Pushing the boundaries of what is possible

Members of the Vancouver Island University community may remember Kayla Passmore for her role as team captain of the Mariner’s women’s volleyball team, helping to lead her team to four national championship victories. But she was an active member of the VIU community in many other ways, organizing major events, leading tours and helping new students in residences.

Kayla says the tight-knit community, beautiful campus and focus on student success has made VIU an exceptional place to learn and grow. Here, the Bachelor of Education grad shares her VIU highlights. 

What are you going to miss most about VIU?

One of the aspects that I appreciate most about VIU is its strong sense of community. The smaller student population allows for more personal connections and meaningful interactions with other students and professors. From day one, I felt a genuine sense of belonging and support here. The faculty and staff are approachable and dedicated to helping students thrive. Whether it was seeking academic support or participating in extracurricular activities, there was always a strong support system available to me.

Tell us about your VIU experience.

A smaller school like VIU offers unique advantages. Class sizes are smaller, allowing for more one-on-one attention from professors. There are also more opportunities for meaningful discussions and collaborations with classmates. This environment fosters a sense of community and encourages active participation in the learning process.

Why did you choose VIU?

I came to VIU to play with the VIU varsity women’s volleyball team. I had the honour of serving as the team captain and experiencing the exhilaration of winning four national championships with my best friends. The feeling of hoisting the trophy, celebrating with my teammates and knowing that all our hard work had paid off was indescribable. Those victories not only brought recognition to our team but also to our university, our coaches and the community that supported us.

Beyond the championships, being a member of the team created lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. The bonds formed through shared experiences, the camaraderie, and the shared passion for the sport created an unbreakable bond among us. The support and encouragement we received from our coaches, teammates and fans made every victory more meaningful.

Any other highlights from your time here you can share?

Being a part of VIU’s Faculty of Education has provided me with the knowledge, skills and experiences that have shaped me into the educator I am today. Representing the graduating class as valedictorian filled me with pride. I was fortunate to be surrounded by passionate professors who cared about my growth and development as a teacher. Their dedication, expertise and unwavering support inspired me to push the boundaries of my own capabilities. I am grateful for the mentorship, guidance and encouragement they provided, which helped me become the best version of myself.

Being in the Faculty of Education gave me the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of fellow aspiring educators. Collaborating with my classmates, sharing ideas and engaging in thought-provoking discussions enriched my perspective. The bonds formed within this close-knit community have created lifelong friendships and a network of support that I cherish.

What other VIU experiences had an impact on you?

I lived in residence for two years, my first year as a resident and second year as a resident advisor. Being an RA was a fulfilling experience for me. It allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of my residents. I had the privilege of being there for them during their transition to college. I offered guidance, support and a sense of community. Being able to help them navigate the challenges they faced and witness their personal growth was rewarding.

I also worked with the Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning. One highlight was serving as a co-event lead for RockVIU, VIU’s new student orientation. Creating a two-week-long event for more than a thousand students was both exciting and challenging. The team designed an orientation program that welcomed incoming students and helped them feel a sense of belonging and excitement about their new journey at VIU. Seeing the smiles, laughter and connections formed during RockVIU made all the hard work worthwhile.

As a Student Ambassador, I led campus tours and helped host events to recruit students to VIU. It was rewarding to share my personal experiences and showcase the vibrant campus community to prospective students and their families.

I was the first student hired as Sexual Violence and Response Education Program Leader. I focused on raising awareness about the importance of consent, promoting healthy relationships and advocating for the well-being of our students.

Lastly, as the Vice-Chair of the Vancouver Island Leadership Conference, I had the opportunity to host a conference focused on building resilience. The theme, “Resilient Minds, Brilliant Leaders,” aimed to inspire and empower students to navigate challenges and develop their leadership potential. A highlight was witnessing the personal growth and transformation of attendees as they emerged as empowered leaders.

What’s next for you?

Next year I am finishing my Inclusive Education Post Graduate Diploma and Master of Special Education at VIU while teaching in Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools (School District 68), as well as travelling!