What is life like as a Beaver student? We interviewed several students across all grades—from middle school to senior year—to get a peek into the Beaver student experience. Below you’ll hear from Miles Kim ’27—a rising senior. From exploring music production through Student Directed Projects to whale watching at a marine sanctuary, Miles shared how Beaver has empowered him to explore his passions to the fullest.
You’re a senior next year, congrats! What does your upcoming year look like?
I am very excited to be entering my senior year! I am taking a mix of classes that I am looking forward to, such as Neuroscience and Senior Studio, and I will be playing soccer in the fall. I will also continue working with my counselors to finish my college applications.
When did you start at Beaver and how do you think you’ve grown since then?
My first year at Beaver was my freshman year in 2023, and I have definitely grown a lot as a student and a person. My interests have expanded in all of my subjects, and I have had opportunities to explore many of my own hobbies and passions through Student Directed Projects.
What activities at Beaver have helped you find community and feel a sense of belonging?
I have participated in Beaver’s instrumental ensembles for two years and have felt very connected with all of my classmates and amazing teachers. Music (guitar specifically) has always been something I have been passionate about, and this past year in the Afro-Caribbean Ensemble I was able to strengthen my skills and expand my knowledge in new genres. I also became much closer to people who I did not know well before the class. Our teacher, Ms. Norgaard, taught us more than just the notes we were playing; we would have classes on the history of the music we were learning and its cultural impact.
What’s a project that you have worked on that you really enjoyed?
In the spring of my sophomore year I did a Student Directed Project on the science behind sound. I specifically looked at why instruments get their own unique sound—a concept called timbre. I then taught myself how to use an audio software in which I could recreate my own instruments. I enjoyed this project because I was genuinely interested in the topic and it was something I would be able to utilize for myself in the future.
Beaver has given me a new sense of confidence, whether it is raising my hand in the classroom or talking to someone new.
Miles Kim '27
What has been your favorite class? What did you do in that class that made such an impact?
My favorite class at Beaver so far has been Marine Ecology. This class was eye-opening and engaging, and covered topics that I have always been deeply interested in. We learned about parts of an ecosystem and how they interact with one another and studied the different oceans on Earth and how they are impacted by the global ocean current. At the end of the term, our class took a field trip to the Stellwagen Marine Sanctuary to whale watch, and we ended up seeing 12 whales!
What’s a class or a project you didn’t expect to enjoy as much as you did?
One class that I did not expect to enjoy was Empires to Independence, a history class I took in my junior fall. I was never as interested in history as I was in science or math, and I had heard that the class was mostly readings and essays. But my teacher Mr. Henry made the class such an engaging experience, and made sure we left the classroom knowing more than we did when we came in.
Time for some rapid-fire questions!
Favorite class: Marine Ecology
Favorite lunch: Banh Mi
Favorite spot on campus: R-Level
Favorite afternoon activity: Basketball
Favorite Upper School event: Dam Jam!!!
Favorite free block activity: Spikeball
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