Name: Becca Sattler-Leja (Lee Sook Kyung/숙경) 

First KAtCH event: 
Summer picnic August 2023 at Montrose Harbor! It was perfect to connect locally after IKAA. 

Where did you grow up/Where do you live now?
Grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Now I call Chicago home and currently live in Ukrainian Village. 

Tell us about yourself:
I’m an open book… adopted from Seoul at ~3mos old. I grew up going to a private hippie school, then public school for 7th grade on. The former was very white and the latter very black. I fit into neither ethnically but found very good lifelong friends regardless. My parents were pretty laissez-faire and let me explore all sorts of hobbies. Some of which I have retained (love for horseback riding, tennis) and others not so much (soccer, dance). I went to Michigan State for undergrad (Go Green!) and Ohio State for pharmacy school. I am relatively new in my “korean adoptee journey” but am so very happy to be here exploring my KAD-identity. 

You’ll likely KAtCH me doing the following:
Reading a new book: latest is a novel called “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin 

Planning a trip: I’m a huge fan of traveling and visiting other countries. I usually try to take at least one big international trip a year. 

Out walking with my dog: Most days you’ll find me and my border collie (Gibbs) at the park! But really I enjoy anything active. I’ll try most things unless it involves heights… (no rollercoasters/bungee jumping/sky diving for me!)

Why do you enjoy being involved with the KAtCH community?
I constantly try to explain this to people and it is truly indescribable… the best I can muster is that the first time I was around KADs, I felt an unspoken understanding and acceptance that I had never felt in my life. I love how our KAtCH community in particular allows us to weave into each others families and lives and create these memories. I am always overwhelmed with a sense of belonging. 

I can find value in all KAtCH events. They range from light and fun, to deep and emotional, to educational and enlightening. But no matter the occasion there is always constant support. I am grateful I found this community - better late than never. 

Favorite restaurant(s) in Chicagoland:
An impossible question! But I always enjoy Aba in Fulton Market. Anything from Joong Boo if I’m in the neighborhood. Letizia’s Bakery in Wicker Park for a sweet treat. Big Shoulders for my favorite coffee. 

Find me/Social Media: Instagram: @bsatts787