Ji You Kim

Nationality & Birthplace

Korean; Seoul

How long have you been at HIS?

I have been at HIS for about 3 years.

What attracted you to come to HIS?

I came to Hokkaido because of my dad's job, but now I liked very much staying at HIS.

What are your two favorite subjects, and why do you like them?

My two favorite subjects are Creative Writing and Choir, because from these subjects I can feel proud from writing stories and singing/performing in Choir.

 

What do you enjoy most about learning at HIS?

I enjoy the outdoor activities and the ceremonies at HIS because we can support one another and develop closer relationships as we do the ceremonies and associated activities.

What is valuable to you about HIS's emphasis on the outdoors?

I think it's refreshing to be a part of Hokkaido's nature and to get involved with the outdoor activities that exist at HIS.

 

What is valuable to you about HIS's emphasis on experiential learning?

In my opinion, speaking publicly is the best way to emphasize experiential learning in HIS. I didn't have any chance to experience public speaking before I came to HIS, and I was insecure and averse to speaking in front of many people. But after I joined HIS, I had lots of chances to practice or do public speaking, and most of the time, students in HIS were being recorded so we could compare ourselves and improve over time.

 

What sports, clubs, or activities outside of class are you involved with, and why do you like them?

I really like being a part of the choir because it makes me feel very proud when I perform the songs for which I worked hard for over the course of a year.

How would you describe the HIS community?

HIS is a small community, but everyone gets along easily and is able to learn from one another, which helps us to grow as individuals.

 

What's your favorite part about living in Japan? How about living in Sapporo, Hokkaido?

Winter is my favorite time of year, and it's the longest season in Sapporo, Hokkaido, so I can enjoy a lot of time skiing and snowboarding here ෆ.̮ෆ

 

What do you get up to outside of school?

I try to gain knowledge about taking pictures because my hobby is to capture and record the special moments in my life. I also like to explore Hokkaido's nature, so I often visit mountains and parks, go for walks, and look up at the sky.

What's your favorite book of all time? Alternatively, what's your favorite movie? Why? What do you love about it?

One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. From this book, I learned that if I truly desire something, I need to try my best and be devout. I was able to reflect on how much struggle and effort would be needed in a truly desperate dream.

If you could interview any past-living historical figure, who would it be, what would you ask them, and what do you think they'd say?

I want to ask Diego Velázquez, the Spanish painter. I would ask him, "What is your feeling about having a great talent for art? If you are reborn, do you want to use your talent for something else, not as a palace painter?", and I can imagine him saying "In order to spark curiosity in my paintings among future generations, I want to leave more unanswered questions in them."

What advice would you give to students considering to join HIS?

Be open minded and enjoy winter sports!!!