GRACE KIM ’22

"Passion motivates and makes me feel alive and makes me human. I am passionate about social issues and volunteering. SFS taught compassion and reasons why it is important to have compassion in life.”

Grace Kim, currently a second-year student studying medical sciences at Western University in Ontario, has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Born in Montreal but with her family living in Korea, Grace's educational journey has been marked by cultural diversity and the pursuit of her passion for healthcare and community service.

Western University is renowned for its competitive pre-med program, making it a suitable choice for Grace as she aspires to join the medical field. However, her first year proved to be more challenging than she had anticipated. Her parents, initially worried about her transition to university life, soon saw her adapt to the new environment with determination. Grace found that coming from an international school made it easier to adjust to the cultural differences, especially between Western and Asian cultures. This transition, with its intriguing shifts in mindset and actions, motivated her and made her feel more connected to humanity.

One of Grace's most significant passions, one that she cultivated during her time at SFS, is compassion and volunteering for others. Her journey into the world of compassion began with the Mini Moon Project, a youth-led non-profit aimed at supporting menstrual health and tackling menstrual poverty. Grace started this project after reading an article that highlighted the lack of menstrual resources for girls in Korea. This revelation alarmed her, reminding her of her privilege growing up in a community with abundant resources. This awakening realization propelled her into action.

The Mini Moon Project began as a small English persuasive essay. Grace discovered that many women in Korea lacked access to basic menstrual necessities. Some were even resorting to using unsanitary materials like shoe insoles and tissues due to the unavailability of proper products. Grace's first persuasive email assignment led her to write to a menstrual product company to request donations for delivery to orphanages. She also initiated visits to these orphanages to provide menstrual health education.

The project uncovered the cultural taboo surrounding menstruation and menstrual products in Korea. Despite the stigma, she persevered. Encouragement from her teacher inspired her to broaden her horizons on a larger scale. She sent emails to over 100 companies, local orphanages, and community centers. While most did not respond, one company was supportive of her project. The CEO of this startup believed in community and wanted to support youth organizations.

Grace's project found personal connections to orphanages through her church friends, strengthening her resolve to advocate for the issue. She saw the project as an opportunity to fulfill the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. She also wanted to turn it into an organization that could sustain and grow. She initiated similar projects in six countries, including India, Canada, South Korea, and Laos, donating a total of 3,000 menstrual cups and providing educational workshops.

Through these actions, Grace witnessed the immense power of individuals. She acknowledges the invaluable role of SFS teachers and mentors who encouraged and supported her throughout the journey. Grace's CAS advisor played a pivotal role, guiding her in promotion and connecting her with resources. Grace values CAS as an opportunity to express her interests and passions beyond academics, allowing her to make lasting impacts on the world.

Grace's passion projects did not stop at menstrual health advocacy. She and her friends at SFS also organized a women's health conference for high school students to address women's healthcare and empowerment. They invited speakers from various fields, including a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), to discuss topics like girls' mental health and healthcare support. All of this work is a testament to the power of collaboration and community involvement.

Her experiences at SFS and the emphasis on volunteering left a profound impact on Grace. The school's focus on community development and encouraging students to look after their community equipped her with the tools she needed to pursue her passion projects.

Grace sends huge thanks to all SFS supervisors and teachers for making this passion dream come true. She reassures them that what was started at SFS was not a one-time project but a continued pursuit and passion.

Grace's journey from SFS to Western University has been marked by her unwavering commitment to compassion, community service, and healthcare advocacy. She envisions a future in which she can become a doctor, provide healthcare around the world, and continue her work with impactful organizations. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that one person's compassion and dedication can create meaningful change in the world. She has witnessed the power of actions and how influential people can be.

Grace's message to current students is clear: take advantage of every opportunity presented. College offers a bigger setting with fewer chances for such passion projects. Use the resources available at SFS and seek support to discover and pursue your passions. Grace believes that these opportunities allow students to explore their interests, try diverse things, and develop a wellrounded perspective of the world. She encourages SFS students to take action in pressing world problems and find solutions.