Peace of me
Jessie Kil
Peace of Me is a collection of personal anecdotes, each page reflecting a piece of my childhood experiences in Brazil and South Korea.
Leaving Brazil was like leaving a piece of myself behind. Wherever life took me, a part of me forever craved the familiar sights, sounds, and tastes that São Paulo had offered. From the daily drinks of coconut water to the Acaï Bowls, it was all a reminder of home. Even the bittersweet “Saudade” tattoo on my wrist, is a sentimental reminder of the life I left behind.
Because of my longing for Brazil, I unintentionally distanced myself from my Korean identity. Even everyday things associated with Korea—my mom, speaking Korean, familiar customs—felt strangely foreign. Moving to Korea during my sophomore year in high school should have been a natural fit. Instead, I clung to reminders of Brazil, making it difficult to fully embrace the Korean culture that was also part of me.
It was not until I arrived in New York as an international student that I began to release my fixation on Brazil. Surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds, I realized I had not one, but two homes—Korea and Brazil. In this city, I discovered a sense of inner peace, understanding that home transcends geographical boundaries. It is the combination of memories and experiences that shape us. As I am still in the process of embracing both my Korean and Brazilian identities, I now realize that such memories are a piece of me.