Finding Her Place, Helping Others Find Theirs

When Grace Liao ’27 arrived at St. Michaels University School from Shanghai in Grade 10, she wanted to experience boarding life and become more independent. Two years later, she is helping younger boarders feel at home, leading student initiatives and building a support network for children with autoimmune diseases.

Alongside fellow Grade 12 student Yina Ding, Grace co-founded Brave Together, a youth-led platform shaped by her own experience of living with an autoimmune disease. Her work and aspirations to become a pediatrician were recently highlighted in a video interview with Shad Canada.

Turning Experience into Support

Grace was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease, in 2021. At the time, she knew little about the condition and did not know anyone who had experienced something similar.

“I wish there had been a space where I could learn more about autoimmune diseases and connect with other children going through similar experiences,” she said.

In September 2025, Grace and Yina launched Brave Together to help fill that gap. Their website brings together patient interviews, hand-drawn comics and resources. They have also organized a Global Video Contest, supported by ambassadors who represented their cities and schools to help promote the event.

“When Yina and I started Brave Together, our mission was simple: to make sure every child with an autoimmune disease feels seen, heard, and supported,” Grace said.

The two share responsibility for the platform, drawing on their individual strengths. Yina often handles website updates, while Grace enjoys writing and communicating with their team. Elisha Gardiner, SMUS Service-Learning and Community Engagement Lead and a houseparent in Timmis House, has supported them throughout the process.

Recently, applications to join the team arrived from students across Canada, an encouraging step toward their goal of expanding Brave Together’s reach.

“When Yina and I first brainstormed the idea, it felt like such a small project,” Grace said. “Seeing it grow into something that other people want to be part of has been incredibly meaningful.”

Looking Ahead with Determination

This past summer, Grace attended Shad at Toronto Metropolitan University, exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics through workshops and lectures while developing her networking and collaboration skills.

She now serves as a Shad ambassador and was selected to share her experience in a video produced by the organization.

For Grace, who hopes to become a pediatrician, a particularly memorable lecture reinforced the importance of persistence. Hearing a cardiac surgeon describe his path into medicine helped her see her own ambitions differently.

“I know now that I can become a doctor with hard work and determination,” she said in the video.

Grace hopes to continue building Brave Together throughout university, reaching more children and families and raising awareness of autoimmune diseases.

The Confidence to Start Something

At SMUS, Grace has found opportunities to develop the skills behind that ambition. Founding the Red Cross Club in Grade 10 taught her how to manage projects, lead initiatives and bring an idea to life.

Leading meetings, speaking at assemblies, organizing fundraisers and visiting the Canadian Red Cross office in Victoria have pushed her to try unfamiliar things and become more comfortable speaking to large audiences.

“It gave me the confidence to start something from scratch,” she said.

She also found encouragement in the students around her.

“Seeing older students start their own projects and initiatives when I was in Grade 10 showed me what was possible and gave me the confidence to start Brave Together myself.”

Her involvement extends to the Marketing and Communications Council, volunteering at Royal Jubilee Hospital through Step Up Youth and supporting Shelbourne Community Kitchen. After performing in last year’s Senior School musical, Les Misérables, she plans to help backstage with this year’s production of Come From Away.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Now one of the Heads of Symons House, Grace remembers the houseparents, Grade 12 students and roommate who helped her settle into boarding. She draws on that experience when welcoming younger students.

“I want them to see me as an older sister they can feel comfortable talking to about anything,” she said.

Grace and her fellow Head of House, Estee Luk, from Hong Kong, have organized a run club, a Gilmore Girls-themed fall event and a movie night, with more activities planned throughout the year.

Whether she is bringing boarders together in Symons House or working with Yina to reach children facing an unfamiliar diagnosis, Grace is helping others find the connection and support that have mattered in her own life.