A Journey of Growth, Identity, and Service – Jin Young Heo

By Chad Laws (AES Communications Specialist)

The story of Jin Young Heo, AES Class of 2009, is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and the benefits of a global perspective. From a childhood marked by cultural transitions to a career dedicated to innovation and service, Jin Young's journey embodies the spirit of AES: a commitment to lifelong learning, personal growth, and service that positively impacts the world.

A Global Beginning

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Jin Young's international journey began in second grade when his family moved to the United States. This first exposure to a foreign culture and language sparked his curiosity about the world but also brought its challenges, such as adjusting to a new identity. After returning to Seoul, Korea, for middle school, Jin Young's native Korean language had become somewhat unnatural, which left him and his younger brother, Keun Young Heo, who also attended AES, feeling more comfortable speaking in English. Ultimately, Jin and his brother fully acquired their Korean mother tongues and, eventually, adjusted to the Korean culture and educational system.

When he was preparing to move to high school, another overseas opportunity arose when Jin Young's father was assigned to New Delhi to open a new branch. His father worked for Shinhan Bank, a commercial bank in South Korea, where he was in charge of creating a new business with traditional Korean partners and local Indian clients.

In 2007, Jin Young and his family joined the AES community, where he spent his final two years of high school. For Jin Young, AES was more than just a school—it was a world of opportunities. "AES provided me with a fresh new lens to view the world," he recalls. "It wasn't just about academics; it was about discovering who I was and learning to embrace diversity." 

Breaking Boundaries at AES

From 2007 to 2009, he attended and graduated from AES, a transformative period that broadened his perspective and reshaped his approach to learning and growth. Coming from a rigorous, exam-focused Korean education system, AES introduced him to a dynamic and holistic environment where he embraced new opportunities inside and outside the classroom. It was here that he stepped beyond his comfort zone, explored diverse activities, and gained a fresh lens through which to view the world. At AES, Jin Young thrived in the IB Diploma Program, where he embraced the opportunity to blur the lines between traditional and academic silos. Studying both Chemistry and Music, he discovered a passion for cross-disciplinary learning. "In Korea's traditional education system, such a combination would have been seen as wasteful or risky," he shares. "At AES, it was celebrated."

For Jin Young, music became more than a subject - his perception of music was transformed into a collaborative way to enjoy life with others, potentially a means to serve others. He recalls preparing a music performance with his AES friends to fundraise for one of AES's family members with health issues. Three instruments - guitar, tabla, and saxophone - joined together in a unique session for a meaningful cause. Such memories helped him redefine music in the context of AES's core value - service. Outside the classroom, Jin Young found fun in connecting with a global community. Whether solving problems in an international math competition, participating in service activities such as Reach Out, or simply sharing life stories with friends from around the world, AES became a place where he learned the value of collaboration and cultural exchange.  

However, navigating his identity during this time wasn't without its difficulties. As a Korean student in an international setting, Jin Young grappled with blending his roots with his new cultural environment. Though excelling in academics, he recalls that the constant distress of defining his core identity became more pronounced while attending the internationally diverse AES. Reflecting on those years, he says, "I wasn't the only student facing this challenge, but it was at AES that I began to truly understand the essence of my unique identity."

However, navigating his identity during this time wasn't without its difficulties. As a Korean student in an international setting, Jin Young grappled with blending his roots with his new cultural environment. Though excelling in academics, he recalls that the constant distress of defining his core identity became more vivid during the internationally diverse times at AES. Reflecting on those years, he says, "I wasn't the only student facing this challenge, but it was at AES that I began to truly understand the essence of my unique identity." 

Challenges and Growth Beyond AES

Upon graduating from AES, Jin Young faced a pivotal decision: where to continue his education. While many of his classmates went to universities in the United States, financial circumstances led him back to Korea, where he attended KAIST, the country's top tech university, on a full scholarship.

Reintegrating into Korean culture proved to be a significant challenge. His start in university in Korea did not kick off smoothly. "I felt like a stranger in my own country," he recalls. The academic environment differed starkly from what he had experienced at AES, and language barriers resurfaced. He faced cultural clashes once again in the university classrooms, where asking too many questions was not always welcome. He had to get familiar with speaking in Korean as the main language since English was unnatural to many of his Korean peers. However, Jin Young held onto the critical thinking and open-mindedness he had developed at AES, which ultimately evolved into several of his greatest strengths.

It was during Jin Young's military service in Korea during his sophomore year at university that he embraced another change of perspective. Jin Young served as a drill sergeant in the military training camp for 2 years, training hundreds of young Korean adults. Here, two big changes occurred. First, he had a change of personal faith, a Christian faith, that allowed him to deeply integrate his previous experiences into the service of others. Secondly, Jin Young was able to better embrace his Korean identity by serving others in a large national organization. He subsequently grew more fluent in Korean and increasingly held conversations with friends to truly understand their life stories. 

After his military service, Jin Young explains that he returned to university and joined a small group that helped international students on campus. The "One More Friend" movement encouraged Korean students to make friends with international students who were least represented in the community and faced language barriers. Jin Young finally realized that his experiences in AES, both good and bad, were the stepping stones guiding him to a greater role of service to his community. After embracing his unique identity, he recognized how thankful he was for the experiences at AES and the opportunity to share with others much of what he had learned.

Reflections on AES

Looking back, Jin Young credits AES for shaping his character and worldview. "AES was a stepping stone that guided me toward a life of service," he says. "The friendships, the lessons, and the challenges I faced there taught me to embrace my identity and use my experiences to help others." For Jin Young, AES wasn't just a chapter in his life—it was the foundation for everything that followed. "The diversity, the opportunities, and the sense of community at AES shaped me into who I am today. I'm forever grateful for those years."

A Career Rooted in Service

Today, Jin Young works at Hyundai Motor Company's R&D Center, focusing on next-generation hydrogen storage for heavy-duty mobility. His work reflects his dedication to clean technology and environmental sustainability—values that he began cultivating during his time at AES. He also fully takes advantage of all the academic skill sets acquired at AES, including both multi-disciplinary engineering and communication across diverse entities.

Jin Young is also a devoted husband and father. Jin married in 2018, and he and his wife are raising two daughters, ages five and three. While much of his free time is spent with his family, he occasionally returns to his musical roots, playing the saxophone in a jazz group at his church. "Every time I play the saxophone, I'm reminded of the AES jazz band," he says with a smile.

Jin Young Heo's story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of an AES education. It's not just about the academics—it's about the people, the experiences, and the values that stay with you long after you leave. His journey inspires us all to embrace challenges, celebrate our unique identities, and make the world a better place. Thank you, Jin Young, for sharing your AES experiences with our global community.