Serin Kim, a Grade 12 student at Seaquam Secondary School in Delta, Canada, recently published her first essay collection, Can You Help Me?, based on her real-life experiences with refugee students.
The book reflects on Kim’s experiences working alongside ESL students learning English in Canadian schools. In particular, it examines how language affects not only communication but also educational opportunities, human relationships, and the development of self-esteem, inspired by her encounter with a war refugee student whose native language is Pashto.
The title Can You Help Me? originated from a short question asked by a student in an actual classroom setting. Kim explains that the phrase symbolizes more than a simple request for assistance—it reflects the reality faced by students who struggle to fully express even basic needs because of language barriers.
Beyond academics, Kim has actively participated in community and social initiatives. She founded the school’s Human Rights Club, leading discussions on human rights and diversity, while also organizing fundraising activities that support the local community organization, The Kettle Friendship Society.
The Kettle Friendship Society is a non-profit social welfare organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The organization supports adults experiencing mental health challenges by providing housing assistance, vocational training, counseling services, and community-based rehabilitation programs aimed at helping individuals regain independence and stability.
The organization focuses not only on daily support services, but also on helping people with mental illness live independently within their communities. Rather than emphasizing hospital-centered treatment, it promotes a community-based recovery model. Consistent with the word “Friendship” in its name, the organization also places importance on helping individuals overcome social isolation and rebuild relationships.
Kim’s donation activities were carried out as part of student-led Human Rights Club initiatives and charity projects. The efforts are viewed as meaningful examples of youth engagement with mental health and socially vulnerable communities beyond simple financial support.
Kim has also continued her involvement in leadership activities both inside and outside school. She was invited to present student leadership case studies at Delta School Board events. Academically, she achieved second place in the Junior Varsity division among more than 2,500 participants at the 2024 Harvard International Debate Tournament, and later advanced to the Top 16 while placing fourth in individual speaking at a Stanford University invitational debate competition.
Book Information
Can You Help Me? is an e-book written by Serin Kim and published through BookLab. It is currently available through major online bookstores, including YES24.
Author and Endorsements
Educators and writers have also shared positive evaluations of the book. Kari Karlsbjerg, educator and author of Everyday Vancouver, described the work as “a very honest portrayal of the emotions and realities within ESL classrooms,” adding that “its perspective on education through the eyes of a student is especially compelling.”
Author Lim Soo-jin, known for Hello, My Hanok House, said, “Rather than offering answers, this book encourages readers to revisit the questions we often overlook,” adding that “it demonstrates how everyday attention toward others can lead to deeper reflection.”
Kim shared her thoughts on the publication, saying, “I believe it is important to make efforts to understand one another despite differences in language and culture,” and added, “I believe small acts of attention can create warmer classrooms and communities.”
Serin Kim poses for a commemorative photo after delivering donations raised through school community activities to the local organization, The Kettle Friendship Society.
The donation was part of student-led Human Rights Club activities and charity projects. The Kettle Friendship Society is a non-profit social welfare organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia, supporting adults experiencing mental health challenges through housing assistance, vocational training, counseling services, and community reintegration programs centered on community-based recovery. Photo courtesy of Delta School Board./ Photo courtesy of Delta School District, Canada.
