Part of Ariel’s World

She does what she loves and she does it well. Senior Ariel Kim, a dedicated ESSO board member, dance performer, Editor-in-Chief of Exeter’s yearbook, PEAN and oboe player, is an inspiring figure for many on campus.Kim’s natural aptitude for kindness, empathy and understanding motivates others to strive for the same standard. Her capability to push herself, yet still know her limits, has allowed her to have an impact on the Exeter community that extends far beyond her peers and teachers. Whether it be in the classroom, on the dance floor or in the music building, Kim has forever changed the Academy’s community while giving her all for what she loves.Many believe the aspect that makes Kim a leader in the community is her well-roundedness. According to Kim, the key was to do activities that she knew she could dedicate time to and still have fun in the process.“I’ve tried to do things that I really enjoy, because it doesn’t matter how long I spend doing them. I’m always enjoying myself along the way,” Kim said. She’s perfectly fine whenever dance rehearsals run overtime.“Quality over quantity,” she added. “It’s more important to give 100 percent to one thing rather than to spread yourself too thin and not be able to accomplish what you want.”In Kim’s words, dance saved her. She started ballet in sixth grade, but when she arrived at the Academy, her passion had not yet sprouted. Kim took a few dance classes during her lower year and, liking the way it worked, started participating in the Dance Company, something she has done ever since. Dance has turned into her stress outlet, where she can “just be physical” and escape the world of computer screens and worksheets.After years of ballet, Kim has found it to be her favorite type of dance. She described it as an odd mix of very controlled, yet graceful movements. Something intrigues her about the way the ballet dancers appear both strong and light at the same time.The dedication Kim has shown in dance is reflected in all of her activities. During her prep year, Kim took part in ESSO clubs including Active Minds, Big Sib Little Sib and Sled Hockey. For her upper year, she was the HFCC Coordinator and now is the PR/Communications Coordinator. Kim has been a key component in the organization’s operations while still grounding herself in what made her join ESSO in the first place: community service.“I really enjoy the actual service part of [ESSO]. Meeting with my ‘little sib’ once a month is so much fun and rewarding for me. Being on the board, I get to make sure that clubs like those are running smoothly and other people are getting the chance to become involved.” Kim said.Upper Connie Cai, who works alongside Kim as a Children’s Club Coordinator, described her as one of the most hardworking people she has ever met.“She gives her all, and challenges you to bring out the best in yourself,” Cai said. “She knows when to be serious, and when to let go and have a little fun. She has great values and strives to set an example for everyone.”ESSO is only the beginning of a long list of ways Kim has impacted the Academy community. Her dedication to PEAN has earned her the spot as one of the Editor-in-Chiefs.Kim worked on her middle school yearbook program, and has always loved the artistic and aesthetic aspects of the business. She was at first intimidated by the size and committment differences between her eighth grade yearbook and PEAN, but she nonetheless decided to apply for a position on PEAN.As she began work on her last high school yearbook, she reflected on why she started in the first place. “Again, I really like the artistic side of things, especially because of the freedom that I get while creating and the reward of helping people remember and reflect upon a part of their lives,” Kim said.All the while, Kim’s oboe playing talent has set her apart in the musical field—she’s been playing the instrument for eight years now. In the past, she has played in both the Academy’s Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. However, she’s only taking private lessons at the moment so she can focus on other aspects of her senior year.In Hoyt Hall, Kim is a leadership figure among her peers. Her presence in the dorm helps build a closer and more tightly knit community while her inclusive and caring personality uplifts her dormmates—especially for the new students.“Ariel is such a hard worker and in addition to her own load, she is willing to drop everything to help a peer,” lower Marie Leighton McCall said. “Ariel is the kind of person who will go above and beyond to make you feel included and valued.”Last school year, on McCall’s first night in the dorm, Kim invited her to her room with a handful of other students and explained things like E/a games, the class schedule, the best places to visit in town and Evening Prayer. “She cared about how I was adjusting and that is what made Exeter start to feel like home,” McCall said.Kim has been inspired to accomplish the things she has by science instructor Sasha Alcott, who has been her advisor since lower year. “She has been the rock, the pillar of strength for me,” Kim said. “She understands me, but at the same time pushes me to be my best. She helps me grow and to remember, to laugh about things and to not get bogged down with all the details.”Dorm affiliate and religion instructor Thomas Ramsey said that Kim was a “bright light,” one that is funny, smart and creative. He also described her as a “pleasure to talk with, as she is inquisitive about almost everything.”He could not, however, talk about Kim without acknowledging Piglet—“Ariel’s friend and totem spirit.” Many described the two as inseparable, and the stuffed animal remains as a symbol of Kim’s determination.“She, with the help of Piglet, can get through anything, and stay focused on solutions without getting caught up in the details,” upper Charis Edwards said.“She never fails to engage me in conversation about anything I need help with or want to chat about,” Edwards continued. “She’s a great dancer and she is dedicated to the things that she cares about. She’s been working on getting her Gold Award in Girl Scouts while balancing all of her course work, the oboe and the editor position of PEAN. There’s nothing she can’t do.”