S3E5. Giving the Gift of Curiosity with Park Family and Cynthia Wang

This season, join host Frances Johnson as she explores the topic
of continuous curiosity, asking: What is curiosity? Why is it
important? And what roadblocks prevent us from being curious in
our work, homes and communities? Throughout this season, we’ll
also hear from guests who have used curiosity to pursue something
new – a degree, a profession, or a passion.


In this episode, Frances speaks with Ryan and Melissa Park, who
lost their daughter Kylie to a car accident in 2019. The Parks
have established two gifts at the Eccles School of Business in
Kylie’s name, and are joined this episode by current student
Cynthia Wang, the 2021 recipient of the “Launch Your Imagination
Kylie B. Park Memorial Scholarship.”


Together, the Parks and Cynthia share how Kylie’s memory and
legacy has inspired curiosity and exploration in their own lives.
Episode Quotes:

On Kylie’s curiosity and adventurous spirit…


Ryan Park (4:30): “Kylie for the longest time wasn't a huge
outdoorsy person, but at some point that became part of who she
was. She was continually curious about where to go next and what
to do, and what to experience. We were in Page, Arizona and she
had the wild idea, ‘Hey, let's go to the Grand Canyon for
sunrise.’”


Melissa Park (5:25): “So we grabbed blankets out of our trailer
and… that is one of the best memories we have. We have seen the
sunrise at the Grand Canyon with both of our girls, and it was
beautiful.”


On the impact of a memorial scholarship…


Cynthia Wang (13:40): “The lovely thing about being able to have
financial support is that it doesn't just open up the door for,
like, your college degree. It definitely allows you to pursue all
your other passions.”


Ryan Park (): “It means that she still has a continuing impact.
And that's hugely important for a parent. Because we miss her all
the time.”


On how Kylie’s memory or legacy influences them
today…


Cynthia Wang (22:39): “I think a lot of times people come to
college thinking, ‘Oh, I need to choose something that I'm gonna
do for the rest of my life.’ I definitely came into college
thinking that. But I think it really makes me realize, you can
really change your path at any time, any moment.”


Cynthia Wang (21:52): “I feel like I'm the type of person who in
the past would really stick to the stuff that I know cuz I get
really anxious and it’s easy to stay comfortable. For instance, I
never thought I would be into rock climbing. I really hate
heights and like it still terrifies me, but I really enjoy rock
climbing now. That's definitely one of the things I feel like I
would never have had the time or energy to pursue otherwise.”


Ryan Park (19:25): “The two of us have tried to continue to find
ways to be adventurous, to experience new things, take advantage
of the time that we have together. This year we traveled more
than we have ever traveled, and we discovered we enjoy traveling.
We've experienced some great new places and… we continue to be
curious as to what is around us.”
Show Links:

Artist Scholarship & Award Established In Memory Of Kylie
Park

Kylie Park Obituary

@Kynd_like_kylie Instagram