Continuing the Family Tradition: Molly Kim ‘21 Heads Off to West Point

This summer, Molly Kim ‘21 is off to the United States Military Academy, where she’s enlisted as a cadet. “I’ve grown up around the military,” Kim shared. “My dad went to West Point, my brother is a junior there now, and I have a lot of military history in my family.” 

Molly knew she wanted to continue the family tradition. Still, it took her several years to prepare for the application process, which goes beyond the college application process and includes a physical fitness test and congressional nomination. Kim said: “It was a two-year process for me. I had to train for and pass a military physical fitness test, apply for a congressional nomination with separate applications and essays, interview with Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Murphy, and Congressman Himes, and then complete the standard West Point application: essays, transcripts, leadership positions.”

When asked why she wanted to go to West Point, Kim replied: “The personal development that I’ve seen has really inspired me and been something that I’m looking forward to through the military. It will give me the opportunity to be a part of something greater than myself and to serve my country.”

During the Senior Celebration on June 3, Kim was presented with her appointment to West Point by a very special West Point Military Academy alumnus, her father, David Kim. “It’s really special that my dad got to do this,” shared Kim. He has gone through it and been so supportive of me throughout this process.”

You can watch the presentation below: