Westwood High School Salutatorian Min Jun Kim has achieved many things in the last four years, including being named a three-year All-State violinist, a National Merit Finalist, a National AP Scholar and being selected as a Forty Acres Scholar. But now as he wraps up his time in Round Rock ISD, he is most looking forward to some much-needed family time, sleeping in and eating sour patch candy.
Min plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin next year, studying biochemistry and sociology as a Forty Acres Scholar. As a Forty Acres Scholar, Min will receive a full-ride, merit-based scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, administered by the Texas Exes organization.
“I chose to major in biochemistry because the relationship between biology and chemistry is applicable and innovative,” Min said. “Biochemistry itself is also a very flexible major, so it leaves a lot of room for me to explore in college. I also plan to double-major in sociology because I think a thorough understanding of society and its constituent groups is important to working with and giving back to communities.”
Along with Westwood, Min also attended Canyon Vista Middle School while in Round Rock ISD. He was involved in Symphony Orchestra as co-concertmaster and president, varsity cross country, science olympiad team as co-captain, National French Honor Society as president, National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society as secretary. Min also participated in research projects at the University of Texas at Dallas in chemistry and the University of Texas at Austin in biology.
Min said his two most influential teachers during his time in Round Rock ISD are Westwood Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry Teacher Natalie Wieland and Westwood Orchestra Director Susan Williams.
“Mrs. Wieland taught me how to really enjoy and focus on learning as opposed to results and to always be proactive and challenge myself,” Min said. “Mrs. Williams has also been incredibly influential. Not only has she made me a better musician, but she has always supported and guided me these last four years through all the ups-and-downs.”
Wieland taught Min during his junior year of AP Chemistry where he earned perfect grades of 100 for both semesters of the course, which Wieland said took a dedicated work ethic.
“Min is not only very intelligent, but he is also caring, modest, hardworking, responsible and trustworthy,” Wieland said. “He worked hard to gain and understand as much as he could and to apply that knowledge to the best of his ability. I know he will be able to do great things in college because of his intelligence and work ethic, but also because of his ability to work well with others.”
