Serving as chairwoman of the Republican Party of Minnesota has been one of the most incredible experiences of my lifetime. My four-and-a-half year journey full of twists and turns, trials and tribulations and experiences to last a lifetime has come to a close for now.
I still find it difficult to believe after being duly re-elected to a historic third term in April with more than 67% of the vote, that I will not be finishing my term and leading the party in 2022 as chairwoman ("Ex-Senate leader chosen to chair state GOP," Oct. 3).
While the past month has been one of the most arduous of my life, I am finally at peace with my decision to leave behind a position I loved more than any job I've ever held before in life.
I do so with a greater appreciation for the thousands who believe in me and helped build the most successful Minnesota Republican Party in modern history. Also, for the growth I made as a person and leader since first elected to this position. I can't believe how much has changed since my story began.
On the day I was born, I was found abandoned on the back doorstep of a rural hospital in South Korea next to a garbage dumpster. Five months later I was adopted and became a Minnesotan and an American.
I never could have imagined my life would take me from being a newborn in a South Korean orphanage to being the first female and Asian American chair of either major political party in Minnesota to meeting the president of the United States.
Thank you to the thousands who stand with me and continue to advocate for my forward path. Your kindness, love and support mean the world.
With gratitude and appreciation for allowing this adopted Korean to live her American dream.