A Childhood Woven Into MST

After 14 remarkable years, Moka Kim graduates from Eucalyptus as the longest-attending student in MST’s history. Hundreds of classmates, six classrooms, dozens of teachers, and thousands of school days later, MST has been far more than a school to Moka—it has been the place where nearly her entire childhood unfolded. In many ways, her story is deeply woven into the story of MST itself.

Over the years, Moka has imagined many futures for herself: singer and pianist, fashion designer, writer, and undoubtedly many more still to come. Knowing Moka, there is little doubt she has the talent, curiosity, and determination to pursue all of them. 

Creative and thoughtful, she is someone who can lose herself in music, books, writing, and design. She has an old soul and a sharp mind, equally at home discussing literature, curating the perfect 90s playlist, or making thoughtful mixtapes for friends—yes, even for those who don’t own CD players.

But beyond her many talents, what stands out most about Moka is her kindness. She has long been someone who makes others feel welcome, included, and seen. In a school community shaped by constant arrivals and departures, Moka has been both witness and anchor—someone who understands the bittersweet rhythm of international school life better than almost anyone. Her reflections reveal someone who has learned that while people may come and go, community endures through compassion, empathy, and genuine connection. As she leaves MST, Moka carries these values with her—and leaves them behind as part of her legacy here.

14 Questions for 14 Years at MST

Early Memories

You joined MST when you were only one and a half years old. What is your very first memory of school?

My very first memory of my time at MST is the earliest memory I have of my life. At the lunch table kids were telling knock knock jokes that didn’t make sense. Or it could be when I ate very sour blueberries. 

You've spent more years at MST than anyone else in the school's history. What is something about the school that has stayed the same all these years, and what has changed the most?

People come and go so they are always changing. But the feeling of community is always the same. The buildings and the neighborhood, Turtle Park and Arisugawa are always the same. And some of my teachers are still here from the very beginning, from Akane and Elizabeth, Naoko and Ludo, Norma and Julieta, Ichikawa-san and James.

Creating Community

International schools are full of goodbyes as friends and teachers move around the world. What have those experiences taught you about friendship and community?

It makes me cherish the friends I have now. I learned that you can find friends anywhere. You talk to them and find out about them. 

You've watched countless students come and go. What do you think makes someone feel welcome when they join a new school community?

Asking new kids questions and including them in conversations. Inviting them to tag along. Include them on the inside jokes.

You've known many teachers, classmates, and families who have moved on to new places. What's the most important thing you've learned about staying connected across distances?

It can be tough. It is inevitable that you’ll fall out of touch with a lot of people. You’ll grow apart or drift apart over the years. You have to work to stay connected. But it’s okay if it happens. When I see someone I haven’t talked to in a while, it’s great to see them again and learn about what their life is like. I’ve been nostalgic this whole year so I’ve been thinking about them these days. 

What is a moment at MST that captures what this community means to you?

My first Beach Camp when I was in Oak was the first time I was away from the family. And I bonded with many friends, learning about responsibility and independence, working with other kids. We begged Maki for her funny stories. Roasting marshmallows at night. I didn’t even feel homesick.

Looking Back

If you could travel back in time and give your toddler self one piece of advice on your first day at MST, what would it be?

Don’t worry too much. About how people think of you. You’re doing fine. You don’t need to be top notch or be perfect. Don’t overthink it. 

Which version of yourself would be most surprised by who you are today?

Willow, because I really compared myself to others a lot and had a low esteem of myself.

If MST had a time capsule, what would you put inside to represent your years here?

I would put my Willow band performances in there. I loved practicing with my friends, choosing the songs, and singing. and all my creative writing books in there too.

If you have a time machine, what year would you like to visit?

In first grade I had a lot of fun. All that year, many of us girls collected and traded gemstones; that was a big part of our lives. I didn’t have a lot of worries that year and I had a large group of friends.

Over the years, you've learned from many teachers. Is there a lesson or piece of advice from a teacher that has stayed with you?

All my teachers made an impact on me. I am who I am because of them. It’s not necessarily about the lessons they give, it’s about who they are, seeing how they are in the world, and knowing that many of them would and have sacrificed things for students.

Looking Ahead

What is one quality you hope younger students will remember when they think about you years from now?

I would hope they thought I would always help them out without judgement. To be there when they need someone.

As you prepare for your next adventure, what part of MST will you carry with you wherever you go?

Compassion and empathy for people. Always keeping an open mind and not judging people.

For the children still here, how could they make the most of their time at MST?

Be yourself and don’t mold yourself to others. Don’t be afraid to learn and experience new things. Don’t regret not doing something because you were too nervous too. 

I’m glad MST was most of my childhood. I’m glad it was MST where I grew up. I feel well prepared to be a capable and good person in the world.