Jae Kim

Jae is a Thurgood Marshall College Human Biology major, who arrived at UC San Diego in a very humble state of mind, having failed to pass the entry-level writing requirement. “Although I knew writing had always been one of my weakest subjects in academics, I was certain I would pass the entry-level writing exam. I had both underestimated college-academics and overestimated my academic ability.” Jae realized his high school study habits were going to be insufficient to achieve his desired grades in college. With that, he began to change his study habits and approached academics differently. “I was required to take a course that would fulfill the entry-level writing requirement and was tasked with writing three papers for my portfolio. I struggled to break my writing habits and broaden my range as a writer. The class taught me to be patient with my academic progress, a key value I uphold to this today. The progress I have made as a writer and as a student throughout my undergraduate time at UC San Diego is my proudest academic achievement.”

Jae believes the most important aspect of being a good physician is the effective utilization of one’s medical knowledge to serve and treat patients; something he hopes to achieve. “I would like to specialize in trauma surgery. Once I have become a formidable trauma surgeon, I would like to volunteer at war zones to provide medical services for civilians and soldiers in need, regardless of their nationality or association. I believe that in doing so, I will be able to grow both as a surgeon and as a human being who is more understanding and compassionate.”