The Alchemist
In Paulo Coelo’s The Alchemist, the old king tells the young shepherd Santiago on his journey towards self-discovery, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” Though Santiago embarks to Egypt in search of buried treasure, what he finds is himself and despite getting robbed, falling in love, and searching for the elusive alchemist, he eventually finds his way. He realizes that the diversions weren’t barriers but essential parts of the journey.
Much like Santiago, during the beginning of her undergraduate studies at UCLA (go Bruins!), Euna didn’t foresee failing one of her math classes. But her misfortune was all part of the plan. Because when she retook it the class, there he was - Steven. Little did she know, she would be marrying him several years later.
Shortly after graduating, Steven took a job at PwC in NYC and for the past four years, Steven and Euna have been doing long distance - a testament of how much they care about each other. Fortunately, this August, they’ll finally reconcile the distance as Euna just got a teaching position in New Jersey. When asked how they did it, Steven responds, “it was all her.” After meeting Euna, I now understand what Steven meant - Euna’s commitment and selflessness can nullify any distance
I had the pleasure of meeting Steven on a trip up to New York City this past January. My good friend, Youngseong, whom I met two years ago during a trip to Seoul to visit KJ, came to visit the States for an extended vacation. Youngseong went to middle school with Steven when they were growing up before Steven moved to the States. Coincidentally, Steven and I both went to UCLA and graduated the same year but never bumped into each other despite our intersecting paths.
But much like Santiago and Euna and Steven’s relationship, it was just a matter of time before they met.
*Just wanted to thank Youngseong for introducing me to Steven as well as Steven and Euna for inviting me to up to NYC and being such great company. They remind me why I’m blessed to be able to share what I love to do.
Location: Central Park, West Village, Brooklyn Bridge
Gear: D700, 35 1.4, 85 1.4G
DCHU Photography
