A Mind-Blowing Experience

Heidi Kim '19

Heidi Kim ’19

Heidi Kim ’19 describes the class that blew her mind and inspired her to declare an American-studies major, her internship showcasing Asian representation in the arts and why she believes that an open mind is a tremendous asset in any endeavor.

Hometown:

Los Angeles, California.

Major

American studies.

Clubs and organizations:

Crescendevils, admissions (student interviewer), YWCA (Homework Club tutor), Devil’s Den (cashier) and Tritons.

Favorite book:

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.

Favorite movie:

Inception (directed by Christopher Nolan).

On choosing a major:

I came to Dickinson as an undecided major; I had no clue what I wanted to study. I took classes from different departments to determine what I did and didn’t like and didn’t officially declare until second semester of my sophomore year. After my first-year advisor saw that I was taking a wide range of classes, she told me she thought I should take an American studies intro course because of my interest in different departments. After taking the course, I immediately knew that this was what I wanted to focus on because it gave me the freedom to learn from different departments and focused on issues and events in American history, politics, culture, society, etc. I further knew that I wanted to become an American studies major because it gave me the opportunity to evolve my critical-thinking and analyzing skills, and it pushed me to examine things beyond the surface.

Favorite place on campus:

Morgan Field.

Favorite class/learning experience:

American Studies 303: Theories of Power and Resistance in the Americas because it helped me further develop my critical-thinking and analyzing skills by reading dense texts about complex theories. While the readings were very difficult to understand, they forced me to find new ways to interpret the text and relate it to a certain period in America. Additionally, it was generally a small class, which created engaging and intellectual class discussions. Overall, I walked out of the classroom completely mind-blown every time, feeling like I had learned something new about America and about my learning skills.

Favorite Dining Hall food:

Portobello mushroom ravioli.

Favorite professor:

[Associate] Professor [of Music Amy] Wlodarski. She was my first-year advisor and my academic advisor up until I declared. She really helped me in and out of the classroom and always made sure I was striving for more. She is really organized and has a gentle but powerful presence. In class, she would help students feel comfortable enough to engage in class discussions and gave helpful constructive criticism. Outside of class, she is a ray of sunshine; she takes the time to ask about your day and ask about your well-being, and she can converse for hours. She really makes sure that you don’t feel like you’re just another student; she remembers your name and your quirks.

As I kid, I wanted to be …

… an Olympic figure skater.

Little-known hobby:

I collect every card (holiday, birthday, etc.) I’ve ever been given. 

On studying abroad:

I studied abroad in Brisbane, Australia, with the Dickinson in Australia program. I had never been out of the states before, so studying abroad was an amazing and transforming experience. I’ve also met tons of new people from all over the world just by living on campus. I took advantage of the opportunities to meet other students and friends who were from different parts of the world, ranging from France, Italy, Norway, Fiji, New Caledonia, Australia, Canada and different parts of the U.S. This is such a highlight, because I got to learn about different cultures and traditions from someone native to the country and because I created such long-lasting friendships with so many people, all of which I still am in touch with.

Proudest accomplishment:

Being elected student-body vice president of my high school.

About my internship:

I interned at a nonprofit arts organization called Visual Communications. Visual Communications focuses on showcasing Asian representation in the arts industry while also educating about the history of Asians in America. I was able to obtain this internship through the Getty Multicultural Internship Program. Through interning with Visual Communications, I was able to learn about the logistics and organization that goes into planning major events such as the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and community gatherings. This internship appealed to me because after graduating I would like to work in the entertainment industry, and this internship gave me an opportunity to observe and participate what happens behind the scenes.

If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …

… Tim Burton.

Best advice:

I think it’s important to remember to keep an open mind in any situation. Keeping an open mind allows you to empathize, sympathize and be compassionate toward someone who is from a different background, has a different stance on an issue, etc. An open mind further allows for rational conversations about differences and similarities and allows others to become educated on something they might not have fully known about.

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Published December 19, 2018