USD’s Korean Student Association Approaches Budget Challenge with Confidence

What started as a small dinner conversation amongst friends, ended up turning into USD’s first ever Korean Student Association (KSA). However its members continue to search for proper funding. 

President Eunjin Lee and Vice President Erica Martinez are the founders of KSA, a program which looks to cultivate the student body on traditional and modern Korean culture. The two planned the group’s first event which will take place Saturday, Oct. 15: the “Spicy Fire Noodle Challenge.” But in order to hold future events, they’ll need to raise more funds. 

“It would be great if we were self-sustaining so we’ll have to look at how much things cost in the future. The noodles alone for this were $180 which was a bit of a shock,” Martinez said.

KSA had to reduce the amount of noodles they would provide at the event due to budget concerns. Originally, Martinez said they had hoped to have one hundred noodles, but will now have 60. 

With nearly 10 participants since its startup this semester, the association encourages anyone interested to get involved. 

“If students are willing to give their time and energy and love Korean culture, we’ll absolutely take you. We just ask that you’re an active member in the group,” Martinez said. 

Lee and Martinez were also present at the Student Government Association’s (SGA) Sept. 13 meeting to review KSA’s food budget request where senator Katie Conzet introduced Senate Bill (SB) 83 “Korean Student Association Special Appropriation.” The group was granted a food exemption and $320  by SGA to meet their organization’s needs. 

“We couldn’t have done it without SGA,” Martinez said. “Since we asked SGA for money, we also want to give some of that back to them eventually so we can contribute to other campus organizations.” 

Although this grant will serve a beneficial role for the upcoming event, KSA looks to host future campus gatherings to build up their funds. 

One idea was a “Valentine’s Day Singles Mixer.” Martinez said the event would include participants paying a small fee to fill out a questionnaire and compare their results with similar respondents. 

“We’ve also thought about hosting a K-drama where everybody pays a couple bucks to cover popcorn and other things,” Martinez said. 

Martinez said she looks forward to the growth of the organization and expanding the appreciation for Korean culture at USD. The organization continues to navigate through the process of establishing itself on campus. 

“Every organization has its first couple of hiccups, but once we get that all sorted out, it’s all smooth sailing,” Martinez said.