Yong Kyle Kim

Anticipated graduation year: 2011

Majors: Journalism; Mass Communication

Hometown: Federal Way, Wash.

Whitworth activities/clubs: The Whitworthian, International Club, Act Six Leadership & Scholarship Initiative

Favorite book: The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

Favorite quote: "Whosoever may torment you, harass you, confound you, or upset you, is a teacher. Not because they are wise, but because you seek to become so." – Notes From the Universe

Favorite guilty pleasure: Ice cream. One of the best ways to befriend me is to take me out to get ice cream. My favorites are Haagen-Dazs' White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey.

Favorite thing about Whitworth: The academic environment. At Whitworth, I have a genuine desire and eagerness to learn. Students, friends and faculty challenge me to evaluate the things I grew up being taught and how to think and process things more analytically.

Favorite professor: Julia Stronks. I took American National Politics and loved it. Although I'm not a political science major, Julia does an excellent job of applying what politics mean beyond government. And she is one of the smartest people I have met and one of the most engaging professors.

I like my major because... I chose my major because it coincides with my passion and interests to understand differences and act as a bridge between two worlds. As a journalist, your job is to provide accurate, timely and relevant information. Whether that is as a journalist reporting the latest developments in a war zone or as a reporter writing a feature on a local figure doing something noteworthy, a journalist can make an impact upon communities across the globe in a deep way.

Best Whitworth moment or experience: All the times I've spent in the media office. I'm involved in The Whitworthian, and the hours I've spent with other students who work for the paper are priceless. From inside jokes to our memorable quote board, by the end of the year, we practically become family.

Advice for incoming students: Academia is stressful. Take care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. And make sure to call your mother.

What I plan to do after graduation: My ideal plan is to be an international reporter. Trying to understand a different country, its people, its politics, its culture and way of life – and trying to convey that to readers – would be one of the most fulfilling things I could do.