2026 시카고 중앙일보 킴보장학생 수상 소감
왼쪽 위부터 시계 방향으로 Ashley Baek, David Park, Jana Ahn, Jaden Ahn, Sophia Lim, Jiho Park, Christopher Choi, Yerin Jeon, Justin Kim, Austin Park
시상식에는 시카고 중앙일보 노재원 대표를 비롯해 심사위원단(회계법인 PNJK 박형춘 회계사, 나우이민 김영언 변호사, 파머스보험 찰스 이 종합보험 대표)과 수상자 전원이 참여했다.
노재원 대표는 “올해 경쟁률은 3대1에 달했다. 그만큼 선별에 어려움을 겪었고 수상자들에 대한 기대도 높다”며 “킴보장학생으로서의 자부심과 책임감을 갖고 더 많은 성취를 이뤄달라”고 당부했다.
찰스 이 심사위원은 격려사를 통해 “에세이 등 지원서류를 살펴보면서 지원자 각자의 스토리와 도전, 성취 등을 확인했다. 앞으로 어떤 일을 하게 되든 꿈을 갖고, 자신을 믿고, 최선을 다하면 더 많은 것들을 이룰 수 있을 것"이라며 축하를 전했다. 이어 "때로는 어려움도 있겠지만 포기하지 않고 노력하면 여러분 미래에 큰 영광이 펼쳐질 것을 믿는다”고 말했다.
수상자들은 “중앙일보 킴보장학생으로서의 자긍심을 잃지 않고 더 많은 노력을 기울여 기대에 부응하겠다”며 감사의 뜻을 밝혔다.
다음은 시카고 킴보장학생 수상소감
▶Justin Kim(UIUC 입학 예정)= I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Kimbo Scholarship. As an aspiring civil engineer, I am excited to use the scholarship award to advance my education without carrying a huge financial burden. I hope to one day in the future also be involved in foundations that give back to communities in need. Again, I want to thank you for this scholarship.
▶David Park(Carnegie Mellon University 입학 예정)= Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient of this scholarship. I am truly honored and grateful for your generosity and support. This scholarship will help me pursue my education at Carnegie Mellon University and allow me to focus more on my academic and personal goals with less financial worry. I sincerely appreciate your help in my future.
▶Jiho Park(Harvard University 입학 예정)= This scholarship means a lot to me in a way that there are people who support my dream and aspirations. I will remember both the gratitude and responsibility in regards to this scholarship. Also, I will grow as a member in the society who shares positive influences with others. Thank you!
▶Yerin Jeon(University of Chicago∙English Language and Literature and Political Science)=I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Kimbo Foundation and the selection committee for believing in students like me and investing in our futures. I will make the absolute most of this opportunity to make my vision a reality.
▶Jana Ahn(Notre Dame University 입학 예정)=I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to the Kimbo Scholarship Committee for awarding me this scholarship! I am truly grateful for this opportunity as this will truly aid in my journey through college and beyond. Thank you so much for investing in my future and I will not let this opportunity go to waste.
▶Jaden Ahn(Duke University 입학 예정)=Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient for the Kimbo Scholarship. This scholarship will help me afford college expenses for my freshman year at Duke University, and in doing so, it will help relieve the financial burdens for my family. I will make sure to study hard and someday pay the scholarship forward.
▶Austin Park(UIUC∙Data Science & Information Systems)= I’m so grateful to receive the KIMBO Scholarship. This kind of support means more than words can say and I plan to use this opportunity to grow my data science and information systems skills so I can help build better, smarter health infrastructure for the patients and communities who need it most. Thank you for investing in my future and I won’t take it for granted.
▶Sophia Yejin Lim(Northwestern University 입학 예정)=Thank you so much, KIMBO Scholarship Foundation, for this incredible opportunity to further pursue my education. This scholarship means so much more to me than financial support; it serves as motivation and encouragement for personal growth. I am so grateful and honored to be recognized by this scholarship foundation and will do my best to make the best of this opportunity.
▶Christopher H. Choi(Northwestern University∙ Mechanical Engineering)=As a Northwestern student studying engineering, I would like to send my deepest gratitude to the KIMBO Foundation in acceptance of the KIMBO Scholarship. This scholarship will help me alleviate the financial burden of my education, allowing me to continue pursuing mechanical, design, and manufacturing engineering to my fullest potential. Once again, I am truly grateful to the KIMBO Foundation for this investment in my future in engineering, through which I hope to make a meaningful impact.
▶Ashley Yoobin Baek(University of Michigan∙ Pharmacy)=It is a privilege to receive this scholarship, and I am truly thankful for this opportunity. I look forward to beginning my journey at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and continuing to grow both academically and personally. Thank you!
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