College of Education & Human Development student Jueun Lim has focused her undergraduate studies on dual language immersion education, where students split their school day learning in a target language and in English.
In this Q&A, Lim reflects on putting her coursework into practice in a Korean dual language immersion classroom, graduating with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education this spring and connecting with students from diverse backgrounds.
Q: What made you choose to earn your degree at Georgia State University?
A: “I chose to earn my degree at Georgia State University because of its strong College of Education & Human Development, which offers hands-on experiences and opportunities to work with diverse student populations. The small class sizes and dedicated professors provided me with the support I needed to grow academically and professionally. Additionally, the university’s commitment to community engagement and equity in education aligned with my passion for making a meaningful impact as a future educator.
“I also chose Georgia State University because of its Korean dual language immersion (DLI) program. As someone passionate about bilingual education, I wanted to gain hands-on experience in a program that fosters language development and cultural understanding. The opportunity to teach in a Korean DLI setting allowed me to apply my language skills while learning effective strategies for supporting multilingual learners. This experience has been invaluable in shaping my teaching philosophy and preparing me for a future in education.”
Q: What extracurricular activities did you participate in during your time at Georgia State? What did you enjoy most about those experiences?
A: “I was briefly involved in the Christian Club at Georgia State. It gave me a sense of community and allowed me to connect with others who shared my faith, even though my involvement was short-term.”
Q: Were there any major achievements/milestones that you reached during your degree program?
A: “In addition to being named to the President's List and Dean's List, I also received the Lorene C. Pilcher Endowed Scholarship, which was a significant milestone for me. It not only eased my financial burden but also validated my hard work and dedication. It gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my academic and professional goals, knowing that my efforts were being recognized and supported.”
Q: What was your favorite experience in your degree program in the College of Education & Human Development? What makes that experience important/meaningful to you?
A: “My favorite experience in the College of Education & Human Development was being part of the Korean DLI program. As a native Korean, it was meaningful to me because it gave me the opportunity to teach my mother language while also connecting with students from diverse backgrounds. The experience allowed me to share my culture and language in an educational setting, and it deepened my passion for bilingual education. It was incredibly fulfilling to see students engage with and appreciate the Korean language.”
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
A: “After graduation, I plan to gain diverse experiences before fully stepping into my field. I would love to teach in another country to expand my teaching skills and cultural understanding. Additionally, I am interested in working with communities, such as orphanages or other organizations that help those in need. These experiences will allow me to grow as an educator while making a positive impact in different parts of the world.”
Q: What's something you've learned in your degree program that you'll apply to your work after you graduate?
A: “One important lesson I’ve learned in my degree program is that discrimination often stems from ignorance. It’s crucial to understand what is right and wrong, but wisdom is needed to navigate those situations. This insight will guide my work as an educator, helping me approach every student with fairness and empathy. I’ll aim to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued, and I’ll continually educate myself and others to challenge any biases or misconceptions.”