Jennifer Juang’s Autobiography (Sort Of)

An Introduction

01

My autobiography is untraditional.And I think it is successful, even if the writing is indirect, because I am writing in complete honesty and self-cognizance.

As a 21-year-old college student, I feel, on a daily basis, strong inconsistencies in my beliefs and my opinions.

The landscape of my knowledge is highly susceptible to its environment. I can’t provide an accurate map of myself through a traditional autobiography: because while facts about my birth are constants, almost all other elements will change.

Thus, this autobiography will be told through a select few of my relationships with my friends at MICA, who are always on the back of my mind.

The frequent shifts in my life are, I think, best witnessed through my friendships. My friends are the people with whom I am able to discuss ideas that are new to me — ideas that I am excited by and ideas that I am fearful of.

More importantly, my friendships remind me that life shouldn’t be taken so seriously. So I don’t think a serious autobiography about me at age 21 (or ever) would be necessary.

02

Kubo drew a broccoli because I love vegetables and we both love when the Meyerhoff serves roasted broccoli.Kubo gets her own page in my autobiography as acknowledgement of her impactful presence in my life.

Despite our opposite childhoods and upbringings, we get along super well. She’s not like anyone I would meet back home in Missouri. We are different people but share a similar sense of humor and set of values (important!). I knew the friendship would last when we, without hesitation, each dropped $50 for tickets to a Neutral Milk Hotel show in DC.

Our Moms think we look and act alike.

03

Ellen is a new friend! She lives next door to me and I am always delighted to see her because her outfits are always nice and so is her personality. If I could, I would only fill my life and wardrobe in the beautiful pastel palettes found in her paintings.

04

Jordan is the reason that everyone drew dogs in this spread. And Jamiee is the reason why I can always find good company on the weekends. Ellen, Jordan, and Jamiee all live together. They are all a year older than me, and have collectively taken me in. They have introduced me to their friends, and always invite me over for karaoke and to tag along to walk to Alloverstreet.

They have shown me what it’s like to have a group of friends that care for each other like a family.

05

Chris drew a pair of rainboots because he often witnesses my shopping dilemmas (including rainboots). To break the ice in our Graphic Design 1 class, I asked Chris if he wanted to see my rejected Kishi Bashi t-shirt design.

Eric drew an ice cream cone, but I’m lactose-intolerant! I met Eric when I met Chris. Eric is an extremely humble and hardworking t-shirt design aficionado. He has taught me a lot about having patience and empathy for others.

06

Audrey drew a picture of the chair that I always sit in when I hang out at her dorm room. I knew the friendship would last based on our ability to project and receive each another’s dry, half-sarcastic, kinda loving insults.

Soojin drew a plate of rice, beans, and plantains that I always order from On the Hill. Soojin makes great art but I wish she slept more. She is also always cooking for her friends (including me!). Soojin is extremely hospitable.

J