Agenda – July 9, 2024 (Silicon Valley, CA)
BlissQuest
Insatiable Spirit
- Screenplay
- “An adventurous Korean matriarch pioneers a lasting legacy of east-west cultural empathy born out of her own courage and curiosity.”
- She built a legacy helping to create physical and online libraries as a cornerstone of democracy, accessible knowledge and an open dialog, the ‘palaces for the people’. These lasting artifacts will continue to fortify cultural empathy and shared understanding, and inspire a lifelong passion for continuous learning.
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A 25-year-old single woman, armed with her college degree and an indomitable spirit, escapes the ashes of war-torn Korea. With a sense of adventure and resolve, she bravely confronts the challenges of building a life in America.
As she navigates the complexities of a new culture, she defies traditional expectations. She follows her passions and perseveres to build her career respected university librarian. Blazing her own trail as a wife, mother and professional, she breeds the heart and soul of a new generation.
As Korea emerges from the shadows of war and rises as a global cultural powerhouse, her story mirrors that of her homeland. She becomes a living bridge between diverse cultures, embodying the resilience and dynamism of the Korean spirit.
Over decades, her quiet strength, steady wisdom and unwavering belief in a shared humanity inspire and illuminate the less traveled path for generations to come.
This is the story of an unsung heroine, whose extraordinary journey from the ashes of war to the halls of knowledge and the heart of a family will uplift and inspire audiences worldwide.
Forward
In the tapestry of human history, there are individuals whose lives serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Soo’s story is one such remarkable journey that illuminates the power of an adventurous and insatiable soul who dared to challenge gender and racial barriers and leave an indelible mark on the world.
Born Hiranuma Sonoko in Osaka, Japan, in 1934, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, Soo’s early life was marked by the complexities of identity and cultural upheaval. In 1944, after Korea’s independence, she moved to Seoul, where her innate brilliance and love for learning through books flourished. Immersing herself in captivating mystery and adventure books left behind by Japanese residents, Soo voraciously read every book she could find, unleashing curiosity and adventure which knew no bounds.
Even amidst turmoil of the Korean War, Soo’s unwavering determination secured her admission to the prestigious Law College at Seoul National University. At the behest of her family and school, she juggled her studies with a full-time job at a major bank in Seoul, exemplifying her perseverance and dedication.
In March 1959, Soo embarked on a transformative journey to the United States and earned a graduate degree in Library Science in Boston, Massachusetts. Later as the head librarian for the Japanese and Korean collections at Princeton University’s Gest Library, Soo’s passion for preserving and sharing the rich histories of East Asian cultures blossomed. Her tireless efforts in collecting rare books from Japan and Korea bridged the gap between the past and the present, making these treasures accessible to scholars and students alike. Soo’s work catalyzed future diplomatic and academic advancements and inspired subsequent generations to embrace the uniqueness of richess of these cultures.
Beyond her impressive 40-year professional tenure, Soo’s impact extended far beyond the walls of the library. In Korea, she had already shattered established norms for women, and drew inspiration for social advancement nurtured by the integrity and intellectual curiosity of supreme court justices. Despite the adversities that life presented, Soo steadily followed her bliss, crafting her life’s adventure and leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire women, Asians, and all of humanity.
Soo’s story is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of a trailblazer who dared to ask hard questions, challenge societal norms, and create a rich tapestry of cultural understanding. Her journey reminds us that by embracing our curiosity, courage, and the pursuit of knowledge, we have the power to shape our own destinies and leave a lasting impact on the world.
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Through her unwavering commitment to knowledge, literacy, equity, and community, Soo served as a professional university librarian exemplifying the best qualities of humanity:
- Guardian (curator) of Knowledge
- Expert Navigator of Information
- Champion of Cultural History (literacy)
- Lifelong Learner
- Inclusive Community Anchor
- Advocate for Equity
- Empathetic Listener
- Agent of Social Advancement