Rock Starrin' Round the World profile picture

Rock Starrin' Round the World

About Me

As a Blacksburg local, I covered a few stories on the events that took place here on April 16. The stories aired on our National Public Radio affiliate:
Students returned to campus over the weekend where memorials dotted the landscape. WVTF's Krisha Chachra reports. LISTEN
Students returned to classes at Virginia Tech. But it's not that easy for the Korean-American community to put the incident behind them. WVTF's Krisha Chachra explains. LISTEN
Despite the horrible tragedy that took place in my hometown April 16, 2007 - one that affected my whole community and personally many people that I knew - the Hokies have survived and served as an example of what strong faith, perseverance and gratitude can manifest. I'll never forget what happened here and I believe moving back to Blacksburg in 2006 after living in Williamsburg, Prague, DC, NY, and then Honolulu happened for a reason. Many people complain about returning home or living in this small town. But I believe it is a privilege and an opportunity to live in abundance. Heck, I even wrote a book about it (see below).
"Life is a constant journey home, and sometimes I think if I could be back where I started, I'd be where I'm going."
If nothing else, coming home meant being with my friends and family and community on April 16, 2007 but since then, I have made it my mission to spread the gospel of this town in opportunities that unraveled themselves to me. After April, I traveled to South Korea, South Africa, Vegas, New Orleans and now India. Living here has afforded me to see the world with new eyes and find ways to expand my sight when I get back. And I've taken full advantage. "Rock Starring Round the World" my friends tease me...

My trip to Korea was extensive and revealing but it just reaffirmed that I’m a ‘native’ American…ironically, as some people know - I was always mistaken for one growing up! Actually the trip is neither work related nor pleasure. I was awarded a scholarship for cultural exchange through Rotary International. I was traveling, giving presentations and talking about what I do and where I’m from to many people throughout the country…I never would have seen this much of the South Korea (not to mention stepping into North Korea for six minutes!) if I went there with my own agenda. Interestingly, I left for Korea on the eve after my book release party, two weeks after the tragedy in Blacksburg. Since the tragedy had such an international effect, when I arrived there all the Koreans were familiar with Blacksburg and I received a lot of attention talking about what happened here. It was exciting to be covered in the Korean city newspapers and I was honored to have this opportunity to discuss and promote my town, and my work, in this way.
Feel free to check out the pictures of South Korea and the amazing safari I took in South Africa - check out the blog about the Big 5! Or if you're interested, feel free to read my blog about my adventures in Korea. Looking forward to India next!

My Interests

I'd like to meet:

People who love Blacksburg

If you want to learn more about this amazing town, our spirit and what life is like here, order my coffee-table book on Amazon.com or bn.com called

Homecoming Journals: Dreaming Big in a small town


Hear an interview about the book and Blacksburg aired at Studio Virginia on NPR HERE

My Blog

Live from the African safari - BIG 5

Several of you have asked how the safari is going and I apologize for the mass email but internet isn't cheap in the bush...and I apologize in advance for the spelling since the spell check is in Afri...
Posted by on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 08:57:00 GMT

Notes on Korea #5

Wow!  Our time is winding down here.  It is our last weekend and we are back at the relaxing Yangi Pine Resort.  It is a popular Korean tourist ski destination in the winter time b...
Posted by on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 21:26:00 GMT

Notes from Korea - email #4

I can't believe we have made it to the half way mark.  Yangpyeong seemslike a world away now that we are in Namyangju with another host family. I'm with a amazingly giving woman who showers me wi...
Posted by on Sun, 03 Jun 2007 05:14:00 GMT

Notes from Korea - #3

I must say, today ranks as probably one of the most interesting days of mylife.  This afternoon we went to a different country, it took about fourhours of preparation, two passport control stops,...
Posted by on Fri, 25 May 2007 17:56:00 GMT

Email from Korea - email #2

From the GSE team in Korea - email #2: - I apologize in advance forspelling/grammar as I do not know how to use the spell check on thiscomputer.We are in an unbelievable chalet off of the riverside in...
Posted by on Fri, 25 May 2007 17:54:00 GMT

Notes on Korea #1

So, I launched a book and the next day, ran half way around the world!  Iam grateful to be here too but it has already been so hectic and I can'tbelieve we have seen so much of the country in jus...
Posted by on Tue, 15 May 2007 18:02:00 GMT

Proud To Be From Blacksburg

Reflection essay on Blackburg, VA published in Bella Magazine, www.socialtalkers.com, aired on WVTF FM   I feel really proud to be from Blacksburg.  In the midst of a horrible tragedy, the ...
Posted by on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:51:00 GMT

MySpace as a Relationship Weapon

***I wrote this blog last year 2-1-06, but somehow, a year later, it has proven to be relevant once again.  I just had a very hilarious conversation with my friend last night regarding this ...
Posted by on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 11:42:00 GMT

The Secret and the Sailor

Do you believe that the universe has a way of revealing answers to your most puzzling questions, especially in your time of need?  Well, lately I have realized that answers are revealed, and not...
Posted by on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:40:00 GMT

My Best (Wo)Man's Speech

They say that behind every good man, there is a great woman.  But recently Bob told me that that BEST MAN for any job is a fabulous woman&.So I gladly accepted.      If I we...
Posted by on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 11:57:00 GMT