Briefly introduce yourself. (please include your major, graduation year, and current affiliation)
My name is Hye Jin Kim, and I am a Korean-American. I was born in Korea and began my high school years in Virginia when I entered 9th grade, eventually graduating from Thomas Edison High School. As a graduate of a small local high school, it felt natural for me to attend a nearby university—George Mason University. All of my higher education was completed at GMU: I received a BA in History and International Studies in 1992, an MA in Secondary Education in 1994, and another MA in Educational Leadership in 2018. I am currently an educator and administrator at Korea Kent Foreign School. I taught middle school social studies for 12 years before becoming the vice principal in 2010.
Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at GMU?
I don’t have an exciting memory from my time at GMU, as I spent most of my waking hours studying. My routine was simple: go to campus, attend lectures, and study in the library. However, the most important period was during my practicum for my teaching certificate while completing my MA. I spent an entire semester teaching at a local intermediate school during the day, attending full-time evening classes at GMU, and taking additional courses at a community college on weekends. I had no personal life during that time—I was more of a walking zombie. Was it worth it? Yes. In hindsight, that experience laid the foundation for my career in education.
Can you share your career journey and how did your experience at GMU prepare you for your career?
I returned to Korea for personal reasons, mainly to be with my ailing parents. I was fortunate to find a position teaching English at a Korean middle school. Although I had a teaching certificate, it was my first time teaching independently without a mentor or supervising professor reviewing my lesson plans. After two years, I found my current position at Korea Kent Foreign School. I began as a middle school social studies teacher and served as a lead teacher for many years before being offered the vice principal position in 2010. I am grateful to GMU for giving me the strong foundation I needed to succeed. When I needed to pursue another MA in Educational Leadership, I did not hesitate to return to GMU.
What advice would you give to current Mason Korea students or recent graduates?
Sometimes, what you learn in school may not directly correlate with the realities of life. At times, your career path may not align with your major. However, university is where you gain essential life skills: how to collaborate with others, how to research and write credible and persuasive papers, and how to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. The cliché remains true—what you put in is what you get out. If you work hard, it will eventually pay off.
What are your future career or personal goals?
As vice principal, I handle student support matters at the school. Therefore, I am considering obtaining another credential that will help me better understand the diverse learners we serve.
December 09, 2025