community.