When Kayler Kim first arrived at St. Michaels University School in the fall of 2023, she had a strong feeling she’d made the right choice. That certainty began months earlier, when she toured the Victoria campus and felt an immediate connection.
“The moment we drove through the main gate, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” said Kayler, now in Grade 12. “Over the last two years, I have felt so supported by this close-knit community full of diversity and various perspectives from around the world.”
Born and raised in Korea, Kayler had always envisioned studying abroad. She cast a wide net — researching boarding schools across North America — but SMUS quickly rose to the top of her list. It was also an opportunity to connect back to her Canadian heritage after hearing so much about her dad’s experience.
The Advanced Placement program and breadth of academic opportunities stood out to her as a passionate student eager to be challenged. Kayler took interest in university-prep courses like AP Comparative Government and Politics, Pre-Calculus 12 and Mandarin 12. This allowed her the opportunity to find her passion in different academic fields, while also getting the chance to collaborate with students in different grades.
While she was far away from home, family never felt closer.
“I never thought that my school could feel like home,” said Kayler. “Whether they are in Grade 9 or Grade 12, I have built unforgettable memories and relationships in Symons House that I will cherish forever. It feels like a sisterhood.”
Beyond academic and boarding life, Kayler quickly immersed herself in campus life. A performer since the age of three, she has played a lead role in the 2024 Senior School musical Something Rotten, 2025 musical The Prom and is set to continue that in the 2026 musical Les Miserables. She is also the former captain of the Dance Team and plays percussion in the school and city’s symphony orchestra.
Outside of the classroom Kayler has been involved in a number of leadership roles around the school including serving as Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper, making lattes in the Howard Cafe as part of the Business Club, leading student clubs like the Christian Club and Korean Culture Club and two years ago launching the school’s Girl Up chapter—an initiative supporting gender equity and women’s rights. Girl Up Club, which started with just five students, has since fundraised over $2,000 for local Indigenous and global organizations, and continues to show their growing impact on campus and beyond.
Kayler credits her teachers and mentors for supporting her wide range of interests. From the classroom to extracurriculars, she said the encouragement to pursue her passions has been unwavering.
“There’s this really special support system here,” she said. “Teachers and Houseparents here really want you to succeed and try new things. They don’t just care about you as a student. They care about you as a person and I can really feel that.”
SMUS has provided Kayler with unlimited possibilities to find her passion and hone her interests. A close relationship with University Counselling gives Kayler the guidance she needs to decide her next steps.
“Ms. Parry has allowed me to understand the complex but fascinating concept of bridging my passions, and that has helped me navigate how I plan my future,” added Kayler on University Counsellor Megan Parry’s contributions.
“You don’t have to fit into a box at SMUS,” she added, “I think SMUS actually guides you to build your own. Everyone is genuinely welcoming and caring. Whatever you’re passionate about, there’s space for you to be yourself.”
