SHOWCASING THE WINNERS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS DR. BERNARD W. HOETER AWARD

Daniel Park

Showcasing the Winners of the Prestigious Dr. Bernard W. Hoeter Award YEAR 2014: BC NOTARY DANIEL PARK, VANCOUVER Honouring Family Values

Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles, or Vancouver: After the Korean War, my grandfather was looking to relocate his young family.

For whatever reason, those three cities were popular options at the time for emigration from South Korea. Due to logistics, he travelled on his own to Los Angeles with the plan to sponsor the rest of his family after he was settled. Believe it or not, a Wiener schnitzel franchise initially financed our family’s move to North America.

My parents met as young adults and married in Los Angeles. Ultimately, our entire family moved to Vancouver. I was born and raised in Burnaby and attended the University of British Columbia for my undergraduate studies . . . a Bachelor of Arts (Double Major in History and Sociology) in 2009. Soon after, I took the MA ALS postgraduate program at Simon Fraser University for the purpose of qualifying to become a BC Notary. I earned my Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies in 2014.

The Scrivener: What did you want to be when you grew up?

Daniel: In 1993, a movie called Rookie of the Year was released and the Toronto Blue Jays had won backto-back World Series in ‘92 and ‘93. As a kid, my dream was to be a Major League baseball pitcher but my skills never matched my aspirations! Future MLB Star in the making

The Scrivener: Why did you choose to become a BC Notary?

Daniel: My father Shinil Park was commissioned as a BC Notary on June 7, 2001. He was the first BC Notary of Korean descent. Like many others with relatives in the profession, I was introduced to the roles and duties of a BC Notary early on. During Summer breaks as a high school student, I remember helping out my father with routine tasks like bank runs or trips to the New Westminster Land Title Office. The notion of being able to help people in the community through a position recognized for integrity was always a huge draw for me. After I married in 2009, the decision to begin my own

BC Notary journey was an easy one.

With my wife Ella Kwak

The Scrivener: You were the winner of the Year 2014 prestigious Bernard W. Hoeter Award in recognition of achieving the highest marks on all the Notarial Statutory Examinations. What motivated you to achieve that outstanding level of academic success?

Daniel: For the majority of the MA ALS program, I had never put any serious thought toward the awards. I was just focused on balancing my family/work/ academic life and trying to get through the challenging Notary education program in one piece.

Study group still in action! Less studying, more eating.

When Sidney Notary Laurie Salvador announced at the Graduation Luncheon that I had received the 27th Annual Dr. Bernard W. Hoeter Award, I was truly shocked. If I had to give a reason for my academic success, I can only thank my fellow classmates. During the MA ALS program, a group of classmates and I started a study group. Being able to bounce off ideas and learn together proved invaluable and no doubt contributed to my own academic success.

The Scrivener: What aspects of your Notary work do you enjoy the most?

Daniel: It never gets old seeing the smiles on the faces of first-time homebuyers after they sign the last document for their home purchase. Some clients even ask for me to take a picture of their signature on the legal document. Whatever it may be, just being able to play a small but important role in an individual’s most significant purchase is always rewarding.

The Scrivener: Are you a mentor?

Daniel: At this point, unfortunately no. Having been commissioned in 2014, my initial focus was for the positive development of my own practice and reputation. Mentored by several Notaries in the past, I recognize the value of mentorship and look forward to the opportunity to give back as a mentor going forward.

The Scrivener: What are your personal hobbies and interests?

Daniel: I enjoy the outdoors and physical activity. These days, I have been quite obsessed with golf and find myself trying to play at least one round a week. I also enjoy music. As a child, I was forced to learn the piano by my parents. Although I hated it then, I now appreciate the fact that I can play.

My wife and I have a 6-year-old West Highland Terrier named Terry. Although his fur sheds terribly in Spring, he has brought us endless joy and happiness and is truly a member of the family.

Terry the Westie

The Scrivener: What is most important to you in life?

Daniel: Family is most important in every decision I make, either in my personal or professional life; my centre is always my family. Although my plan may not always be perfect, I keep a positive mindset for all aspects of the health of my family—physical, emotional, and financial. s

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