Global Ambassador: Wan Hee Kim
Wan Hee Kim, from Seoul, Korea, graduated from Purdue with a PhD in Literacy and Language Education. Her research interests included assessing English Language Learners (ELLs) in a way that would best promote their optimal learning experience as well as to support classroom teachers to be prepared to assess ELLs adequately when implementing new educational reform policies. She would like to investigate how teachers’ preparedness is linked to assessing diverse ELLs in the classroom according to the new policy, Every Student Succeeds Acts requirements, which was implemented starting Fall 2018.
Read more about Wan Hee's experience in graduate school below. Please note: Wan Hee provided these answers while she was still a graduate student at Purdue.
Ambassador Q & A (Questions and Answers)
Why did you choose Purdue?
Before Purdue, I always studied in schools in the U.S. cities. Knowing that I will need to stay longer for my doctoral degree, I wanted to make sure that I could feel safe and peaceful. Thus, I chose Purdue for its program, faculty and peaceful environment.
What is your favorite fact about Purdue?
I appreciate serenity at Purdue. Also, I can have city getaways to Chicago over the weekends, or short breaks when I am missing city life from time to time. When I go to Chicago, I am thankful for the Korean mart, Korean food, and the authentic Chicago Pizza. Plus, I like to visit Navy Pier, which is my favorite place to visit in Chicago.
Career goal?
I would love to continue researching how to provide the optimal learning environment for ELLs. In particular, I wish to continue conducting helpful studies that could support current and future teachers regarding strategies on providing effective instruction and assessment for ELLs during transitions of educational reform policy requirements.
Where do you spend most of your time on campus?
This one is hard to answer. I usually stay late at one of the libraries: Hicks, WALC, or Parrish. I also love to stop-by and even study at St. Toms.
What apps, software, or tools can’t you live without?
Google Maps.
What’s your workspace setup?
I enjoy working in the office or library with a desktop or dual monitors. I also greatly enjoy working at Greyhouse (local coffee shop) with my laptop and a cup of tea or latte.
How do you recharge?
I try to go to the gym as often as I can as I enjoy taking Group X classes. I also talk over the phone from time to time with my family and friends far away.
What are you currently reading, or what is the last thing you read?
The last book I read aside from academic reading has been quite a while ago. I think it was The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.
Is there anything else you'd like to add that might be interesting to readers?
As it was in my case, you might also meet wonderful friends outside your department even on your first day at Purdue during the graduate student orientation. Despite my years of attending other U.S. higher education institutions, I became friends with students from Ethiopia, India and Thailand for the first time at Purdue. In addition, Purdue Graduate School Government known as PGSG offers great events, workshops and opportunities to develop friendship and professionalism with other international and domestic students. I recommend checking out and participating in the PGSG events and you never know where it will lead you. With friends I met through PGSG events, I even flew from Purdue airport to Indianapolis in 30 minutes as one of our friends had a pilot’s license!
