KAGC U Spotlight: Nicholas Kimmi, United States Air Force Academy
“My steadfast determination to defy stereotypes and combat racism, particularly the notion of Asians as the reserved “model minority” who won’t stand up for themselves, and my refusal to feel ashamed of my heritage endures.”
**THE FOLLOWING OPINIONS ARE THAT OF THE AUTHOR AND DOES NOT REPRESENT THE DOD OR THE USAFA**
From the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles, California to the lush landscapes of Beaverton, Oregon, my narrative as a 1.5th-generation individual defies the confines of conventional labels. Born to immigrant parents, my journey transcends the boundaries of a typical second-generation Korean-American story. Envision a primary school student navigating the English language at school, all the while tenaciously preserving the intricacies of their Korean heritage and language while assimilating into American culture. This is not just my tale; it’s a shared odyssey of a generation navigating the intricate dance between identity, language, and culture in the diverse mosaic of The United States of America.
Throughout my life, I grappled with the feeling of not being American enough for the second-generation status yet too American to align with the first-generation. This paradox placed me in the distinctive and somewhat ambiguous space of the 1.5th generation. From the early stages of my life, my parents, Edward and Helen, instilled in me a profound commitment to public service. Both doctors serving the community of Beaverton, Oregon, they provided me with the invaluable example of treating every one of their patients with compassion and excellence in their craft. Witnessing their dedication inspired me to carry forward a similar ethos of service in my own life.
The essence of the Korean American identity is intricate and deeply rooted in its organic nature. Attempting to generalize the upbringing and experiences of Korean Americans would do a disservice to the diverse origin stories that shape countless individuals within our community. I am eternally grateful to my older brother, Alexander, as he shouldered the responsibility of navigating uncharted territory, forging a golden path for me through his trial and error. His experiences became my guiding light at the beginning of my journey in a valley of unfamiliarity. I vividly recall a pivotal moment from our childhood when, as a first-grade student, he boldly requested Lunchables for lunch instead of our usual, fragrant yet delicious 김치볶음밥 (Kimchi fried rice). As a kindergartener, I found this request absurd and incomprehensible — who would trade our mother’s cooking for cheese and crackers?
It wasn’t until I reached first grade that I understood the social pressure my brother felt to assimilate into the “American” lifestyle. My classmates, whom I initially considered fellow Americans, ostracized me for my looks, language, and even the scent of my food, reminiscent of traditional Korean smells. Despite all of this, I refused to yield. Instead, I stood up for myself, leading to my being labeled a “troublemaker” as I fought for the respect of my peers at a young age.
In retrospect, it may sound trivial, but resisting conformity by rejecting Lunchables in favor of embracing my Kimchi fried rice became a pivotal moment. This seemingly small act laid the groundwork for my enduring pride in my Korean American identity.
My steadfast determination to defy stereotypes and combat racism, particularly the notion of Asians as the reserved “model minority” who won’t stand up for themselves, and my refusal to feel ashamed of my heritage endured. Beyond the challenges, a deep sense of pride in my Korean American identity has consistently propelled me forward, with the intensity of that flame growing as time unfolds.
In my junior year of high school, I was fortunate to be recruited as a Division 1 soccer player at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). At that time, I envisioned this as an avenue to serve both my community and the nation that facilitated my family’s pursuit of dreams. Last summer, I was selected by USAFA for a 6-week internship in Congress. As a systems engineering major, public policy wasn’t initially on my radar. However, I approached the internship with an open mind and quickly grasped the profound importance of civic engagement.
During my internship on Capitol Hill, I became associated with the Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC). Engaging with passionate individuals, and fellow Korean-Americans proud of their heritage, I was inspired to deepen my involvement in civic engagement. Witnessing their dedication to advocating for the rights of the Korean-American community in the United States motivated me to be more active in this realm. Concluding my summer internship on Capitol Hill, I still found myself unsatiated, fueled by a hunger for further opportunities in the political landscape. When I found out that the 2024 KAGC U Leadership Summit applications were open, I was hesitant to apply at first, as I do not necessarily come from a political sciences background based on my undergraduate studies. However, my craving for civic engagement led me to apply in the end.
One of the standout moments from the 2024 KAGC U Leadership Summit was undoubtedly the visit to the Republic of Korea embassy. Here, I had the invaluable opportunity to witness international relations in action firsthand, engaging in insightful conversations with the embassy employees and representatives. As I connected with my fellow Korean American peers during the Summit and interacted with officials on Capitol Hill, I forged lasting memories and gleaned invaluable life lessons that will resonate with me as I progress in my professional career.
A famous Air Force quote by General Giulio Douhet goes like this “Flexibility is the key to airpower.” Throughout my life, I’ve come to understand that plans don’t always unfold as expected. As a Christian, I believe that God always has a plan for each of us, regardless of our personal preferences. Therefore, I choose not to rigidly fixate on specific future aspirations. Instead, I embrace flexibility, recognizing the importance of adapting to unforeseen opportunities and challenges.
I stand at the threshold of attaining a commission into the United States Air Force. Concurrently, I nurture forward-looking aspirations geared towards robust engagement in civic matters and advocacy initiatives as part of my future endeavors. The specific path ahead may be unclear, but one thing is certain — I am unwavering in my commitment to serve those around me continually. I aim to inspire others to serve their respective communities and stand up for what they believe in. As my mother always says, “꿈이 있다면 절대 포기하지 마라” or “If you have a dream, never give up.”
Nicholas Kimmi is an alum of the 2024 KAGC U Leadership Summit. As a senior majoring in Systems Engineering at the United States Air Force Academy, Nick will go on to serve as a developmental engineer (62E) for the Air Force. Prior to attending the Leadership Summit, Nick also served as a Legislative Intern for Rep. Mike Gallagher and as the Treasurer for USAFA’s KASA.
Click here to learn more about KAGC, the largest nationwide network of Korean American voters for opportunities to share the Korean American identity, discuss the key issues of our community, and get our voices heard, counted, and reflected in public policy.
