Lieutenant Governor’s Medal winner aims to help international students
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Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies.
As a former international student who has studied the Canadian justice system, Taejo Kim is uniquely equipped to advise other students from outside Canada in his work as an international student advisor and immigration specialist at an Ontario college.
To add to his personal and academic credentials, Kim will be crossing the fall Convocation stage for his Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University. On top of his new degree, he was named the winner of the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation, an award that recognizes one undergraduate student who excelled in their studies and contributed to life of their institution or during post-secondary study.
Kim migrated from Jeju Island, South Korea to Halifax, Nova Scotia nine years ago and now lives in Toronto. He says he was attracted to Canada because the country is known internationally for its post-secondary schools and natural beauty. But while studying for a paralegal diploma at Humber Polytechnic, where he now works, he developed an interest in the Canadian justice system. He transferred into third year in RRU’s Justice Studies program and immersed himself in the topic.
“I gained a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Canadian justice system, including criminal justice, global justice, human rights, ethics and restorative justice,” he says. “This knowledge has expanded my perspective as it differs from the justice system in Korea.”
As well, he learned about Indigenous perspectives on justice, saying, “I wasn’t familiar with Indigenous history and cultures, so exploring these aspects felt like delving into a more profound layer of Canada. I found it fascinating to learn how Indigenous concepts of justice, which emphasize restoration and community, contrast with more Western perspectives of justice.”
He adds: “Coming from Korea, a country with its own complex colonial history, I feel a sense of connection and empathy with Indigenous communities in Canada when I learn about their history. It has been eye-opening and has strengthened my commitment to supporting equity and inclusion in my [work] role.”
One of his RRU professors, John Shuford, notes that Kim earned top marks in the course and exerted a positive influence in group discussions while also completing an outstanding final exercise on economic discrimination against immigrant workers and their families in Canada.
Indeed, Kim says of his research: “Although the population of migrant workers has gradually been growing worldwide, including in Canada, there exist shortcomings and areas of vulnerability that migrant workers and their family members have faced, including their basic human rights.
“My goal is to support and help the international student base from what I learned in the Justice Studies program,” he adds.
Asked about being awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal, Kim says, “I didn’t expect it at all,” and notes, “Before I started the program, my goal was just to pass while working full-time. I felt really grateful and honoured.”
Taejo Kim will be honoured as part of the Royal Roads University 2024 Fall Convocation ceremonies.