Eastern Christian School welcomes Yoon Kim!

Eastern Christian School welcomes Yoon Kim as a high school mathematics teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Columbia University. 

Please tell us about yourself.

I moved to the United States when I was a freshman in high school. It seemed like a great time to make the transition to the U.S. at that time. However, adjusting to a new culture was not easy and I faced many struggles that delayed my academic journey. 

Through this challenging time, I began to realize that God’s plan for my life was different from mine. Reflecting on Job 23:10, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold,” I was reminded that God’s purpose for me was unfolding, even through the hardships. He showed me how much He loves and cares for me, providing everything I needed in His perfect time. Though my journey took longer than expected, I now see that it was all part of God’s plan to shape me, grow my faith, and lead me to where I am today.

Tell the story of how you got to EC.

I often share God’s grace in my life with my husband, and each time, we come to the same conclusion: we are called to share God’s love and distribute the blessings He has given us. As we were reflecting on our vision in God, my husband suggested that I consider working in schools to share the grace I had received. He reminded me that God had made it possible for me to finish my degree in His own way, and perhaps this was a calling to further serve others.

In response, I applied to be a substitute teacher in another local school district. However, I received no responses, and I began to wonder if this was the right path. Then, out of nowhere, God brought to mind EC, and everything changed. God opened the door, and within a very short time, I was able to join the EC community.

It became so clear to me that when God is at work, everything falls into place according to His perfect timing. I cannot deny that I am in His hands, and this experience reaffirmed that God’s plans are always greater than my own. He made a way when I thought there was none, and I trust that His hand continues to guide me.

What sets EC apart?

What sets Eastern Christian apart is the energy and passion that flows through both the students and faculty. I truly believe that this vibrant energy comes from God. We all affirm that everything is under God’s control, and we are reminded that each one of us is a precious child of God. At EC, it’s clear that God’s love is present in everything we do. I witness this in the way faculty members approach their work with joy and find goodness in every task, no matter how small. This positivity is a reflection of the care and love that the teachers share with the students, especially those who may be struggling or feeling unmotivated during the difficult teenage years.

Most importantly, I am incredibly grateful that I don’t have to hide my faith or feel obligated to keep my belief in God out of the classroom. I have the freedom to be an example and a witness of God’s great plan for each student and faculty member. I hope the students come to realize that God is still at work in their lives, and I want to encourage them that nothing is impossible with God. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I believe this verse speaks to the limitless potential that God has placed in each of us, and I want to be a source of encouragement to help students see that for themselves.