Class of 2024: Seungyeon Kim

Originally from South Korea, Seungyeon Kim moved with her family to Culpeper, Virginia when she was seven years old. This spring, Kim will graduate from the UVA School of Education and Human Development with her Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT), officially making her a double Hoo. Kim also earned her B.S.Ed. in kinesiology from UVA EHD.

During her master's program, Kim completed her athletic training internship with the UVA women's basketball program and conducted original research on Asian and Asian American athletic trainers.

Why did you choose the UVA School of Education & Human Development for your program of study?

I did my undergrad at UVA in kinesiology and the UVA School of Education so I was more familiar with the MSAT program here.

The athletic training program at UVA is also one of the oldest athletic programs in the country and all of the professors are well known in the field of athletic training. It just made sense for me to continue my education at UVA for athletic training.

What is the most significant thing that has shaped your time while you’ve been here?

I think the people that I have met during the MSAT program. My cohort is very tight knit and close with one another, and we have created an environment where everyone is very supportive of each other.

The professors and Ph.D. students that I have met and worked with are also a great group of people and are very encouraging and supportive. We have been through a lot together through the past two years and created memories that will last a lifetime. 

What is one thing you learned during your studies that surprised you most?

I think one thing I learned that surprised me the most is how much the people around you can make a difference during your experiences. I think that the people around me and around the athletic training program here have created a small family that have made my time memorable here. I think if it weren’t for the people around me, it would have been a very different experience.

Do you know what you will be doing next?

I do not yet know what I will be doing after graduating. But hopefully I will be working as a certified athletic trainer.