We first connected with So Jeo when she reached out to...
Meet So Jeo – Adoption Nurtured the Desire to Help Others
We first connected with So Jeo when she reached out to us about her fundraiser for Ukraine. After discovering the incredible hand-crafted eggs she was auctioning, I felt compelled to find out more about the artist who creates these intricate masterpieces who lives in rural Pictou County. I am so happy that I reached out as her story is so interesting.
Our conversation started off, “I live in Scotsburn with my husband, two children, and several pets,” she began to laugh, “I grew up in West Branch, so I didn't go far.” I laughed as well, “Did you always live in Pictou County?” I asked. She paused, “We lived in BC, Ontario, and then finally moved here when my dad retired from the Marine Division of the RCMP. Sadly, he passed away last year,” she continued, “They adopted me when they were in BC, and we moved here in 1980.”
So Jeo went on to share that she was only 13 months old when she arrived in Canada. “I was born in Seoul, Korea and I have three older brothers, not adopted,” she laughed again, “And everyone jokes that I have the most Pictou County accent of the bunch!” I quickly commented, “Wow, three older brothers and no sisters.” She smiled, “I was a huge tomboy and I'm still a little that way. I was a bit doted on because I was the only girl and the youngest. My parents were considering adopting another girl after me,” she grinned, “But I wasn't too keen on that at the time,” she reflected, “Though now looking back, it would have been nice to have a sister.”
“They really wanted to adopt to give a loving home to a child in need.” I wondered if she ever felt different growing up, “It didn't really occur to me that I was that different until later in school. My mom told me that when I was really little, I used to say I was green like Kermit the frog because he was different. I'm a bit of an introvert and can be embarrassingly socially awkward, but thankfully I met my best friend as soon as we moved here, so starting school was a lot easier,” she paused, “Although, I did have that school bully on the bus.”
She reminisced, “My parents always felt a desire to help others. They were, and my mom still is very charitable. I remember them discussing who they should give money to and how they could help.” What wonderful role models they must have been, I thought to myself. “This is why I felt compelled to support Ukraine by doing the fundraiser auction. I am so thankful for my life and the opportunities I’ve been given by my parents, family, and friends. I could have had a totally different life if I would not have been adopted by a wonderful caring family,” she continued, “It was just killing me not doing anything to help, and since I felt I had the power to do something, I did.”
Amazingly, from her home in Scotsburn, she was able to make a big difference for the people of Ukraine thousands of miles away. “I did 4 raffles, each a weeklong for 5 hand-crafted Ukrainian eggs and two $100 gift certificates to my shop,” her heart overflowing with gratitude, “I still cannot believe that with the help of my many supporters, we raised a total of $27,333.77 in 4 weeks!” Shocked, I exclaimed, “That is incredible! It just goes to show that one person can make a huge difference in this world.”
Before we ended our conversation, there was one question I just had to ask, “How did you ever find your passion for making these awe-inspiring eggs?” She smiled, “It’s kind of a funny story. When I was young, one of my brothers gave me a Ukrainian Easter egg kit for Christmas. It was fun and I made several ugly eggs, set them aside, and went on to something else. Years later, I picked up again. Did research, bought the equipment, and fell in love with it all over again,” with a bright smile she continued, “That was 15 years ago.”
I think this quote by Mandy Hale sums it up best, “To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care.”
Photo: So Jeo having fun learning how to play the ukulele