Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I was born in South Korea, moved to New York in New York, and have been a little bit in California ever since.
Q. What do you think are the biggest challenges of being an assistant principal?
A. Doing things that help the students and community a lot more, challenges that every individual is going through mentally. Managing time is hard and being present for everybody. Challenges we face as a school every year have grown and are challenging. And on the side of having the time and day to have interpersonal conversations and get work done well, to support the school.
Q. Why did you want to work in KAPPA?
A. The fact that KAPPA had a free IB program sounded like a great opportunity and I wanted to be a part of that.
Q. How were your grades in high school? Does it affect you now?
A. Honors, AP program. Always had to work harder, everything took longer to stay in the Honors program. I didn’t understand the benefit of taking college classes and understood when it was free in the first year of college. It helped me prepare for college.
Q. What’s your greatest accomplishment?
A. I’m really glad I worked in different countries and had that experience. Being a mom, to be the best parent and to be fulfilled and grateful for having a full life, studying abroad and traveling the world after high school. Developing a global perspective. Opportunities. I jumped at it even if it was scary. Looking at life and appreciating having a fulfilled life.
Q. What’s a challenge you faced before your job now?
A. Funding college was hard because education in NYC is so expensive. Working so much and studying so hard it was hard to finish but very motivated to do it, and the living costs were difficult as a college student.
Q. How do you handle student discipline?
A. I was very strict when I started as an AP. I think in general just understanding what’s going on with the student.
Q. Do you think grades matter for a successful career?
A. Grades open doors to opportunities. What is more important is learning, work habits.
Q. What would students be surprised to find out about you?
A. Outside of work I’m very silly. And serious while at work. I love sports, but I can’t do much after a concussion I had. I love Zumba!
