Dr. Steven S. Choi is a first-generation immigrant, educator, small business owner, and now a State Senator representing the 37th District in California.
Steven S. Choi was born in Naju, South Korea and received his B.A. in English from Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Korea. Simultaneously, he enrolled in the ROTC Program, which led to him being commissioned as an Artillery Lieutenant in the South Korean military upon graduation from University. Choi served in the 3rd Infantry Division fronting at the 38th Parallel and was honorably discharged as First Lieutenant after 2 1/2 years of service. Soon after, the United States Peace Corps hired him as a language instructor where he was relocated to Hilo, Hawaii for his first assignment. After this valuable experience he pursued his education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge for his Master's degree in Library Science. During the summers, Choi went to New York City where he washed dishes in the back of a restaurant and worked as a busboy in a hotel to pay his way through school. After receiving his master’s degree he became a librarian at what is now Henderson University.
After three years as a librarian, Steven pursued his doctoral degree at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Library & Information Science. After receiving his Ph.D., he became an Assistant Professor at the USC Graduate School of Library & Information Management in Los Angeles. Later, he moved to Orange County and worked at the Newport Beach Public Library as Head of Technical Services Division. Choi then returned to teaching, and taught Korean language at University of California, Irvine. Additionally, Dr. Choi served as a Founding Task Force Member for the Korean SAT II on behalf of the College Board. He later introduced and taught the Korean language at several colleges, including Coastline College and Saddleback College in Orange County, as well as many Korean church hosted schools. He served as an instructor and Principal, and owner at his own Korean language school – Kumon
Steven Choi was an active participant in his community, finding passion and devotion through teaching people, not only in school but also in Taekwondo. After receiving his black belt, he desired to pass along the sacred knowledge and skill to other generations. Through PE curriculum and teaching classes over the course of three years, he successfully trained one of his personal students to earn a black belt.
With Choi’s educational experience, the community urged him to run for the Irvine Unified School District Trustee. After being elected as Trustee on his first attempt, his political career blossomed. Steven continued serving at various levels of government including the Irvine City Councilman, Mayor, State Assemblyman, and now State Senator.
The American dream is achievable and Dr. Steven Choi is living proof.