Brandon Kim is a sophomore at Oakton High School in Vienna, Virginia. He was born in Los Angeles and raised in Virginia where he lives with his parents, younger sister, and dog, Cookie. Inspired by his father’s deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, Brandon is passionate about shedding light on the struggles of war refugees. He has made two short films about the subject, including A Glimpse of Hope, which won numerous awards at film festivals. His research paper on refugees in conflict settings was recently accepted for publication in the Journal of Student Research. Brandon is also an avid writer and reader, especially drawn to twisty and unpredictable thrillers. His writing has won a Gold Key, two Silver Keys, and an Honorable Mention in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.