Timeline of Isabelle Kim by Isabelle Kim

Birth - 2011

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:14:04 UTC

I was born on February 5th, 2011, in Princeton, New Jersey. This is a significant change in my life, because if I wasn't born, I wouldn't be who I am today.

First day at Holton-Arms - 2025

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:14:28 UTC

My first day of high school was at Holton-Arms. This is a really big change for me because I'm going from such a big public school to a small private school. I'm open to that change though, because I believe that my voice will be heard better, and my opinions will truly matter here at Holton. Not only that, but the friendships that I will create here will be deeper, since I'll see my friends frequently around the Holton campus.

First day at Longfellow Middle School - 2023

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:14:49 UTC

After Haycock, my assigned middle school was Longfellow Middle School. I started middle school (7th grade) in 2023, and I remember being extremely nervous. However, contrasting my nervousness, Longfellow changed my life for the better. I started to create many meaningful friendships, which allowed me enjoy school so much more than before. Because of this, I became much more motivated to learn and understand concepts in school.

First day at Haycock Elementary School - 2019 - Turning Point

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:15:25 UTC

I was in the third grade when I first attended Haycock Elementary School. This is an important life moment because Haycock is really strong at math, and this school is where my foundational math skills solidified. If I hadn't attended Haycock, I wouldn't like math or be as good at it as I am currently.

This event is a turning point because this event is when I was first exposed to truly difficult tests, curriculums, and homework assignments. This changed the course of my life because I finally started to study seriously in school, because I realized how important that is.

First day at Spring Hill Elementary School - 2016

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:15:41 UTC

Before Spring Hill Elementary, I went to an elementary school in New Jersey. Thus, going to a new elementary school where everybody already somewhat knew each other was scary (since I entered in the middle of kindergarten). Going to Spring Hill was a life changing event for me, because I got to experience what it was like being with people who genuinely love to learn. This positively impacted me, as I also began to love learning. This love is still ongoing, which is the reason why I decided to attend Holton.

Moving to Virginia - 2016 - Turning Point

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:15:48 UTC

I lived in Princeton, New Jersey until 2016. Even though my parents and I really liked the Princeton area, we moved to McLean, Virginia because of work-related issues. Thankfully, after we moved to Virginia, my parents and I started to love this state, since there are more places to explore compared to Princeton. This event has changed my life, because I made so many new wonderful friends (that I'm still friends with to this day), who taught me many important things about friendship.

This event is a turning point because moving from one state to another is a major change that changed the course of my life. If I had stayed in New Jersey, my life right now could've looked way different.

Getting my dog - 2019

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:16:16 UTC

In 2019, my family and I got a pet dog. She was a Maltese named Berry! Having Berry as part of my family changed my life, because I now am healthier than I was a few years ago. For example, because of Berry, I am forced to go out on walks and get more sunlight, which is good for both my mental and physical health. Not only that, but playing with Berry reduces my stress levels.

13th birthday - 2024

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:16:32 UTC

My 13th birthday was important to me because that's when I finally became a teen. Personally, this changed my life because I felt as if I now had more responsibilities and independence. After a few months of being 13, it also felt as if I was more self-aware about my actions and words.

Moving - 2019

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:17:31 UTC

I used to live in an apartment complex in McLean. However, my parents decided that it would be better to live in a house, as that's always been part of their dreams. Therefore, when I was almost finished with the second grade, my parents and I moved to the current house I live in. This event has changed my life, because I got to experience a neighborhood where connecting with your neighbors is very important. It helped me understand how important connecting with others and being respectful is, and I still actively recall these lessons to this day.

Started climbing - 2023

isabellekim2029_1_1 — 2025-09-04 22:18:33 UTC

Before climbing, I played tennis. However, tennis competitions and such got extremely stressful for me. Thus, I switched to climbing in 2023. Climbing changed my life because it empowers me. I felt as if I could do anything I put my mind to. This is because before I climb, I see a route and wonder if it's even possible. When I end up completing the route though, I feel extremely capable and accomplished.