Hello! I’m Solomon Kim, I am deeply interested in how unseen pain affects individuals and communities, and how thoughtful action can restore balance and dignity. My core mission is to replace systemic dissonance with harmony in public health. I noticed that despite abundant resources, the actual systems for youth mental health were out of tune—marred by fear, cost, and prejudice. This observation prompted me to become a Systems Tuner.
My first action was co-organizing the Teen Helpline with the SOS Foundation. We created a peer-to-peer system to bypass traditional barriers. After rigorous Youth Mental Health First Aid certification, I practiced intentional, empathetic listening. I learned to AFFIRM and provide my emotional PRESENCE, actively RESPONDING TO distress by methodically "tuning into" individual pain, rather than just reacting to symptoms.
Recognizing that not all pain is verbal, I became a Therapeutic Art Life Coach. I ORGANIZED and FACILITATED workshops, using art to GUIDE vulnerable participants through emotional healing, proving that flexible intervention is key to systemic success.
My dedication to resolving systemic faults crossed age divides: I RESPONDED TO the isolation of older adults at the Hwarang Youth Foundation, addressing care gaps through direct assistance. Furthermore, I ADVOCATED FOR communities marginalized by the Opioid Crisis, emphasizing my commitment to public health policy and systemic change.
I believe true impact comes not from a professional title, but from acting thoughtfully and empathetically. By persistently fine-tuning flaws, I aim to ensure that the instrument of community well-being produces a lasting, beautiful harmony.
Projects
When Words Fail, Art Finds a Voice
The Question: What if I told you it’s possible to get to know someone, have a conversation, and form a deep relationship, all without words?This thought became a necessity about a year ago during our chapter’s first visits to a local senior living community and a rehabilitation center. I went there with a simple goal: to provide companionship and strike up conversations about life. But I quickly realized that, ironically, traditional conversation wasn’t the best way to communicate with many residents.For various health or cognitive reasons, striking up a fluid conversation was often a challenge. I felt a frustration stemming from the closed door to communication.
When Words Fail, Art Finds a Voice
The Question: What if I told you it’s possible to get to know someone, have a conversation, and form a deep relationship, all without words?This thought became a necessity about a year ago during our chapter’s first visits to a local senior living community and a rehabilitation center. I went there with a simple goal: to provide companionship and strike up conversations about life. But I quickly realized that, ironically, traditional conversation wasn’t the best way to communicate with many residents.For various health or cognitive reasons, striking up a fluid conversation was often a challenge. I felt a frustration stemming from the closed door to communication.
Beyond Addiction—Understanding Systemic Failure
The Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) epidemic is not just an individual struggle; it is a complex failure of public health, social support, and medical access. My project began by rigorously analyzing the current landscape of OUD treatment options, aiming to understand where the system breaks down and where effective "tuning" is needed. I focused on solutions that address the social determinants of health—the factors like housing, employment, and mental illness that directly impact recovery and stability.
Blog
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