William Paik, a graduate of Wayland High School, organized a student discussion event in the school library after asking a guest lecturer how to make the Korean American narrative more present in the curriculum. The initial conversation drew only five participants before growing to fill a corner of the library, providing a space for non-white students to share their experiences with discrimination.
The Lecture That Sparked Student Advocacy
In May 2016, Emmanuel College Professor Jabari Asim delivered a lecture in the Wayland High School auditorium addressing how white storytellers largely control historical narratives. Paik, then a senior, raised a question about expanding the representation of the Korean American experience in academics. Following the presentation, Paik spoke with Principal Allyson Mizoguchi to coordinate a gathering where non-white students could discuss their experiences with discrimination. Paik described the first library meeting as struggling initially with low attendance, but eventually drawing a larger group that utilized an entire corner of the room. During the session, participants discussed feeling underrepresented in coursework, with one Black attendee remarking that nothing would change.
Paik observes disconnect between course readings and heritage
During his time at Wayland High School, Paik observed a disconnect between course readings and his own heritage, noting that Asian characters were frequently depicted as passive objects rather than active participants. One exception was Maxine Hong Kingston’s book “The Woman Warrior,” assigned by English teacher Zachary Vonnegut, which featured an all-Asian cast taking active roles. Brian Keaney, who was the English department head when Paik was in high school, assigned Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man,” a novel exploring racial discrimination that resonated with Paik’s observations of local community dynamics. In the years following Paik’s graduation, the school’s English department replaced “Catcher in the Rye” with “Patron Saints of Nothing,” a novel centered on a Philippine-American teenager, and added a senior world literature course designed by teacher Robin Fitch. The history curriculum for freshmen also incorporated studies on East Asian leadership, culture, and immigration patterns.
Interdisciplinary Studies at Northwestern University
After graduating from Wayland High School, Paik attended Northwestern University, where he had done mock trial through high school and initially thought he was going to go to law school, according to weinberg.northwestern.edu. He enrolled as an English and American Studies major with a minor in Asian American studies. Through an introductory history class, he connected with a visiting assistant professor named Justin, whose mentorship shaped his academic path and led him to become heavily involved in the university’s Asian American Studies Program. Alongside his studies, Paik participated in extracurricular activities including TaeKwonDo and writing for Sherman Abb before pursuing comedy in the Chicago area and a Fulbright research opportunity in South Korea.
What specific book replaced Catcher in the Rye?
What specific book replaced Catcher in the Rye in the Wayland High School curriculum?
The English department replaced “Catcher in the Rye” with “Patron Saints of Nothing,” a book following a Philippine-American boy grappling with his identity.
Who was the guest lecturer in May 2016 that inspired William Paik’s advocacy?
Emmanuel College Professor Jabari Asim delivered the lecture in the Wayland High School auditorium regarding white control over historical narratives.
What majors did William Paik complete at Northwestern University?
According to weinberg.northwestern.edu, Paik graduated in 2020 with majors in English and American Studies alongside a minor in Asian American studies.
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