Having differences between her and her adopted parents, Nia left home at the age of 16.
Because my adopted parents already had children of their own, I never felt like part of the family. I was always compared to them. If you should adopt, then you should think very carefully. You have a good heart, but you should think ‘why’ beyond your own desire because the children you adopt have feelings, too.”
Nia was teased by others in her youth not due to her Korean origins, but because of her symptoms associated with cerebral palsy., however, she did not let that become a setback. Nia worked in a Chinese restaurant and eventually learned how to cook Korean cuisine.
There was a Korean Adoptees Club picnic last week, and I made a lot of Korean food. When I arrived, I was the only one who brought Korean food. They were so surprised and I was, too. People had pasta salad and I brought bulgogi. Cuisine is like art. If you think that way, then it’s easy to cook.”
Nia arrived in Denmark at the age of 3. Even though she left her adopted home at a young age, she is still thankful for her adoption.
I turn 50 next year. If I didn’t come to Denmark, I don’t think I would have survived in Korea because of my handicap. I don’t think I would be 49 if I were somewhere else. I have no regrets. I see people that have a worse life than me. The best help people can get is the help to help themselves. Education.”