Published: Thursday, March 4, 2010

By Gregg L. Parker
Madison Magazine

At a school that lands many firsts, Beom-Jy Kim is the first student at Bob Jones High School to win early acceptance in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.

The Early Medical Schools Acceptance Program at UAB is an honors program, not a scholarship. Kim has been accepted to optometry school before her first day of college.

The acceptance program will allow Kim to complete a bachelor's degree at UAB while holding a slot reservation in the optometry school. In addition, she can gain clinical and research experience, while studying, caring for patients and volunteering.

"That program only accepts one student each year," Bob Jones career and college counselor Shelia Roberts said. "Beom-Jy has worked in an optometry office and knew that was the career direction for her."

Kim first became interested in the field of medicine when she was a freshman. As a sophomore, she focused on optometry for college study.

"This field is not just about the sciences. It's about business as well," Kim said. "It's a combination of intelligence, social skills and will power. It's definitely something I have always wanted to pursue and something I can see myself succeeding in."

Working at Sullins Eye Care has taught her more than books and television could offer.

"This work puts me in real-life situations that require quick thinking and performing a good service. I'm surrounded by caring employees. It's an amazing opportunity, and I don't thank everyone enough at Sullins Eye Care," Kim said.

At Bob Jones, Kim is ranked ninth in her senior class with a 4.5 GPA. She received the advanced placement scholars' award, first place in two-dimensional art at a Spanish convention and third place for molecular biology at the Science Olympiad.

She is founder and president of the Science National Honor Society, treasurer for the Student Government Association and National Honor Society, vice president of Beta Club and publicist for the National English Honor Society.

In other extracurricular activities, Kim is a member of Junior Civitans, new project chairman for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Leadership Council and participates in her church's youth group and praise band.

Kim lived in Seoul, South Korea until she was in second grade. Her family then moved to Madison with her father's job. She attended West Madison Elementary and Liberty Middle schools.

Her parents are Jun Seong and Young Mi Kim. He works at LG Electronics, and she owns Sun's Tailor and Alterations. Beom-Jy's sibling Beomcheol is a sophomore. The Kims attend Huntsville Korean Baptist Church.

"I like to hang out with friends, shop, attend sporting events, volunteer, watch movies, and go out in general," Kim said. "I like to have a full schedule filled with activities."