"My instructors inspire me. They present new ideas and perspectives and have inspired me to pursue my dream of owning a family business."

-Kim Bujok, OC student

Kim Bujok - working mother, future restauranteur, former military police, OC student

Kim Bujok is focused and determined. At 41, she's pursuing her associate's degree and plans to pursue a bachelor's in business administration. She's maintained a.3.73 GPA, while also raising a family, and made the Olympic College Dean's List six times. Kim has had many experiences in her life that drive her, including serving in the Navy for 15 years. Her goal is to start a southern and barbeque-style restaurant and catering business. Kim shares her story...

Why did you choose OC?
I like the college, and students and faculty because it's a close-knit community and it is affordable.

What are your educational goals?
I am working towards my associate in technical arts degree in business management. After I graduate, I want to work towards a bachelor&'s of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in either marketing or web design.

Have you received any honors?
Currently, I am STILL on the Dean's List and have maintained a 3.73 GPA. I do have some challenges these next few quarters. Math is not my easiest subject. But I'm sure I will do fine. I intend to graduate on the Dean's List.

What do you want to do as a career?
My husband and I plan to open our own restaurant and catering business once he retires in 2009. Our specialty will be southern and barbecue-style cooking. I'm currently doing some catering to help build up a list of clients and prepare for our business. This works well for now, so I can fit it into my job and college education, as well as managing the home front.

What has been your favorite class?
This might be surprising, but my favorite classes are: Business English (taught by Linda DeLorme) and Principles of Leadership/Management (taught by Hella-Ilona Johnson). These were some of my toughest classes. Though I had a tough time on the tests, the instructors were very organized and passionate about what they were teaching. They were very professional and wanted us to learn skills that we can use in the "real world of work."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to cook, especially southern and barbecue style food. I also have lots of get-togethers with friends and enjoy socializing. I am an avid animal lover and enjoy spending time with my pets. I have had 15 lovebirds and six cats at one time. But thanks to my husband's strong persuasion, I now own only two cats and one bird.

Are you from Washington and if not, what brought you here?
I am part of a military family. I served in the Navy for 15 years and did a number of jobs, including maintaining the interior and exteriors of ships and working as military police. I am now a Navy wife and a mother to an 18-year-old son. Our family has moved around. We have lived in Hawaii, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. My husband is now stationed at Keyport Naval Base. Despite hearing how rainy it can be here, we absolutely love it and plan to build our home and retire here.

What was your upbringing like?
I was born in Taichung, Taiwan. I was adopted and raised as an Air Force "brat"; my father served in the Air National Guard. I call myself "southern bred" because I love southern hospitality and food in the U.S. I married a Navy man when I was still in the Navy myself. I have had extensive work experience, but I felt like once I earned a degree, I'd be equipped to accomplish anything. With the skills I've acquired from working and the knowledge I continue to gain from my classes, I believe I will be able to succeed with good preparation, patience, a lot of learning, and luck!

What inspires you?
My husband. He didn't have an easy life growing up. He inspires me to do well. He always reminds me of how smart, determined and independent I am, even though I tend not to give myself enough credit. He's also there to lean on and be supportive if I'm struggling in a class or need to relax from a busy day at work. My instructors also inspire me. They present new ideas and perspectives when teaching their classes and have inspired me to pursue my dream of owning a family business.

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