Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Kim.
Hi Jake, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am the founder of “Go For a Better World.” and a rising sophomore at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla. I am on a mission to combat dementia using the game of Go. I have a deep passion for Go, an ancient board game that originated in China that surpassed the complexity of chess. While Go is well-known in East Asian countries like China, Korea, and Japan, it remains relatively unknown in Western countries. My journey with Go began when I broke my leg in fourth grade to get away with boredom, but my journey with “Go For A Better World” started when I moved to San Diego to attend The Bishop’s School after living in South Korea.
Learning Go became a pivotal moment in my life. I used to be an avid baseball player, but Go taught me the virtues of calmness and patience. Similar to professional chess players who wait for multiple hours quietly for their opponent to make a move, I learned to soothe myself when playing Go, and it naturally transformed me into a composed and patient individual.
As time went on, I became occupied with schoolwork and other activities, and I spent less time on Go. However, an idea struck me: “Fighting dementia through Go.” Recognizing Go’s unparalleled complexity with infinitely many possible positions—greater than the number of atoms in the universe—I believed it could positively prevent dementia. Motivated by this realization, I researched extensively. I found numerous credible studies, including those published in journals like “Cognitive Research,” concluding that Go significantly reduces seniors’ likelihood of dementia.
Since then, I have collaborated with local Go communities such as the San Diego Go Club and Go-specialized publishers like DoDream Education in Korea to develop a senior-oriented Go curriculum focusing on dementia prevention. I envision implementing this curriculum in local senior centers, turning my ideas into action.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The most significant obstacle I faced was articulating my ideas. Given that most people around me were unaware of Go and had never played the game, explaining its potential benefits for developing a dementia prevention program proved formidable. Nonetheless, through numerous iterations and revisions, I successfully crafted explanations I was satisfied with, overcoming this challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
1. I hold an educator certificate from the Korean Go Association, positioning me as an ideal candidate to lead and conduct this business.
2. My fluency in two languages-English and Korean- and deep understanding of two cultures set me apart, enabling me to collaborate with individuals in the Go industry and expand my business. Moreover, my ability to connect with seniors through shared interests, such as enjoying music from their generations and learning about historical events they experienced firsthand, facilitates meaningful conversations and the formation of friendships.
What do you think about happiness?
- Achieving desired outcomes: When I strive for something passionately and see the desired results, it brings me immense happiness.
- Connecting with Go enthusiasts: Meeting new people who are familiar with Go and appreciate its cultural significance and having conversations with them makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: goforbetterworld
