Arriving at St. Michaels University School from Mexico City, Grade 11 student Michelle Laniado Abud knew she was stepping into something entirely new. After spending her whole life in one place, she chose to spend a year abroad in Victoria, drawn by the opportunity to experience both a vibrant city and a close-knit school community. What began as a leap into the unknown quickly became a period of profound personal growth, as she navigated a new academic system, built friendships far from home, and developed a deeper sense of curiosity and empathy, qualities that now shape how she sees both her learning and the world around her.
As part of SMUS’s Portrait of a Learner — a framework that develops qualities such as curiosity, resilience, and empathy through classroom and community experiences — she reflects on a season of change, challenge, and growth. The following is in Michelle’s own words:
This winter, the Portrait characteristics I’ve experienced the most are Curiosity and Empathy. Being in a new country, surrounded by different people and a completely different environment, has made every moment feel unique and important. I feel like my curiosity has grown so much because everything is new, the way people think, the way classes are taught, and even the small daily interactions. I’ve learned to observe more, ask more questions, and be open to perspectives that are different from mine.
Learning from another environment has helped me grow not only academically, but also personally. I’m not just memorizing information, I’m understanding things from a new point of view. At the same time, I feel like I’ve become a much more empathetic person. Being here has made me realize that everyone has their own life, their own problems, responsibilities, and ways of seeing the world. Sometimes we assume we know what someone is going through, but we really don’t. I’ve learned how important it is to respect that and to put myself in other people’s shoes. Moving to a new place also made me understand that even when we sometimes feel alone, we’re not. There are people around us who care about us in different ways, and that’s something really powerful.
Academically, I won’t lie, there were moments when I felt overwhelmed by exams and the difference in the learning system. The academic expectations are different, and adapting wasn’t always easy. But I’ve noticed my growth. After passing exams, I realized I was stronger than I thought. I believe I’ve improved my academic level, and I’m especially proud of how much I’ve developed my English, which was something very important to me. Being able to express myself more confidently now feels like a big achievement. Overall, being here has been an incredible experience. Meeting new people, learning from a different perspective, and being surrounded by individuals who help me discover more about myself have made me stronger every day. I feel like I’m constantly learning not just in class, but about life and about who I am becoming.
