Name: Lena Kim

Program: Sport Management

Level or Degree: Undergraduate

What are you involved with on campus?

I’m a student ambassador for the School of Kinesiology, the student manager for the U-M women’s basketball team, the director of DEI for Michigan Women Empowerment in Sport and Entertainment (MWESE), a member of the Sport Business Association, a supervisor for U-M Club Sports, and a member of the U-M Recreational Sports marketing team.

What makes the School of Kinesiology unique? 

Besides the new building, I feel like it's the most unique school on campus; from the majors that are available in the School of Kinesiology, you get such a diverse group of individuals. You have people who want to go to medical school, people who want to become athletic trainers, nutritionists, personal trainers, or businessmen and women! There is so much collaboration in our classes and sometimes they overlap the different majors, so you can have classes with SM, AES, and MVS majors. For example, I had a class where I did a business proposal pitch with two AES students, and we pitched new injury technology for the MLB! 

What is your most memorable moment at the School of Kinesiology?

The most memorable experience with the School of Kinesiology was probably the Michigan Sport Business Conference. The event planning team of MSBC did their thing and made our building look like a venue space. I'll never forget it! Plus, so much knowledge and experience was shared that day, and I met a lot of amazing people, both students and industry professionals. It makes me look forward to more events the School of Kinesiology will organize. 

How have you changed academically, personally, or professionally since being admitted to the University of Michigan and the School of Kinesiology?

I have changed professionally this year after stepping up to a leadership position as director of DEI for the student organization Michigan Women Empowerment in Sport and Entertainment. Before that, I had yet to be in a position or situation where I really had to use my network. I had met a lot of people during my freshman year, but I wasn't sure what to do next. After coordinating my first DEI event for the club, things changed; I am now always asking for advice from the connections I have and reaching out for mentorship.

From the majors that are available in the School of Kinesiology, you get such a diverse group of individuals.

How has the School of Kinesiology prepared you for your post-graduation goals?

There are so many emerging clubs that are becoming rooted within the School of Kinesiology, and it has been great seeing so much collaboration among all of them. The clubs I am in not only create community but also provide professional development and mentorship through workshops, social events, and industry professional speaker events. The clubs definitely use the school’s immense alumni network to their advantage, whether that’s direct contact from a U-M alum, an alum of the specific club, or someone an alum knows in the workforce! 

What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor?

My favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor is EAT! I never expected this campus to have such a diverse selection of restaurants and shops. I'm Korean, so I was surprised to see seven Korean restaurants on campus; so far, I've been to all of them except one. Downtown Ann Arbor has some of the best restaurants I've been to, and there is something for everyone, no matter the price.