Seung Kim, Marcus Garvey Scholarship winner. -Michael Sloley photoWHEN KOREAN-born Seung Kim came to Jamaica in 1998, mathematical figures were the only items he recognised. Baffled by the English language, at least at first, he clung to Mathematics.
Four years later, his mathematics abilities helped propel the 12-year-old not only to success in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), but helped him to secure one of the Government of Jamaica name scholarships, the Marcus Garvey Scholarship.
"I feel satisfied," he remarked yesterday, adding that he 'screamed' when he was first told.
"I did not spend all the time studying for GSAT, but I work and work until I reached above others," continued Seung, a Mona Heights Primary student, who will attend Campion College in St Andrew come September.
Fluent in Korean, English and patois, Seung said he relaxed in between studying by reading science fiction books, helping his brother, playing football, listening to classical music and participating in school activities.
Seung's participation has earned him the respect and liking of both teachers and school mates.
According to his class teacher, Sheldon Richards, Seung, a class prefect, recently beat out 650 other boys in the school's talent competition to be crowned Mr. Mona.
In addition, his involvement, always linked to his favourite subject, mathematics, led Seung to participate in the Butterkist Mathematics competition and the Vivian Rochester Mathematics competition, as well as to train for the Spelling Bee competition. He also came second in Mona Primary's Interhouse spelling competition.
It is no surprise to many that Seung wanted to become a Mathematician before being lured by the scientific field, where he hopes to be a leading figure in the future.
Urging him on are his teacher, Mr. Richards and his father, Jin Hee Kim and his mother, Mi Ae Kim, who are missionaries and thank God for Seung's success.
"We were praying but couldn't expect it. It was more than was expected and we are really thankful for that," said Seung's father, Jin Hee Kim, while Mr. Richards gushed, "I am elated. I am overjoyed. I am very happy for his success. He is very, very focused. If he is doing something, everything in his mind is focused on it.
"He is a dream student, the type of student that all teachers dream of having. Quiet, helpful, he's always trying to make everyone happy. Very thoughtful. Very modest," Mr. Richards said.
