Baron Spotlight: Ruth Kim

By Kathy Dang, Staff Writer

Senior Ruth Kim has an amazing talent: singing. She was recently selected to sing a solo in Meng Hall at Cal State Fullerton. Just last year, she was awarded the PTSA Award in Performing Arts and also was a nominee for the Coronet Award in Vocal Music. With four AP classes this year and Troubadours, we managed to catch up with Ruth for an interview.

Baron Banner: First off, how’s senior year going for you? Is it how you pictured it would be?
Ruth Kim: Senior year isn’t how I expected it to be. You always hear from former seniors that this year is the easiest, most laidback year of high school, but it’s actually been the toughest year for me, balancing AP classes, choir, ASB, and college applications. But then again, it’s not so bad finally being a senior, experiencing the privileges of being one and looking forward to new people and experiences in college.

BB: Is there anything you’re especially looking forward to this year?
RK: I’m just hoping to finish off my high school career with fun, unforgettable memories, good grades, and my best and final year in choir. I’m also looking forward to all the trips that I’m going on for choir. In January, Troubadours are going on our annual winter retreat to Catalina Island; during spring break, Concert Choir is going to New York; and in the summer, Troubadours are touring up north to Canada and around that area.

BB: Do you have any special colleges or future opportunities in mind?
RK: Aside from the UCs, I’m applying to Northwestern University, which is one of my top choices. I’m actually planning to major in journalism, English, and linguistics, or generally that area, and Northwestern is one of the best schools for journalism. People are always surprised when they hear I’m not going to major in voice/music, but I’m definitely going to keep pursuing music in my life.

BB: How long have you been singing for?
RK: I started taking singing seriously when I was in 8th grade. I took up voice lessons and continued to take lessons for about two years, but I’ve stopped because I had gotten so busy. So, I’ve been “professionally” singing for about five years.

BB: What motivated you or sparked your interest to start at first? And What has kept you going?
RK: Well, my parents at first made me take lessons. I was hesitant and uncertain in the beginning because I didn’t really think I had talent. But my sister was already well on her way to majoring in voice, and my brother also took up playing guitar and other instruments, so music was already instilled in me when I was young. My dad was a singer, and I suppose his musical genes just passed on to me and my older brother and sister. My family’s passion is to sing and make music — it’s just a part of our lives, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

BB: Do you plan on taking your talent forward into a future music career?
RK: I don’t plan, as of now, majoring in music/voice in college, but I’ve always wanted to be in a band, just for fun. I just want to keep singing, no matter what.

BB: Are you involved in other extracurricular activities?
RK: Well, obviously, I’m involved in Troubadours and Concert Choir, both since my freshman year. I’ve also been on Senate for two years and ASB this year as historian. Other than that, I’m on board for choir, Korean Club and am a member of French Club.

BB: How do you manage your time with school and everything?
RK: Managing time is probably the most difficult thing to overcome in high school and later on in college as well. I just try to set my priorities straight and follow a schedule, so I won’t get off task. It’s a real challenge, especially with so many distracting things around me, but it’s really a matter of planning ahead and having the will to follow through.

BB: Thank you for your time!
RK: You’re welcome.