Mileyka M. Rodríguez Figueroa

Mileyka M. Rodríguez Figueroa participated in the 2023 CLS Korean Program hosted by Chonnam National University in Gwangju, South Korea. Mileyka studies Industrial Design at Universidad Ana G. Mendez in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. She stays connected with Korean culture by volunteering at K-pop concerts in Puerto Rico. Mileyka aspires to pursue a master’s degree related to entertainment and a career connecting the Puerto Rican and South Korean music industries.

Getting to Know Mileyka 

I was born and raised in the metro area of Bayamón, Puerto Rico. I grew up surrounded by traditions, history, diversity, vibrant culture, and the Spanish language. My parents taught me the importance of loving and respecting where I come from. This lesson also taught me to respect and appreciate other cultures. Since I was young, I’ve been taught to believe in myself and to remember I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I’ve always considered myself a multitasker, since I like to do a little bit of everything, but one thing I knew since I was a kid is that I wanted to study something related to art. I’m currently finishing my bachelor’s degree and a few months away from becoming an industrial designer. My desire to explore new things led me to CLS. My CLS experience reminded me to keep working towards my goals and dreams and helped shape me to be the limitless woman I am today. 

Why Korean?

It all started when a friend introduced me to K-pop. As I said before, I grew up being interested in music and art and South Korean pop music gave me a new and amazing perspective of it. Being able to work as a designer in the music industry became my new goal. While watching Korean entertainment content, I quickly became intrigued and captivated by the language, leading my sister and I to take Korean classes in Puerto Rico. My Korean teacher, Pyoni, not only introduced me to Korean but also made me fall in love with South Korea’s culture and history, since it is very similar to my island’s history. However, in Puerto Rico there are no Korean courses taught in universities. A friend told me I could study Korean and encouraged me to apply to the CLS Program. 

A Favorite Phrase in Korean 

I have a favorite Korean phrase which are lyrics from a song of my favorite K-pop group, Stray Kids, “나의 내일은 파래”. It literally translates to “my future is blue”. This song's title, 'Blueprint,' suggests a plan or design for the future. For me, it is a reminder I am the designer of my life, and to have my own plan for success. I will chase my dreams against all odds and will have faith in myself despite what others may say. 

Why Should Others Learn Korean? 

Learning languages is crucial for the world’s development and for cultural exchange. When we start learning a language, we also learn a new culture and our perspectives are expanded. It teaches us resilience and commitment, and South Korea serves as a powerful example of this. This country is known for its influential entertainment industry, advanced technology, and dynamic economy and as a powerful example of resilience, innovation, commitment to human rights and social equity. I respect and admire South Korea’s history and development, and I think other people should too. 

Connecting through Art

I consider myself to be the luckiest CLS alumna because I had the best roommate and language partner. Both made my experience in the CLS program unforgettable. They knew about my major and interests and took me to do many art and music activities together. We visited art galleries, attended traditional concerts, made art together, and went to a few museums. One of my favorite memories is when I visited the Gwangju Biennale with my language partner. In this exhibition, we found art from artists from all around the world and exchanged knowledge about techniques, materials, history, etc. Since my first language is Spanish, I had the opportunity to teach her some words and talk about different Latin American countries’ history. We also compared many topics in Korean, English and Spanish. I am very grateful to have been partnered with both of these amazing women who were always interested in sharing their culture and hearing about mine. 

Exploring my Hobbies in my Host Country 

I’ve been painting for many years. It’s both my hobby and a form of income for me as a student. While I was in Gwangju, I wanted to keep up with it and decided to make paintings for my teachers and program director. I went to a small store we had in our dormitories and with the little Korean that I know, asked them for painting materials. They helped me choose some brushes, find the acrylic painting and we also talked about where I come from. That conversation inspired me to make the paintings for my teachers where I mixed South Korean and Puerto Rican details. 

South Korea and Puerto Rico

One of my favorite things I did during my time abroad was translating Korean words in Spanish and writing them in hangul for my roommate and language partner to spell. We were constantly exchanging words and phrases in Spanish and Korean. I also had the opportunity to do an assignment about my home country and my favorite places to visit. It was interesting to compare Puerto Rico’s food, weather, history and many other things with South Korea. After coming back from the CLS Program, I haven’t stopped sharing the similarities between South Korea and Puerto Rico with my family and friends. I also became an ambassador to help other students get this amazing opportunity and to believe in their dreams. 

The Music Industry

Because of my interest in working as a designer in the Korean music and entertainment industry, I started volunteering in K-pop concerts of local companies in Puerto Rico. This experience has motivated me to do a master’s degree within the management or entertainment field. Even if I’m not completely sure of what I will study to complement my bachelor’s, I do know I want to study in South Korea and keep learning about Korean culture. I also look forward to being a bridge between the music industry in South Korea and Puerto Rico. Additionally, as an industrial designer, I look forward to using all the knowledge and connections I make in South Korea to help my home country socially and economically with new technologies and development project ideas. 

Words of Advice

CLS was my first time applying for a study abroad program and I was not confident and didn’t believe I could make it. Coming from a small island like Puerto Rico, sometimes we are discouraged and told these types of opportunities are not designed for us, but as a CLS alumna and Alumni Ambassador, I am proof that we can do it. Even if people around us don’t believe in cultural and language exchange, it is important for us to understand why we are applying for CLS and to believe in ourselves. We are very capable of doing everything we put our minds to. Remember you’re doing this for your future and that you can do it. As Koreans say: “화이팅”, (hwaiting) I did it and you can do it too!