Joseph Campbell's Hero Journey

The central theme of my project was to recreate my own story by using Joseph Campbell’s Hero Journey as the foundation for my structure. However, before discussing the mythological aspect of my project I want to provide a little background information as to why I selected my method and how I came to create my own journey. To begin, my initial plan was to use pictures to document my life. Naturally, I came to the conclusion to use Snapchat as my main component after reading “Autobiography of Red” by Anne Carson. I could relate to the character by the name of Geryon because he used photography to capture moments that were most prevalent in his life. Furthermore, with Snapchat’s Bitmoji feature I was able to add my “hand print” so to speak to

Needless to say tears were shed from traveling for the first time alone and leaving behind my friends and family. Thus, after countless hours I was finally in the “Unknown” of South Korea. I had to undergo numerous“tests” in my own “road of trails” such as not knowing the Korean language, being homesick, figuring out how to wire money from America, and of course the overall cultural shock. Although, it was easier when I made six “Allies” or are we dubbed ourselves the Ridiculously Normal squad. Together we utilized Google maps to find our way when we were lost, Google translate to help us break the language barrier, and using the experience of living abroad to become more open-minded about Korean culture and our culture. Even though I made allies I also made several “Enemies”. This included the much dreaded Red Bus or dubbed “Tomato” bus that was overly packed, learning how to use chopsticks and still dropping food, battling snow and cold weather than couldn’t compare to Las Vegas’s weather even during the winter, and the larger crowds that often made us triple check to ensure everyone was still in the group. My time in Korea had allowed me to develop a love for the Korean culture, the K-pop music industry, and the people of Korea, which became a “Tempest” and made it harder to leave when the time came. In the meantime, I had gained “knowledge” (apotheosis) and skills that I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t taken this journey. I could speak more Korean than when I first arrived and knew more about the traditions and customs, I could travel independently by myself in a foreign country, and I could buy the basics I needed at local stores such as the CU. My “Ultimate Boon” was the souvenirs that I was able to bring back to my family, I had adapted and considered Korea a second home, and that I had made it through the four months even though it