My name is James Kim, and I am a recent graduate of Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences, where I majored in Biology & Society and minored in Health Equity. My career interests lie at the intersection of healthcare delivery, strategy, and policy, with a focus on how healthcare systems can be redesigned to improve efficiency, expand access, and enhance patient outcomes. This fall, I will be returning to Cornell to pursue a Master of Health Administration (MHA) in the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. Originally from Long Island, New York, I enjoy exploring interests both inside and outside of healthcare. In my free time, I like creating nutritious recipes (with the goal of one day publishing a cookbook), trying new energy drink flavors, working out and bouldering, and spending time with family and friends.

Hometown

Syosset, New York, 11791, United States

Major(s)

Biology & Society

Minor(s)

Health Equity

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. (President, House Manager, Historian, Brotherhood Unity Chair, Stroll Chair) • Cornell Marketing Consulting • Cornell Marketing Immersion Program • Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity (Brotherhood Chair, Marketing Committee) • Health Education and Awareness Raising Together (Director of Curriculum Development, Publicity Officer) • American Red Cross (VP of Service Projects, Social Media Chair) • Multicultural Greek & Fraternal Council • Korean American Students Association (KASA) • Chinese Students Association (CSA) • IM Basketball​/​Volleyball

Describe your college experience

If I had to describe how I felt when I first arrived at college in one word, it would be intimidated. Feeling this way is completely normal. For me, I had never attended a school with such a large and diverse student body. I was overwhelmed by the size of campus, the number of students, and the feeling that everyone around me seemed to have their lives and futures already figured out. One of the most important lessons I learned, however, is that almost everyone feels this way when they start college. No one arrives with everything figured out, so be patient with yourself and be willing to take chances. That is the biggest piece of advice I can give to incoming students. Some of my closest friendships came from experiences I never expected. During my first year, I remember walking into the dining hall and not knowing anyone to sit with. One day, I worked up the courage to sit down with three other students, and those three people ended up becoming my roommates and some of my closest friends. Together, we made countless memories throughout our four years at Cornell. Over the course of my undergraduate experience, I switched majors twice, joined more than ten student organizations, and explored interests far beyond what I initially imagined. I took classes that ranged from learning a new language to studying chimpanzee social behavior to examining the economics of healthcare markets. These experiences helped me discover new interests, challenge my assumptions, and grow both personally and professionally. Looking back, my college experience was defined by three things: building lifelong friendships, embracing opportunities that pushed me outside my comfort zone, and taking advantage of experiences that helped me learn more about myself and the world around me. College is not about having everything figured out—it is about being open to growth and allowing yourself the freedom to explore.

Tip for future students

My biggest piece of advice for future students is to take advantage of office hours. I didn't fully appreciate how valuable they were until I started attending them consistently. Whether you're meeting with a professor or a TA, office hours provide an opportunity to clarify lecture material, receive feedback on assignments, and gain a better understanding of what is expected on exams. Since professors and TAs are often the people grading your work, these conversations can help you better understand how they evaluate assignments and what concepts they consider most important. Office hours are also one of the best ways to build relationships with faculty. In large college classes, it can be difficult to get to know your professors or teaching assistants beyond the classroom. Attending office hours allows you to build rapport, ask thoughtful questions, and create connections that can be invaluable when seeking mentorship, research opportunities, or letters of recommendation.

Favorite class

My favorite class at Cornell was ANTHR 2310: The Natural History of Chimpanzees and the Origins of Politics. As a biology major, most of my coursework has focused on subjects like human physiology, nutrition, and healthcare, which align closely with my career interests. However, this class stood out because it exposed me to a topic I never expected to be so fascinated by. Professor Arcadi was incredibly engaging and brought the material to life through his enthusiasm and storytelling. I was especially interested in learning about chimpanzee social behavior, including territorial conflicts, alliance formation, cooperation, and the use of tools. What surprised me most was how many parallels existed between chimpanzee and human social dynamics, particularly when it came to politics, leadership, and group decision-making. Beyond the content itself, the class reminded me of the value of intellectual curiosity and exploring subjects outside of my primary field of study. It challenged me to think about behavior and social systems from an evolutionary perspective, making it one of the most memorable and enjoyable courses I've taken at Cornell.

Career goals

After graduating from Cornell with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology & Society, I will be returning this fall to pursue a Master of Health Administration (MHA) in the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. I switched into Biology & Society during my junior year and discovered a passion for understanding healthcare beyond the clinical perspective, which motivated me to continue my education and explore healthcare delivery, management, and public policy in greater depth. My career interests lie at the intersection of healthcare delivery, strategy, and policy—specifically how healthcare systems can be redesigned to improve efficiency, expand access, and enhance patient outcomes. Through my academic coursework and experiences in both clinical and research settings, I have developed an appreciation for the complex challenges facing patients, providers, and healthcare organizations. Long term, I hope to leverage data-driven analysis and strategic problem-solving to help healthcare organizations address these challenges, whether through healthcare operations or strategic leadership roles within health systems.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is actually pretty simple: ordering takeout from my family's favorite pizza spot back home on Long Island and spending the evening watching a movie together. Since I'm away at school for most of the year and my sisters have become busier with work, it can be difficult for all of us to find time to be together. That's why I value those moments so much. For me, the perfect night is one where everyone is gathered around the table, sharing good food, catching up on each other's lives, and relaxing with a movie afterward. It's a chance to unplug, enjoy quality time with the people I care about most, and appreciate the comfort of being home with nothing else to worry about.

High school or secondary school

Syosset High School, Syosset, New York, 11791, United States