One-on-One with Grace Kim

With interests in politics, business, marketing and social responsibility, Communications instructor, Grace Kim helps students to grasp complex societal structures and prepare for global challenges.

In addition to teaching, Kim is a social media marketing consultant with a focus on social responsibility as well as an appointed Commissioner for the South Korean government under the branch of the Institute of National Unification. Her work focuses on the cultural and socioeconomic factors to unifying the two peninsulas for peace and prosperity.

In this interview, however, we explore the personal side of Grace Kim.

What was your biggest challenge in life and what have you learned from it?

I’ve faced numerous setbacks growing up, including family deaths and medical issues. I’ve always had the desire to be in control or have some kind of agency to fix problems.

However, I’ve learned to let go of this need for control and allow time for the process to unfold.

You never know what people are going through on a personal level. The ability to pause, listen and understand that you can’t always provide an immediate solution was my most significant lesson. Additionally, treating other people with respect and kindness goes a long way.

Describe your happy day.

Very generic, but a wonderful sunny patio with a lot of great friends and family. There’s always food involved somewhere. I don’t have any pets but if someone brought a fluffy pet, that would be a perfect day for me.

What’s one of your hidden talents?

My superpower is manifesting a free parking spot anywhere I go. Even in the middle of downtown Vancouver during a Canucks game. I always find a spot right away.

What advice would you give your younger self, knowing what you know now?

Be patient. You can’t have all the answers and that’s okay. Be present in the moment and enjoy the time you have right now instead of constantly trying to accomplish your goals. Be proud of your achievements before you move on to the next one. It is important.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

For now, my greatest achievement is being a teacher. Full stop.

There was a defining moment in my life when I was in my professor’s office, bawling and asking, “What am I going to do with my life?” In that moment, my professor shared some powerful insights about how education can open doors, not just for yourself but for others too.

Being in this position of privilege and power, where I can create opportunities and help students be critical, foster curiosity for learning and growth, and even just spread happiness – I think that is an exceptionally powerful responsibility.

Who are your favourite writers and books?

I like Mitch Albom; he wrote “Tuesdays with Morrie” and Randy Pausch, who wrote “The Last Lecture.” If you don’t have time to read, at least watch “The Last Lecture” on YouTube – it’s amazing. The other one is “Justice” by Michael Sandel. This one is a classic, dealing with the trolley problem situation.

Right now, I’m reading Tim Scanlon’s “What We Owe Each Other.” It’s a work of moral philosophy inspired by the TV show “The Good Place.” As you can see, I enjoy a mix of business, politics and moral philosophy.

What is your life motto?

Oh, gosh. It’s something like, “This, too, will pass.” Love yourself and love others. You don’t have to help everyone, but you don’t need to step on anyone, either. Another one of my mottos is just, “Why?”

What advice would you give students pursuing a Bachelor of Communications degree?

To all students out there, but especially my communications students: it is okay to not know what you are doing, and it is also okay to not be okay.

However, in this weird place you are in right now, learn as much as you can. Think critically but don’t be critical of others.