It can be easy to forget what goes on behind the scenes on campus, or better yet the people, who are constantly sacrificing their time to better improve the lives of others. Shawn Kim is an extraordinary human being with a story filled with tragedy, yet he’s made a new life for himself. He was born in Cambodia during the peak of the Vietnam War and was just 12 when he was forced away from his seven siblings and parents.
“People were dying in the streets,” Kim remembered. “I do not know where my mom goes, where my dad goes, where my brothers and sisters go. We just run for our lives.”
He ended up in Taiwan and from there the United States, where he stayed. His wife, two grown kids, and particularly his 5-year-old granddaughter have been a huge part of Kim’s life. His affinity for his family does cause occasional moments of sadness, especially around the holidays. Kim has only seen his parents three times since he was 12. Plane tickets to go see them in Cambodia are not cheap, and the whereabouts of his siblings are still unknown to this day.
“You know, it is better to celebrate with a big family. But when it is only yourself [do] you know what that feels like? Like, when can I get my family back?” Kim said.
He remains optimistic, though. The school looks so well put together because of the amount of time he puts into ensuring the campus stays beautiful.
“I want to do a good thing so the students can follow [in] my steps,” he said.
So much work goes into cleaning the school, and he goes above and beyond. Picking up every bit of trash, working games and events, and even planting a garden for a staff member who unfortunately passed away three years ago. “I [used] my own money to plant it and I pray for him,” he said.
When it comes to having an impact on others, no one has as strong an impact as Kim. Campus supervisor Mauricio Pena described him as incredibly reliable and would do anything for the students here.
“He would rip the shirt off his back and give it to anyone who needed it,” said Pena. “That is just the kind of person he is.”
Kim’s selflessness and resilience through hard times has made him a wonderful human being and a phenomenal part of the Sea King family. He has worked here since the beginning and has dedicated his life to the improvement of ours. PVHS is so grateful to have such an amazing person with the biggest heart here on campus.
“Try to get along with good people,” said Kim. “Any problem that you have you always speak up for yourself.”
While not many people know him or understand his story, he is a big part of our lives on campus and is more than worth getting to know.