The Dr. Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award honors the essential role families play in supporting their students at George Mason University. Students nominate their families, and the Family of the Year Award is announced at Family Weekend in the fall. The Choi family is the 14th Family of the Year recipient.
Eun Kyung (EK) Choi is a full-time graduate student in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program in the College of Education and Human Development—and a dedicated student parent.
Her journey to George Mason began when she and her husband moved to the United States after he was posted to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C., by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With this major transition came an opportunity: Choi chose to pursue a teaching license, hoping to one day work in international schools around the world.
But after welcoming their baby, Choi found herself unsure how she could continue her master’s program. “I wasn’t sure how I could finish my master’s degree,” she recalled.
That’s when her husband made a pivotal decision: He took a year of parental leave to care for their baby, ensuring Choi could fully focus on her studies. His support made all the difference. Choi successfully completed the teacher certification exams required for her internships and continues to excel in her program.
“Without his support, it would not have been easy to take my current classes or prepare for my internship next semester,” she said.
The Choi family lives in Masonvale on Mason’s Fairfax Campus, where they embrace the vibrant local community. They enjoy long walks to Old Town Fairfax—often stopping by the Fairfax Regional Library or treating themselves at De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches when they don’t feel like cooking. On campus, they frequent Southside and Ike’s, and Choi keeps an eye on Mason360 for fun family-friendly events.
“Being part of the George Mason community as both a student and a mom has been a meaningful journey,” Choi shared. “I hope my story encourages other students who are also balancing school and family life.”
Her advice for fellow students balancing family and school is:
Take Care of Your Health: “Parenting is a whole new world. No matter how much support you have, it takes energy. I used to stay up finishing work all night and start work early in the morning, and that was my joy. But I can’t do that anymore I’ve learned to take care of my body and rest when I can. This season of life is different, but it’s precious and full of gratitude.”
Share the Responsibilities: “Parenting is not a solo journey. My husband’s and family’s support has made it possible for me to continue my studies. I also try to respect my husband’s personal time, like going to the gym or seeing friends. It helps us both.”
Use the System: “In my case, my husband was able to take one year of paid parental leave, which made this balance possible. In Korea, parents can usually take one year of paid leave plus up to two additional years of unpaid leave. Because this system was so familiar to me, I didn’t fully realize how meaningful it was. However, after talking with Colleen Vesely, my Engaging Families of Diverse Learners professor, I truly came to appreciate not only the existence of this system but also the supportive environment that allows us to use it.”
Find a Supportive Community: “I truly appreciate the welcoming community at George Mason. My professors and classmates have supported me during pregnancy, childbirth, and this parenting season. Special thanks to Professor Bweikia Steen for creating a warm and inclusive class, to Professor Carly Fisher-Maltese for her kindness during my delivery time, and to my friend Jialin for her care before and after birth. Last but not least, thank you to my academic advisor, Kayla Turner, and internship coordinator, Amanda Davis, for constantly checking on me and handling my situations. Families of the Korean Embassy and friends from the diplomatic community have also been so kind. They brought food, took me on little trips to Baltimore, and even bought my favorite bingsoo from Soricha Tea and Theater. I’ve truly felt cared for.”