Joyta Biswas
Joyta is a student at Bravo High School who joined KARS to help her community and build meaningful connections. She grew up spending time in Koreatown and still feels connected to its vibrant culture, food, and people. Through KARS, Joyta has become more aware of the impacts of substance misuse and hopes to use what she’s learned to support others — especially family members and peers — by encouraging awareness, compassion, and access to help.
My Helping Hand
Interview by Jisoo Yoo
Please start with your name, age, and where you go to school.
Hi, my name is Joyta. I'm 16 years old and currently attending Bravo High School.
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Los Angeles.
Do you work or live in Koreatown?
I do not live in Koreatown, but I am currently working as part of an internship there.
What are your thoughts on Koreatown?
I really like the culture and people surrounding the neighborhood, as well as the cuisine and music in Koreatown.
What is a significant memory you have of Koreatown?
One memory I have of Koreatown is driving past downtown — not really downtown but the lively area. I liked how Koreatown looked. I was first introduced to it by my parents, who took me around town. I did grow up living in Koreatown, so I would say my parents were the ones who showed me around there.
Where is your favorite place in Koreatown?
My favorite place is Madang Courtyard, where there are a lot of restaurants and shopping centers.
Why did you join KARS?
I joined KARS because I was really interested in the program, specifically because I wanted to help my community and build better connections and friendships with others in the program.
What are some specific things you would like to help with in your community?
I would like to help people who are struggling with substance abuse or [their mental health] and just get them on the right path.
What do you know about opioids or stimulants?
I don't know too much about opioids, but I know there are a lot of people using these drugs simply because that's the only thing that makes them feel good.
What are the impacts of drugs on your community or school?
I would say that students at my school like to be rebellious and do drugs. That doesn't make the school look good and just affects the environment in general.
Do you know any peers who are abusing opioids or stimulants?
No, I don't. I would say there are a lot of people using nicotine or e-cigarettes — people of all ages in the community that I live in and everywhere else.
How would you say that affects you?
Personally, it gives me a bad feeling that I have to go places where people are just out and about doing drugs. They think that it's okay, but there are kids around. They should be aware that there's a time and place to do what they want so that it doesn’t disturb anyone.
Do you know anyone personally who uses substances?
I had a few family members in Asia do drugs because one of my family members living in Los Angeles took some there, and they got influenced. They started doing it too, but they're not addicted to it or in a bad place.
What are some specific moments when you discovered a family member was doing drugs, and how did it make you feel at the time?
I didn't know much about drugs, but I thought that it was nothing compared to all the other kinds of drugs there are. I thought it wasn't doing much harm, but then I found out that the more you take it in and watch someone, the more they start to change.
Do you believe that you can make a positive impact on your family members who are struggling with drugs?
I can tell them to quit or tell them that there are many negative sides to it and that they should not be doing something that will cause them harm. [I’d want] them to know that it's okay for them not to know, but they should really know before even taking something that might just end up putting them in a worse situation.
Do you believe that by educating your family member, you can help them with their substance misuse?
Yes, I think I could help them understand that something they didn't know about could potentially be a threat. Hopefully, they can back out of it and understand the real effects of vaping or any other type of drug.
Do you believe that educating your community can have a positive impact?
I think I can educate others on substance use and let them know that it's okay to seek help. [I want to] guide them through whatever they need.
What are some ways you can educate your family members who are struggling currently?
I’d like to give them information and tell them that it's okay for them to take time, get a checkup, or go to therapy if they need it. I really want to look out for others.
Is there anything else you would like to say about substance misuse that you learned during this program?
For anyone struggling with substance misuse, they should know that it's okay for them to feel the way they do. They are loved and can seek support from anyone. They only have one life, so I think they should just live it to their best efforts and not worry too much.