Each week, the Record (using a script in R) randomly selects a student at the College for our One in Two Thousand feature, excluding current Record board members. This week, Nate Kim ’25 discussed his time abroad in Spain, his a cappella group, and his postgrad plans. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Safiyah Anwar-Chuku (SAC): This is your first semester back from studying abroad in Madrid. How has the adjustment been?
Nate Kim (NK): It was hard. Man, I did not do that much homework during study abroad, so coming back, I didn’t have enough space mentally for all the things I wanted to do. That was something that was really challenging. But not to be a downer — it’s nice to be back. It’s nice to see friends and go to classes.
SAC: What was your study abroad experience like? Other than not doing homework.
NK: I was doing a homestay, which I loved. It was so awesome that I got to live with a Spanish family. I had a roommate who was in my program as well. [Our host parents] basically treated us like their kids, which was hysterical. I’d be trying to do my own laundry, and they’d say, “No, put that down.”
SAC: That is so adorable. What are some things you and your Spanish “parents” would do together?
NK: We used to get together to watch their soccer team play — or football team, I should say. It just so happened that the Super Bowl of Spain — as I guess you could call it — was happening while I was there. Every soccer team got together and played, and our team won, which was pretty remarkable since they haven’t been in the finals in like 40 years. When we watched the game, people were on the edges of their seats. When we won, my Spanish dad grabbed a bowl of potato chips and threw it in the air.
SAC: I heard you’re going to work at Bain & Company after graduation. Are you excited?
NK: Well, it’s funny because I came to Williams, and I thought I wanted to be a movie editor. I love film — I like editing little videos. And I was like, “I’m gonna go to a liberal arts school. I’ll be a movie editor.” And then the Williams machine — the econ major and the internships — they kind of get you. You show up to the Bain events, they have cupcakes, and you’re like, “I like you.” They work their magic on you. I fell into the machine. But I do think I’ll enjoy some aspects of the job — helping businesses grow or developing new products.
SAC: I also heard you like to sing. Are you a member of any musical groups on campus?
NK: I am. Well, kind of. I’m taking a break this semester. I really love singing, but I literally did not sing before Williams — I would just sing in the shower. Then my JA [Junior Advisor] was in the Springstreeters, and he was like, “You should audition,” and I was like, “You’re funny.” At the Purple Key Fair, he forced me to sign up. I was like, “At this point, I might as well try.” And I just kind of walked into it. It was definitely one of the best things I’ve done.
SAC: That’s funny. I’m happy it worked out.
NK: Half the people that we get when we recruit people are like, “I don’t do a cappella. I don’t sing. I’m not interested.” And then they go through the process, and they’re like, “Oh, this is kind of fun. I could see this being something I enjoy.”
SAC: Do you have a favorite song to sing?
NK: Maybe “Mirrors,” the Justin Timberlake song. You know what’s crazy? That song is eight minutes long.
SAC: Wait, actually?
NK: Dude, the song just keeps going. And it’s like, this is not “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” but it is. However, let me just say, it continues to give with each minute.
SAC: If Bain doesn’t have an a cappella group, you should start one.
NK: I don’t know if they have an a cappella group, but I know they have a band — Bain Band or something.
SAC: Seriously? That’s what they’re called?
NK: I know. We’ll workshop it. I’ll do consulting for the Bain Band.
SAC: You’re also on club tennis, right?
NK: I’m one of the captains. I think with sports in general, it’s just so nice to see improvement. Each time you go out there, there’s something you can improve on. It’s not like you’re doing the same thing — it’s different every time. Each person you play hits the ball differently, so that means you have to adjust, and then they do something better that you have to adapt to.
SAC: Do you do any other campus activities?
NK: This is gonna blow your mind: I’m part of StuCo [the Student Choreographers’ Coalition].
SAC: Do you dance?
NK: No. One of my friends suggested I join StuCo, and I was like, “I’m not joining the student council.” She’s like, “No, student-choreographed dance.” And I was like, “OK, that sounds so hilariously awesome.” There’s one piece where they don’t cut anyone. You can be the worst, most uncoordinated person — not that there are any people like that — but if there were, they would put you in it. I’m 100 percent gonna do it again in the spring. I feel like, especially here, it’s so easy to try new things. The hardest part is putting yourself out there.
SAC: Is there anything else new you’re going to try next semester?
NK: I might have put myself out there too much this year. I might take a break. I guess for senior spring, I’m excited to really just prioritize the people in my life.
