Pacifica Stories

Jenna Kim is a Pacifica sophomore this year who is highly involved in several campus activities, as well as extracurriculars outside of school. At Pacifica, Jenna is part of our Associated Student Government, Diversity Council, and is the leader of our new Pacifica Podcast. Outside of school, Jenna is a training instructor and member of ATA TaeKwonDo. 

Jenna has been practicing TaeKwonDo for about three years and is currently a brown belt, which is two belts away from the highest level a student can achieve, black belt. She is also volunteering and training to become a level one instructor at her studio. She says that teaching the ‘Tiny Tigers’ class, which instructs kids from 5-8 years old, is one of the most rewarding aspects of TaeKwonDo. 

“Seeing how excited the kids are, seeing them learn how to spar and kick encourages me further for the sport,” says Jenna. “In my own training, learning techniques from black belts in areas of my weakness, and practicing control with lower belts allows me to hone in on the skills I focus most on: power and control.”

Jenna’s dedication and passion are not just reserved for TaeKwonDo; she brings these characteristics into everything she puts her heart to, including academics. Jenna is a high achieving student at Pacifica who seeks to challenge herself in classes, pursue excellence in her schoolwork, and truly engage with the material in her courses. Her favorite class so far at Pacifica has been AP European History, which she is taking this year. She says that it has been the most challenging yet worthwhile course she has ever taken. “Mr. Comer, gives his heart to the class—his love for his students, teaching, and his commitment to his students’ success is evident in both his teaching and his character.”

Despite displaying an avid interest in her academics, Jenna’s favorite part about Pacifica is the community. She says that the encouraging atmosphere created by the teachers, staff, and students has forced her to grow and get involved in the most difficult, yet most rewarding experiences of her life. Upon entering her freshman year, Jenna was emboldened by upperclassmen to try out for our a cappella team. When she finally pushed herself to do it and got in, it was an amazing experience. She recalls practicing with the team through storms, sickness, and tears, while experiencing the deep joy of having a group of people who always had her back. When choosing where to go to high school, the feeling of strong community is what drew Jenna to Pacifica.

“In a secular middle school, you never really feel supported at school by your peers or teachers in your faith or beliefs. Seeing how Pacifica’s purpose is for students to become good people instead of good resumes encouraged me in a way never before: that I did not have to sacrifice who I was in Christ in order to be accepted. Being able to have friends that encourage me in my faith, and know that teachers genuinely love and pray for our student body is why Pacifica has such an inspiring community.”

Jenna says that after Pacifica, she is looking forward to college and pursuing missionary work. She says that she wants to explore courses in business and law, while also working to serve and spread the gospel on mission trips and learn more about people around the world. Until then, she is an essential part of building our community on campus. Her genuine kindness to her peers, whether friends or acquaintances, reflects the values held by our school. It has been a mutual process of Jenna shaping the community at Pacifica, and Pacifica forming her character. 

“At Pacifica, I have realized how much the people I choose to be around influence who I am and my life. Being around people who want the best for me, love me and whom I support and encourage in the same way has allowed me to form a healthy community within school which has had a positive impact on my academics, performance, and character. Being around people whom I look up to lets both of us learn from each other and support one another with love and in Christ.”