Da Som Kim

• Asian
• International/immigrant students or workers
• Bilingual/multilingual
• Individuals from a socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., individuals who were or are currently homeless or in the foster care system; were eligible for federal food and nutrition programs [for 2 or more years]; were eligible for Pell grants; received WIC; have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor's degree; grew up in a rural or low-income area)

• Student/Trainee Leader
• Student/Trainee Assistant
• Student/Trainee Scholarship
• SPS Conference Mentor

• Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Morning)
• Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Afternoon)
• Friday, June 13, 2025 (Morning)
• Friday, June 13, 2025 (Afternoon)

I am eager to apply for the Graduate Student Conference Leader position because it aligns with my passion for fostering professional growth and creating meaningful connections within the psychology community. As someone who has benefited greatly from the mentorship and support of peers in similar settings, I view this role as an opportunity to give back while further refining my own leadership and organizational skills. My experience volunteering as a CPA Conference Graduate Representative deepened my appreciation for the effort required to host a successful event, and I look forward to contributing to this year’s conference by supporting the planning process and mentoring student assistants.

One of the challenges in a role like this is ensuring clear and timely communication across multiple stakeholders while balancing shifting priorities. My experience as Director at Large for Membership with CPAGS has taught me the importance of maintaining consistent and thoughtful communication. For example, I’ve successfully coordinated recruitment efforts by anticipating challenges, setting clear expectations, and proactively addressing concerns before they escalated. I also recognize that unexpected situations, such as last-minute schedule changes or filling shifts at the Help Desk, require both adaptability and a solutions-oriented approach—qualities I’ve honed through my clinical training and leadership roles.

What excites me most about this position is the opportunity to mentor and support other graduate students, fostering a sense of confidence and community. My previous roles, such as Rosemead Research Representative and Teaching Assistant, have given me experience in guiding peers, leading training sessions, and problem-solving collaboratively. These experiences have highlighted the importance of creating a structured yet approachable environment where individuals feel empowered to excel. I take pride in my ability to remain calm under pressure, keep teams focused on shared goals, and ensure that everyone feels supported in their roles.

Through this position, I hope to deepen my understanding of conference operations, expand my professional network, and develop transferable skills that will serve me throughout my career as a psychologist. I am confident that my leadership experience, ability to navigate complex situations, and passion for collaboration will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the conference. It would be an honor to help create a seamless and enriching experience for all participants.

I deeply understand the importance of service because it has been a lifeline throughout my journey. Growing up in an underprivileged, immigrant family, my life was profoundly shaped by the kindness and dedication of those who committed themselves to serving others. From volunteers and nonprofit organizations to community resources for low-income families, their support provided opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. Knowing that this is where I come from and how I became who I am today, I am deeply committed to giving back. Service is not just an obligation for me; it is a personal and meaningful way to honor the help I have received and to extend the same opportunities to others.

Despite the demands of being a doctoral student, I have never stopped volunteering. As an elementary department teacher at my church, I mentor young students, providing them with lessons and guidance that build confidence and foster growth. My work with CPAGS as Director at Large for Membership demonstrates my dedication to advocating for graduate students and creating opportunities for their professional development. In addition, my role as the Rosemead Research Representative allows me to amplify the voices of my peers by collaborating with faculty to improve research opportunities and resources. These commitments require careful time management, but they are a priority because they reflect the values I hold dear.

Beyond formal roles, I continually seek ways to serve and uplift others. As a Testing Library Assistant at Biola University, I ensure my peers have access to essential tools for their clinical training and research. Through my leadership positions, such as volunteering for the CPA Conference and facilitating workshops for the California Psychological Association, I work to foster collaboration and provide support for those navigating similar challenges to my own. Even in smaller, day-to-day interactions, I strive to embody service—whether it’s helping a fellow student prepare for practicum interviews or sharing insights from my experiences to inspire others.

These efforts are not just about giving back; they are also about creating a ripple effect. I believe that by serving others, I am helping to build stronger, more inclusive communities where individuals from underprivileged backgrounds can thrive. Service has shaped my identity and continues to fuel my professional aspirations as a future neuropsychologist. I am committed to using my education and experiences to make a lasting impact, ensuring that those who come after me have access to the support and mentorship they need to succeed.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income immigrant family, the journey to graduate school was filled with challenges. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend college, nor did they speak English, which left me without a guide to navigate the complexities of the academic system. Growing up, I often served as a translator and advocate for my family while managing the responsibilities of school. My parents, while supportive, had no understanding of how higher education worked, so I had to figure it out on my own. From choosing the right programs to preparing application materials, the process was daunting and isolating. Despite these barriers, I remained determined to pursue my education. I sought out resources wherever I could find them, attending workshops, reaching out to professors, and relying on online tools to learn what I needed to succeed. I worked full-time to support myself financially while juggling the demands of preparing for graduate school. There were moments of doubt when I questioned whether I could navigate this path without guidance or a clear example to follow. But I leaned on my resilience, a value instilled in me by my parents’ sacrifices and hard work, and focused on the long-term goal of creating opportunities not only for myself but for others like me. Through persistence and resourcefulness, I achieved what once felt impossible- I earned admission to a doctoral program in clinical psychology, specializing in neuropsychology. This milestone is not only a reflection of my hard work but also of the values I carry from my upbringing. It has shaped my commitment to mentoring and supporting others from underrepresented backgrounds who face similar challenges. I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming this journey can be, and I want to help make the process more accessible for those who come after me. Overcoming these barriers has given me a deeper understanding of the structural challenges faced by individuals from marginalized backgrounds. It has also fueled my passion for fostering equity and inclusion in the academic and professional spaces I occupy. My experiences have not only strengthened my resilience but have also shaped my desire to give back by creating pathways for others to achieve their goals.

Just as navigating graduate school as a first-generation student posed significant challenges, my journey into the field of neuropsychology has felt similarly daunting. Coming from a low-income immigrant family with no ties to academia, I faced a steep learning curve in understanding how to access resources and forge a path in this specialized and competitive field. Neuropsychology, with its highly structured training and certification requirements, can feel particularly overwhelming, especially without direct mentorship or examples to follow. Yet, much like my earlier experiences, I have committed myself to reaching out, seeking guidance, and identifying opportunities that can support my growth and development. Attending this conference is a critical step in overcoming those barriers.

The conference will provide me with unparalleled opportunities to learn from seasoned neuropsychologists, connect with other aspiring clinicians, and better understand the field’s evolving practices and challenges. Networking with established professionals will help me gain insights into navigating the complexities of training, research, and practice in neuropsychology. These conversations will also allow me to ask questions and receive guidance that is tailored to my unique circumstances, which is invaluable as I continue on this path. Moreover, attending sessions and workshops at the conference will equip me with the latest knowledge and tools to become a better-prepared clinician, ultimately benefiting the patients and communities I will serve in the future.

Beyond personal development, attending this conference will also allow me to contribute meaningfully to the professional community. As someone who understands the importance of mentorship, I recognize that opportunities like this are not only about personal growth but also about paving the way for others who come from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. My own experiences have taught me how crucial it is to see others who have navigated similar challenges succeed and how mentorship can be a lifeline for those who feel isolated in their journeys. By investing in my education and professional development through this conference, I am preparing myself to give back in tangible ways once I am established in my career.

My ultimate goal is to become a clinical neuropsychologist who not only provides exceptional care to diverse populations but also actively mentors and advocates for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. I hope to create opportunities for others by sharing my knowledge, offering support, and challenging the systemic barriers that make paths like mine feel inaccessible. Attending this conference is an essential step toward that vision, helping me bridge the gap between where I am now and where I hope to be.

This journey has been marked by persistence and resourcefulness, and this conference represents a chance to deepen my understanding of neuropsychology, build my professional network, and further prepare myself to contribute meaningfully to the field. In doing so, I aim to honor the mentorship I have received and extend it to the next generation of neuropsychologists, ensuring that the field continues to grow in diversity, inclusivity, and excellence.

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my academic and professional journey, both as a recipient and as a mentor. As a doctoral student, I have had the privilege of guiding others in various capacities. In my role as a Teaching Assistant, I have mentored undergraduate and graduate students, helping them develop foundational skills in therapeutic techniques and diagnostic interpretation. I’ve also supported peers as the Rosemead Research Representative, advocating for their research needs and helping them navigate the challenges of balancing academic and clinical responsibilities. Additionally, through my leadership roles in organizations such as CPAGS, I’ve worked to create opportunities for professional growth and fostered inclusive spaces for graduate students to thrive. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the unique barriers faced by students from historically underrepresented backgrounds and strengthened my commitment to addressing them.

As someone who identifies with underrepresented identities in academia, I understand the importance of seeing mentors who reflect your experiences and provide guidance tailored to your unique challenges. For mentees at the AACN Annual Meeting, I can offer encouragement and practical strategies for navigating systems that may not always feel inclusive. My experiences balancing the demands of clinical neuropsychology training, research, and leadership have taught me resilience, time management, and how to advocate for myself in competitive spaces—lessons I am eager to share. More importantly, I aim to provide a listening ear, offering personalized advice and support to help mentees feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving their goals.

This mentorship opportunity aligns directly with my professional aspirations of becoming a pediatric neuropsychologist who not only provides excellent clinical care but also mentors the next generation of professionals. My goal is to inspire others from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in neuropsychology, demonstrating that their voices and perspectives are vital to the field. The opportunity to mentor at the AACN Annual Meeting would allow me to contribute to the professional development of mentees while strengthening my leadership skills in a space dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion.

Without this award, attending the AACN Annual Meeting would be a significant financial challenge. As a full-time doctoral student, my budget is already stretched thin, with limited resources to cover travel, accommodations, and registration fees. This scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to participate fully, ensuring I can focus on mentoring and engaging with the professional community without financial stress.

The AACN Annual Meeting represents a unique opportunity for me to give back, learn, and grow both as a mentor and a future neuropsychologist. I am eager to use my experiences to empower others and to leave the meeting with new insights that will inform my work and further my commitment to equity and excellence in neuropsychology.