By Diana Sanchez
Q: Could you first give us some background on yourself as an individual … (name, age, grade, pronouns, interests, etc.)?
Fabiola: “My name is Fabiola Nelson (she/her). I’m a 16-year-old junior, and I really like history, film, and (most importantly) I love k-dramas and k-pop … the reason that I’m being interviewed!”
President Nelson!
Q: When did you join the k-drama/k-pop club here at MCSM, and how was your experience as a club member?
Fabiola: “I joined the school’s k-pop club last year when I was a sophomore and I thought it was great. The meetings were overall really fun and the club’s discord was really fun. I had a positive experience. I joined the club when I was relatively new to k-pop and it felt like a very safe environment to engage in, even though if I’m being honest I didn’t do much often because I was nervous about it as I mentioned before. I was a new fan I didn’t want to say anything bad or wrong that could possibly look bad. This is something that when I reflect back on it, I regret, because looking at it through the lens of a club president it was a really safe environment where engagement was wanted and no one was ever ignored. The club members and presidents were extremely attentive. I truly admire the environment the club created, especially with the pandemic, and everything being done remotely where it’s really difficult to truly connect with people.”
Q: What led you to become president of this club and why did you choose to take on this role?
Fabiola: “I became the president of this club because the presidents of the previous k-pop club graduated and the club sort of just disappeared. I thought there was going to be a k-pop club this year, so my original intention really was just making a k-drama club or trying to incorporate k-dramas into the k-pop club. But when I saw that the k-pop club didn’t really exist anymore I was sad, I wanted to do something but I wasn’t really sure what to do m. Then, after a lot of hesitation I decided to just start another one since no one else did it.”
Q: What are your goals as president?
Fabiola: “My goals as president are really to get people to connect, have a fun time, and enjoy k-dramas/k-pop. I want the club to be a safer environment where people can feel happy and just talk to others about what they enjoy. I want the club to be a place where different people can feel as one watching a drama together or watching the music video of a group. I want people to freely express and share what they enjoy and not have to feel like they’ll be judged for it.”
Q: If you were to describe this club in three words what would they be and why?
Fabiola: “Genuine, welcoming, educational. I think this club comes from a very genuine place. It comes from my genuine love for k-pop and k-dramas. They’ve done so much for me, as I’m sure they’ve done for so many others as well. And that’s something that’s evident in every club meeting—people expressing themselves genuinely. I chose ‘welcoming’ as the second word because at the club we’re welcoming to everyone, whether you like k-pop, or watch k-dramas, or you don’t and maybe want to try to get into them. Either one is okay, and everyone is welcomed. We are not judging people. I’m really proud of the club members for achieving and creating an environment that’s open and welcoming enough for anyone even if they aren’t a fan of k-pop or k-dramas, or even if they’re just a beginner. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel intimidated or nervous in the club just like I did last year. The last word that I think describes the club is “educational” because you’re being exposed to a different culture and language that most people wouldn’t really encounter in their normal everyday lives. It broadens your worldview, and most importantly it shows that despite being on the other side of the globe and from a different country that speaks a different language, we’re all still at our cores undeniably human.”
Q: What happens in this club every week? What is the club up to right now?
Fabiola: “Every week in the club we watch the first episode of a k-drama and talk about it afterward, we watch a movie and do the same thing afterward, or we surf around on YouTube and give everyone the opportunity to play a music video or performance that they want to share with everyone. Lately, we’ve been using YouTube since the last club meeting was before the break and we didn’t want to do anything that was too serious or required as much of a commitment as watching a movie or k-drama.”
Q: How has it been gaining members this year? Do you think the pandemic has made it harder to attract members?
Fabiola: “Gaining members has been hard this year, to say the least, and it’s because of the pandemic. But I do think it has its ups and downs because while it’s been hard to get people to join, at the same time I feel like the pandemic has helped a lot of people get into k-dramas and k-pop which is amazing. So even if they’re not in the club I still consider that a win because they’re still having the experience even if it’s without being a part of the club.”
Q: Are there any activities that might take place in the club that current or new members can enjoy?
Fabiola: “I am currently thinking of a club activity that members will be able to participate in and it might even attract new people to join the club, so please do be on the lookout for that.”
Q: If someone reading this were interested in joining, what would you tell them?
Fabiola: “Just go for it, what’s the worst thing that can happen? I guarantee you that it won’t be as bad as you think it might be, or at least I’m determined to not let it be.”
Q: Any final thoughts, ideas, or things to promote?
Fabiola: “Thank you all for reading this far! I really appreciate it and I don’t think I have words to describe how grateful I truly am to you, so once again thank you.”
If you are interested in joining the K-Drama/K-Pop club here at MCSM, or in knowing more about the club, make sure to follow them on Instagram @mcsmkmedia2022!