Fall foliage in Mono County, June Lake Loop, and Mammoth areas. Post Date: October 19, 2024 - Photos by portrait and travel photographer Ryan Angel Meza.
Moving to South Korea For A Job (Desperation Forces A Change)
As the Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc among many Americans, one might have to find opportunity abroad. Many Americans have expressed that finding temporary refuge in unemployment benefits, stimulus checks, and programs such as the CARES Act Relief Fund simply isn’t enough.
SO, What if you’ve exhausted those resources or don’t qualify for them?
Yer Xiong, a recent grad and photo major from Sacramento State, has come across a pivotal moment in her life where she must ultimately decide whether to go or stay (leave America). It’s quite the irony given that many consider the “United States” a place of hope. With many job applications sent out, Xiong could not obtain a job that would utilize her skillset and experience. The uncertainty and lack of job response affected Xiong’s life causing a state of depression and anxiety.
Finally, she received a callback from an agency that was recruiting individuals to work in Hwaseong, South Korea (as well as China) as an “English speaking” teacher assistant. Despite the limited options, it was a clear decision for Xiong to go to South Korea for obvious reasons.
Ryan (Photographer/Writer): Seoul, which is 26 miles north of Hwaseong, has reports of a spike in coronavirus cases due to opening up too soon. Does that worry you and do you think it’s worth the risk for a “job”?
Yer Xiong: “It’s just people who went clubbing that got infected. If I stay away from crowded places I think I should be fine.”
Ryan (Photographer/Writer): You’re leaving your family behind with no one there to help you. Do you think that being there alone will exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety?
Yer Xiong: “I think I’m more depressed just staying here at home. (Laughs) It’s okay. I need to figure out how life is without my family and be independent. I’ve been living with my family for 30 years and never once moved out on my own, so I got to try.”
Xiong also mentions of the lengthy interview process, especially concerning to any health related issues she might have. Simply noting she had seasonal allergies prolonged the approval process; adding that once she arrives to South Korea she would have to be quarantined at a “government facility.” Concerned about the idea of being quarantined in a country she has no knowledge about or ever been to before, Xiong sought peace-of-mind by requesting feedback and opinions from those who already transitioned into South Korea for employment. They told her that most individuals being quarantined were being sent to nice hotels and while there, food was being “hand delivered” to their doorstep. Once completed, she would have her own apartment which her employer will pay for (she would only be paying for utilities). Her job will involve interacting with grade school children 6 days week for about 6 hours each day.
At this time, Xiong is still waiting for her E-2 visa and any final approvals. She anticipates setting for departure later this week.
Thank Yer Xiong for sharing your story. I find it encouraging that you are willing to take a bold step into the unknown! You inspire many to “take the next step.” Best of luck and be safe!
“Another 3 million Americans file for unemployment benefits.” -KCRA3
Unemployment Insurance - EDD Statistics
Total Initial Claims Filed (YTD) - March 2020: 2,037,517
Total Benefits Paid (YTD) - March 2020: $1,512,797,187
Yer Xiong, packing her suitcase in preparation for her move to Hwaseong, South Korea. May 6, 2020 | Elk Grove, CA. | © Ryan Angel Meza - www.RyanAngelMeza.com - All Rights Reserved.
Yer Xiong will be moving to Hwaseong, South Korea for a teacher-assistant position.
A high-school powder puff jersey that hang’s on Yer Xiong’s room. May 6, 2020 | Elk Grove, CA | © Ryan Angel Meza - www.RyanAngelMeza.com - All Rights Reserved.
Former classmates of Yerr Xiong attend a Zoom meeting to say farewell.
Graduation in Covid-19 Era with Courtney Brook Althoff
On Friday, May 8, 2020, my friend Courtney Brook Althoff graduated with her Bachelor’s in Computer Animation from Full Sail University (based out of Florida). While the college offers programs suitable for “online education,” participating in an “online” platform (including a grad ceremony) wasn’t anything new to her.
However, roughly this same time last year I graduated from Sac State celebrating with the largest cohort of grads, a milestone that should and was celebrated with family and friends and in-person. I asked Courtney if I could participate in her “online celebration” and knowing that it would be a stark contrast in how one would celebrate such a momentous accomplishment, I felt the disappointment for the lack of celebratory spirit. It’s not anything Courtney would have wished for since Courtney carries a bubbly personality. She would have celebrated with a bang! In fact, she mentioned that she and her select loved ones were already booked for a flight to Florida for the in-person graduation ceremony but due to state lock downs, cancellations for travel were eminent and thankfully she did receive full refunds for. She does plan to attend a future grad ceremony should the opportunity present itself but with the uncertainty of this pandemic, who knows when that will be.
It’s the matter of the times—THE COVID ERA!
Courtney Althoff, a college student from Full Sail University (Florida-based College) awaits for her name to be announced during an online graduation ceremony Friday May 8, 2020. Orangevale, Ca © Ryan Angel Meza
Due to Covid-19, Courtney is graduating at home. Friday, May 8, 2020. © Ryan Angel Meza
Lisa, (Courtney’s mother) accompanies Courtney as they wait for the ceremony to begin. Friday, May 8, 2020.
© Ryan Angel Meza
At last, the moment to hear “Courtney Brook Althoff” among the list of grads celebrating this long-awaited accomplishment. Friday, May 8, 2020. © Ryan Angel Meza
Brian, fiance to Courtney, celebrates with a toast of champagne. Friday, May 8, 2020. © Ryan Angel Meza
'MAGA' Rally Representing More Than Frustration
Many Trump supporters gathered at the state capitol on Monday, April 20, 2020 to express economic and personal frustration.
Was CHP right to approve such a gathering (while declining other gathering requests), jeopardizing the efforts and sacrifices already made by the community to mitigate the spread of Covid-19?
The assumption to 'give them the right to safely gather and express their frustration' was misjudgment on their part.
Sac PD were also on scene. Do you think they could/should have done more to enforce safety protocols including citing for traffic violations?
What will be the repercussions of this? Only time will tell.
Gear: Nikon Z7 + Nikon 24-70 f4 Z-lens. © Ryan Angel Meza - All Rights Reserved.
‘MAGA/ Trump’ protestors rallying at downtown Sacramento on Monday April 20, 2020.
All images - © Ryan Angel Meza. For usage/ licensing, send email to info@RyanAngelStudio.com.
During a protest rally on Capitol Ave, a young girl holds up a sign that reads, “I want to go back to school. Quarantine life has ruined my regular life.” Sacramento, CA. April 20, 2020.
© Ryan Angel Meza - All Rights Reserved
Creating a Stylized Portrait (Astronaut Theme)
Sunday, March 22, 2020 - The Costco Run (In the Midst of Coronavirus Pandemic)
A Look at Downtown Sacramento Despite Covid-19 Shelter in Home Directive
Today, March 21, 2020 marks the first Saturday since the City of Sacramento issued a shelter in home directive starting Friday March 20 at 12:00am. Link to County Website. The intent of this Order is to ensure that the maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence to the maximum extent feasible, while enabling essential services to continue, to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the maximum extent possible.”