Zimo Kong
As part of this year’s incoming cohort, Zimo Kong joins the Second Language Acquisition program with research interests in psycholinguistics and second and third language acquisition, particularly in morphosyntactic studies.
From the outset, Zimo describes her experience in the SLA program as welcoming and supportive. She highlights the kindness of the community, noting that the encouragement she has received, along with everyday interactions such as warm smiles, has made a meaningful difference in her transition into the program.
Moments of connection have also shaped her experience in the program. Spending time in SLA study spaces, along with brief greetings and casual conversations with others in the program, has helped her feel part of the community. These small interactions, she notes, contribute to a growing sense of belonging.
She also reflects on larger moments of connection within the program community. Presenting at AAAL alongside other SLA students and faculty was especially meaningful for her, as program members gathered to support one another’s projects and celebrate together. She also recalls the end-of-semester gathering, where students and faculty shared flowers, smiles, and expressions of appreciation. These moments, she notes, reinforced the sense of warmth and closeness within the SLA community.
Outside the classroom, Madison has offered a calm and enjoyable environment. She especially appreciates the city’s lake views and peaceful trails, which provide space to step away from academic work and take in the natural surroundings. During weekends and across different seasons, she enjoys walking by the lake and exploring different restaurants and foods in Madison, especially Thai and Korean cuisine.
In balancing coursework, teaching, research, and personal life, Zimo has developed routines that help her stay productive and focused. She prefers completing most of her coursework and teaching preparation on campus, often studying in public study spaces or libraries, which she finds especially effective for maintaining structure and concentration.
Beyond her academic work, Zimo enjoys swimming and exploring new sports. This summer, she hopes to continue learning tennis and looks forward to opportunities to practice with others in the community.
One meaningful experience she shared with us through a photo comes from a recent visit home, where she reconnected with fellow UW friends in Beijing. The gathering marked a special moment of connection across distance and served as a reminder of the relationships she continues to build both within and beyond Madison.
Looking ahead, Zimo is excited to continue her journey in the program while growing alongside her peers. She looks forward to making further progress in her studies and contributing to the sense of community that has already made a strong impression on her.