Spring — 2010

Kim Ek

Science/Veterinary/AET

“I feel safe at SMC. I just feel good whenever I get there. I was once lost and needed directions, and within minutes I had all sorts of students helping me out.”

Kim Ek: half Swedish, half Italian, and all American. “I was born in Italy, but I moved to the Bay Area with my family when I was 4. And now, because my sister is down here in UCLA, we’re living and studying together. And very soon,” reports Kim in her first SMC semester, “I hope to transfer over to UCLA to join her there. Everyone tells me that SMC is the best place to transfer from, and I believe this is true.”

Kim is studying primarily at SMC’s Academy of Entertainment & Technology (AET) campus—though she’s also to be found at the main campus on Pico—because “I like the variety of experiences you get at different campuses. And I very much love being able to take the free shuttle between campuses. At first, I thought taking the bus would be a major hassle. But it’s all so very easy, and it’s just a great way to get around in an ecological sort of way.” A Swede by birth and inclination, Kim is a stickler for adhering to environmental principles. Principles that she’s found easy to align herself with at SMC.

“I’m part of the Sustainable Works crew that works off-campus, and it’s like another class, in a way. But in this group, you learn a lot about the environment in general, global warming, how to make the best use of resources; stuff like that. Even taking SMC’s shuttle or riding a bike... little things add up to make a big difference. Plus,” she adds, “in our group you’re going to meet a lot of other like-minded people who’re involved in making our planet a better place to live.” Maybe it’s the Peace Corps. Maybe it’s vet school. Maybe it’s…? “Whatever I decide on for my future, I plan on keeping my options open, and just going full speed ahead.”

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