Jiyoon Gloria Kim is a fourth-year transfer double majoring in Psychology and Education & Social Transformation. Her experience as a first-generation immigrant navigating the U.S. higher education system has sparked her current research interest in Asian/Asian American community college students. Her research examines the intersection of community college stigma and the model minority myth, and how that impacts Asian community college students’ social and educational trajectories, as well as their sense of belonging and psychological well-being. Through this study, she hopes to shed light on the
educational experiences and the challenges of Asian/Asian American community college students and develop a comprehensive review of the institutional support services and programs that promote educational success and well-being of these students. Outside of her research endeavors, Gloria works as a Peer Advisor for AAP’s Center for Community College Partnerships to support community college students transfer to four-year universities. Moreover, Gloria is passionate about mental health and is involved with the RISE Center as a student ambassador to promote daily strategies to foster everyday mental health to the UCLA community.