Student spotlight: Jennifer Kim

•Age: 17

•Grade: 12

•School: Tumwater High School

•Hometown: Olympia

•Parents: Sue and Steve Kim

•Best personal achievement: In the academic sphere, it's becoming a National Merit Commended Scholar. In the bigger picture of life, it's growing into someone that I love and embracing myself for just being me.

•How I spend my time: Reading, sleeping, eating, going downtown, hanging out with friends

•Favorite subjects: French and math

•Favorite movie: "The Princess Diaries"

•Favorite book: The Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling

•Dream job: Fashion editor

•Someone I respect: My parents. They sacrificed everything to come to America for my sister and me.

•College I'd like to attend: Dartmouth College

•Someone famous I'd like to meet: Ellen DeGeneres. There is no doubt in my mind that we'd be best friends!

•Someday, looking back on my life I'd like to be able to say ... : I relished every moment.

•Biggest challenge facing teenagers today: Not reaching our full potential. We don't realize how amazing we can be.

•One thing in the world I would change if I could: Racism. Too many people have been oppressed and died simply for having cultures and ethnicities that are beautiful.

•Where do you see yourself in 10 years: Changing lives

•Staff comment: "Jennifer is a remarkable young lady. She is extremely focused on her academics and constantly pushes herself to learn more and do better."— Nick Greenwell, advanced placement government teacher, Tumwater High School