Kyle Jung

I am a student currently living in Troy, MI. My interests range from video games to food. I am also interested in music, sports, and weightlifitng.

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When I was in middle school, I was lab partners with a student that I noticed wasn’t like the rest of my classmates. He would sometimes make abrupt movements and noises, and one specific instance stuck with me. We were doing a cheek cell lab where we were supposed to swab cheek cells and make a slide. My partner created the slide properly, but seemed distraught when he saw the completed slide. He shouted “My cheek cells!” and proceeded to lick the slide clean of the mixture of cheek cells, water, and dye he had created. My teacher came and scolded him for this and was asking what was wrong with him. I thought this experience was a bit odd but never really thought much more of it. The next semester, one of my other teachers asked me if I would be willing to come to her class during my elective period and help a student with the assignments. She explained to me that this student sometimes struggled to do tasks that others found simple and explained he understands how to do it, but just needs a little extra guidance and support to execute it. She was asking for my help as one of the student’s peers. Once I came to help, I realized I was helping the same person who was my lab partner the semester prior. I realized that this student lacked skills that I had taken for granted. Many students would overlook this, and think of this kid as “dumb” or even make fun of him. Reflecting on this, I now have empathy for people who may not be able to learn as easily as others, and know that they are not less capable than their peers, however they may need a little extra support. This heightened sense of compassion would allow me to add a great dynamic to any diversity.