Super Kid: Alexandra Kim, 17, Mariner High School senior

Published 12:01 am Monday, January 3, 2011

Q. This time of year lots of seniors are busy with college applications. Are you in the middle of that process?

A. I already got accepted into Stanford University. It’s a good deal, I’ve got a full ride. I’m still applying to Harvard, Yale and Princeton.

Q. That’s wonderful. How did that come about?

A. It’s through a program called QuestBridge, which partners well-known schools with low-income students. You write several essays about how you succeeded out of that background. You get matched with the first school that accepts you.

Q. You have a 3.95 grade point average. Mariner High School Principal Brent Kline describes you as “awesome.” Are you up until 2 a.m. doing homework?

A. I don’t see it as that hard. It depends on the teacher, but I don’t really like homework. Tests are what matter.

Q. Tell me about your family.

A. I have a single mom and a little brother, Donald. He’s a freshman. I say “Hi” to him whenever I see him. I’m a third-generation Korean-American. My grandparents came here when my mom was about 9.

Q. Did your mom push you to succeed in school, or was it inner drive?

A. She never pushed me. I think it was all in me.

Q. Most students are either drawn in the math-science direction or are more focused on other subjects. What’s your area of interest?

A. I really like both writing and science. This year I’m taking two English classes, (advanced placement) English and media analysis, and two science classes, AP biology and AP physics.

Q. What about math?

A. I did Running Start last year. I had to for math. I took calculus as a sophomore, there wasn’t any more math for me to take at Mariner. I went to Edmonds Community College for statistics and to Cascadia Community College for two more calculus classes. I did it at night because I didn’t want to give up my clubs after school.

Q. What extracurricular activities keep you busy?

A. I’m in Key Club. We started it about two and a half years ago at Mariner. It’s a huge part of my life. I’m the president; it’s the first time I’ve taken a leadership role. We’ve done some awesome things: organized blanket drives, Christmas gifts for wounded vets and a school staff talent show. I love Key Club.

Q. Are you taking any other classes?

A. I’m in orchestra. I’ve played the cello since fifth grade. And I’m taking AP European history.

Q. What are your plans for the future?

A. I have no idea. I’m interested in biomedical engineering and journalism. Maybe I’ll find a way to combine them. I don’t even know my major, but I’ll probably try to get a doctorate in something.

Q. You came to Mariner after living in Shoreline and Lynnwood. What do you like about Mariner?

A. I’m so glad I went to Mariner. At first, I was not used to so many differences. The diversity was intimidating. But at Mariner, being different makes me fit in.

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. I do a lot with the youth group at my church, Zion Presbyterian Church in Shoreline. Our church is a small, close-knit family. We’ve done food drives, organized retreats, and all the regular things teenagers do.

Q. Do you have a favorite kind of music?

A. I love this band Arcade Fire. I went to see them, it was great.

Q. Do you play any sports?

A. I’m not a sports person.

Q. What advice would you give a student just starting high school?

A. I guess to enjoy life. I kind of regret that I was always working so hard. I’d say to enjoy life, but don’t be careless.

Q. Is it hard to think about leaving home?

A. Oh my gosh, yes. My family is really close. And one person out of three, that’s a huge part of the family.

Julie Muhlstein: 425-339-3460, muhlstein@heraldnet.com.