Peter Hwang

Despite the fact that “[his] favorite thing to do is a computer game like a typical Asian,” Peter Hwang is not just a typical college student from Herndon, Virginia. When asked to describe something unique about him, Peter’s response was, “I bet no one has the same DNA sequence as I do!” Unique people give unique responses and that one was no exception. However, he did admit that this answer came from his aspirations of being a biology major even though this path is not set in stone Peter admits.
Peter is not only a unique individual, but he is also very well rounded with a wide variety of interests and talents. Along with playing his computer games, Peter also enjoys sports such as tennis and basketball. Grace Hwang, Peter’s sister, even says that her favorite memory that she shares with Peter is when the two of them danced like Michael Jackson together. She also says that he is an exceptional cook. “I don’t remember when he started cooking but everything he makes turns into gold,” says Grace. She then went on to say that she particularly loves his spaghetti and described it as “killer,” adding four exclamation points to the end.
Observing Peter’s favorite activities is one way of telling that he is well rounded, but getting to know the man on the inside solidifies the statement that he is a unique, well rounded person. On the surface, it may seem like he is a quiet, reserved guy who tends to keep to himself, and in part this is true. Peter describes his personality as “friendly but timid.” He says that instead of talking to other people about his problems, “I sit in my room and think about what caused the problem and the solution for the problem.” His sister also says that Peter does not often tell his true feelings. However, this quiet nature is only one side of Peter. In order to discover his other side, one must get to know Peter beyond initial meetings and first glances. He says, “It’s hard for me to know a person but once I get to know him/her I am a really good friend.” Grace describes his personality as funny and, seeing how Peter enjoys playing practical jokes, it makes sense that he also has a sense of humor. One particular misadventure at the mall shows that Peter has a crazy, outgoing side of him as well. While shopping, Peter discreetly placed three shirts in a friend’s purse. The plan was that as they were leaving, Peter would stop, take the shirts out of her purse, and ask as her if she was trying to steal those shirts. Sounds like a good joke right? Well, it didn’t go quite as planned. Yes, Peter succeeded in pulling off the prank; however, instead of removing all three shirts from her purse, he forgot one and accidently left it in her purse. Thinking the joke was over and they could carry on with their shopping, he and his friend proceeded to exit the store only to set off the alarm from having “stolen” merchandise. That was where the joke quit going as planned in case you didn’t pick that up already. So how did Peter try to worm his way out of the mess he created? It was not easy trying to explain everything to the store manager and security but somehow he got away with no punishment. He apologized to his friend and “decided to never make those joke[s] again or at least mess them up.”
Above all things, the most important part of Peter’s life is his family. They mean everything to him, and he said even though his friends are important, his family still comes first. Peter and his family are initially from South Korea all the way up until 2001. He has two younger siblings, a sister and a brother. He also considers his cousin, Daniel, as his closest friend other than his direct family. “I have been living close to him since the age of eight. He is [a] really good friend of mine, or a member of the family,” says Peter. His sister says that he “looks out for the people he loves” and when asked about the biggest change that she has observed in Peter’s life, Grace says that she noticed that Peter has grown in maturity and that he cares more for his family. He follows his parents’ example and attends church with them whenever they go, crediting his life in the church as a major influence in his life. Peter’s sister thinks highly of the relationship that she has with him. Grace says, “We like to fool around, make jokes, and tease each other…I think that’s [what] makes it so special, we have fun when we’re together.” According to her, the two of them have much in common such as the same type of music they listen to as well as style of clothing they like to wear. Peter may sometimes mess with his sister like all big brothers do but Grace still knows that he loves her very much and thinks highly of her. She says, “and most importantly, we act like we hate each other (mostly him) but I know in my heart that he actually cares about me.”
Peter Hwang knows the importance of being a well-rounded individual. His commitment to school, church, and family shows that he prioritizes what is most important in life; and he gives each one of those things his all. He says that if he could give one piece of advice it would be to live for the future. He says that if he works hard in the present “I would be proud of what I did now when I actually grow up.” So whether you see Peter at a family reunion, playing basketball, or on the computer playing a game, he is a devoted and intelligent person in any aspect of his life that he gives effort to.