unni of the month: Lulu unni

Annyeong! Tell us a little about yourself. Name and background.

Hi, I'm Lulu! I'm Chinese-American and grew up in the greater Boston area with my parents and younger brother. I moved to Chicago recently in Fall 2022 to start grad school in documentary film. Before that, I studied neuroscience and computer science but was always interested in art and video. 

What does it mean to be an Ajumma?

I'm now an ajumma-in-training, and for me, this means learning how to take care of others while still taking care of myself. I feel very taken care of by the ajummas now and hope to give back too! 

Why did you join Ajumma Rising?

I first reached out to Ajumma Rising when I had just started grad school and was unsure how to navigate my feelings of being between worlds and identities -- I thought I could find guidance/resonance in Ajumma Rising. I'd seen videos of the flash mobs which were just so fun, and I loved Ajumma Rising's mission to create a community for misfits and experience joy together. I was hoping to make a documentary too about Ajumma Rising and the stories of different ajummas's lives, which I am happy to have been working on for the greater part of 2024. In the process, I have felt so welcomed by the ajummas and to be given the honor of ajumma-in-training :) 

What are your hobbies/interests?

I like to run, bike, paint, watch movies, and want to get better at cooking! Since it's winter, also love ice skating.

What is your job/career/career/talent?

I'm in grad school for documentary film right now, and I hope to continue making documentaries after I graduate in June

How can you help other Ajummas?

I always love to have good conversations and lend a listening ear. I also hope that making this documentary can be helpful and fun for everyone. I have been so inspired this past year getting to know the ajummas, and I hope to get to know more ajummas in the new year. I'd love to interview more ajummas who are interested in sharing their story, and would also love to bring anyone's creative ideas to life -- I've gotten some suggestions already, so stay tuned ...! Also, if anyone ever needs a videographer, or a helping hand for anything, I'm happy to help.