'Bloom wherever you are planted'
Crafting your own story with vibrant
energy and hopeful aspirations.
U.S. Military Medical Officer | Raehyun Kim
Q. What inspired you to pursue
a unique path as a U.S. Military Medical
Officer instead of following the
traditional career path of a general dentist?
After graduating from university,
I joined the U.S. Navy.
I had many friends in the military
who influenced my decision,
and as someone who enjoys staying active,
I was drawn to the idea of a unique experience.
I began by serving in a Marine Corps unit,
and I am now serving as a Medical Officer.
What started out as mere curiosity
has now evolved into a profound
sense of responsibility.
Every now and then,
I have the chance to meet veterans
who served in the Korean War.
Encountering them has inspired
me to stay in the military,
as it is my way of giving back and showing
my gratitude to those who once fought
to help my home country.
Q. What emotions did you feel
when you saw the Green Sands Beach?
The year I visited Green Sands Beach
was one where I was going
through a lot of hardships.
I was struggling deeply
with concerns about my career path
when I took this trip to Hawaii.
During my travels,
I let go of all my negative
thoughts and found comfort in nature.
Q. Looking at your Instagram account,
it feels very diverse and unique,
yet you have a distinctively vibrant energy.
How do your friends describe you?
Thank you for saying that.
I always try to do everything I want to do.
Seeing me live life through
so many different experiences,
my friends often tell me
that I’m living my '10th life.
Q. How did your experience as an NHL
(National Hockey League) cheerleader
and a member of the CU (Campbell University)
dance team bring energy to your life?
When I first came to the United States,
my naturally outgoing personality
became quite introverted.
However, through dancing,
I was able to regain my confidence.
Q. What is the most helpful
life advice you've received?
I always keep the phrase
'Bloom wherever you are planted'
close to my heart.
No matter what my current
situation is or where I may be,
I always strive to do my very best.
Q. How did you feel after completing
your White Coat Ceremony?
I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude
toward the people around me who have believed
in and supported me unconditionally all this time.
It also gave me the realization that
I am now in a position where I can
finally live my life helping others as well.
Q. What are your goals for the future?
I am currently studying
with the goal of becoming
an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
While I may not be able to change the world
in a massive way, my dream is to live
a life of continuous learning and giving,
becoming the kind of doctor
who can make even a small,
positive difference in society.
