Min Kim

Alumni-Min-Kim

Min Kim

City and state: Lakewood, WA

High school attended: Clover Park High School

Graduation year: 2009

Colleges attended/degrees earned:

Pierce College

Current career/job:

Senior airman in the United States Air Force

Describe the path you took from high school graduation to where you are today:

Throughout most of my life, I always said that I would never join the military. After high school, I worked as a manager at Gamestop and then as a ramp agent at Sea-Tac Airport. I realized these jobs weren't going anywhere as far as growth. After my wife got pregnant, I decided to do the one thing I said I never would do - join the Air Force. It was the best decision of my life.

I'm currently taking classes at Pierce College towards my degree in Logistics from Community College of the Air Force and should obtain this in October 2016.

How did your experiences in Clover Park School District help prepare you for this path?

Clover Park School District's staff helped me prepare for this path. They were always there for students and truly cared.

Who was the most influential teacher or administrator to you as a student in the district? Why?

Ms. Shackelford was one of the most influential teachers because she truly cared. She was involved with students and was always there when we needed someone to talk to. Coach Ninnis and Mr. Aponte were great too. I see them as father figures. They were more than just teachers. They were mentors.

What opportunities exist in your career sector for new graduates? Is postsecondary education required for this field?

There are boundless opportunities that exist in the military, whether you stay in for just your first term or retire from the military. The only required education is a high school diploma.