Master of Arts (MA) – On campus
My name is Top Kim, and I am so excited to be part of the UBC MA program.
I am an early childhood educator and researcher passionate about children’s well-being, inclusion, and individuality. I grew up in Busan, South Korea, where my interest in education first began, and I completed my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education at Pusan National University. Wanting to broaden my perspective, I moved to Canada and worked for more than five years as an early childhood educator in multicultural and inclusive classrooms in Vancouver. These experiences shaped my belief that every child deserves to be recognized for their uniqueness and supported in ways that help them flourish.
Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Before entering the program, I also completed a diploma in guidance studies at UBC. My research interests include children’s social-emotional development, the creation of inclusive learning environments, and rethinking educational frameworks through the Science of Individuality in Education. I am particularly interested in how children’s lived realities can be better reflected in both educational research and classroom practice.
Looking ahead, I hope to grow not only as a researcher but also as a mentor to future educators. I believe teacher education is one of the most powerful tools for shaping children’s lives. My long-term goal is to continue into doctoral studies and contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable, and child-centered vision of early childhood education worldwide.