Tyler Kim

Class of 2026

When you think of Wakefield, what three words come to mind first?

Tight-knit, Ambitious, Forward-thinking 

What song reminds you of high school?

"Champagne Coast" by Blood Orange

Spartan or Athenian?

Spartan

What are you involved in at Wakefield?

I am a captain for the Boys Soccer, Co-ed Swimming, and Boys Tennis teams. I have been the President of Interact since my sophomore year, after being in the club for 4 years. I also serve as one of four Senior Prefects of the Community Council. I also serve as a member of senior leadership for our Model UN chapter.

What is your favorite activity and why?

At Wakefield, my favorite activities have always been hanging out with friends during sports practices, regardless of what we actually did. Though the practices themselves are enjoyable, I learned so much from the other upperclassmen when I was an underclassman. I credit them for the value I place in role models and such. Regardless, I feel I have shaped myself through these activities, whether by showing up, getting better, or collaborating with others on a team.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Though I never get out there much, I would say the wall facing east of campus has become my favorite spot. Initially, making it out there for some creative writing for Mr. Martin, I was reminded of the beautiful spot when the senior class did our senior sunrise there. It was a wonderful memory, and I am glad to have shared it with others at that spot. 

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

Mr. Carter. Though I may have encountered some roadblocks in enjoying the novels read in his Literature 9 class, I am lucky to have a mentor, who is Mr. Carter. In my sophomore year, Mr. Carter was willing to take on the faculty advisor role for the Interact Club, even though I was the only returning member of the Board. Not only did he blindly take a chance on leading that club, but he also supported my vision and dream to grow the Interact Club to become something that I am lucky to pass on to Catherine. Beyond that, Mr. Carter has supported my Model UN endeavors, which eventually led to an award I earned with my sister. Mr. Carter has always been a consistent supporter of me, my friends, and our endeavors. It should come as no surprise that his room is a social beehive during any free blocks. Everyone is lucky to have someone as supportive, humorous, and honest as Mr. Carter.

What is your favorite thing about Wakefield?

Though some may take it as a difficulty, I have always found that the small scale of Wakefield has been one of my most cherished aspects. There is such ample opportunity to do almost anything you please. Interact Club, probably my greatest accomplishment in high school, was initially fostered because Wakefield has a smaller, closely-knit community where anyone can rise and grow, even when they may not be supposed to. As an underclassman, I was not designed or prepared to take on that role, but I did and grew into the leader that I am now. Relationships with either classmates or teachers have also been magnified in the best ways. I am incredibly close with numerous friends and even teachers based on this. It is just a great community to experience.

Describe an experience you’ve had at Wakefield that you could not have had anywhere else.

I sincerely believe that my participation in my three sports would not have been possible outside of Wakefield. Other than the fact that I am not an amazing athlete, I find that the opportunity to practice and grow with juniors and seniors would be very hard to come by at any other school. I am eternally grateful that I was able to show up early to these practices and learn from these talented and motivated individuals.

What are some ways you’ve grown since you first came to Wakefield?

Since early middle school, I have become more perceptive to new perspectives, cognizant of others, and conscious in becoming a leader. I have also refined my work ethic, drive, and thought process throughout my time here. Most importantly, I feel that I have learned that not everything has to be perfect, and nothing will be. It seems like a tragic version of life, but I found that I can not and should not try to make everything perfect because that is simply a waste. Enjoy the company of others and make sure that the work is for that, not the other way around. 

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to become either a Biomedical Engineer or a Pharmaceutical Engineer, where I can design medications and delivery systems.

Where is your journey taking you next?

I am headed to Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, to study Biomedical Engineering.

What will you miss most about Wakefield?

I will miss the people and the atmosphere that I see them in. I know I am moving on to the next chapter, but I probably will always miss the same, mundane aspects of coming to school every day and seeing everyone navigate their day, especially my friends and teachers. It seems almost odd, but I will miss all of it.

Wishing Tyler all the best at Duke as he takes the next step in a journey defined by curiosity, leadership, and meaningful connection!