Growing up in Ontario, Canada, Kyla was always drawn to the past-mummies, ancient civilisations, the mysteries of death. “I was that kid reading about
mummies and ancient Egypt for fun,” she laughs. Over time, this childhood fascination matured into a love of bioarchaeology: the study of human remains to understand lives once lived.
But even as her academic passions grew clearer, Kyla faced challenges that often made everyday life harder to navigate.
“I always felt like something was different about me,” she says. “I struggled with social situations, with anxiety, and for a long time I didn’t have the language to understand why.”
It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with autism as a young adult that the puzzle pieces began to fit together. “Getting that diagnosis was such a relief,” Kyla says. “I finally had an explanation, and more importantly, a starting point for learning how to manage and advocate for myself.” That understanding came with the realisation that the right kind of support could make all the difference.
When Kyla first arrived at Bournemouth University to pursue her master’s in Bioarchaeology, she was filled with excitement-but also anxiety, uncertainty, and fear.
“I cried on my first day. I was in the lecture theatre, I was so overwhelmed and nervous about finances.” Like many international students, she had just enough money to get to the UK, but not much else. “I had a very strict budget, and when you’re budgeting, sometimes you forget things-like toothpaste, soap, medical supplies… things you don’t think about until you need them.”
Despite working multiple jobs back home and careful planning, an unexpected delay in her funding left Kyla unable to pay for her housing.
“There was a bureaucratic issue, and because of that, my funding was delayed. It was very scary and I felt on my own.” But that sense of isolation quickly began to shift, thanks to a chance encounter during induction.
“I was about to ask about job opportunities and someone from SUBU asked if I was okay - and I wasn’t. They brought me up to SUBU Advice, and looking back now, I’m so grateful. I’ve gone to them for support so many times.”
SUBU Advice helped Kyla navigate her financial anxieties, and she credits the team with helping her through difficult times.
“The Community Kitchen and food vouchers literally saved me when I had eight pounds in my bank account.”
As Kyla settled in, she also found that getting academic support for her autism and anxiety was refreshingly straightforward compared to her experience in Canada.
“I literally just showed my doctor’s note, and they said, ‘Yeah, cool.’ That was it. I was shocked. It was so easy here.”
Gradually, Kyla went from someone being supported to someone offering support. After applying for numerous jobs and initially facing rejections, she became a Community Warden, a role that helped her overcome social anxiety while helping others.
“My first patrol was terrifying, but I was with a bunch of people and got used to it quickly. Now, I know the people and the cats - on my route by name!”
Kyla’s passion for plants, shaped by years of interest in outdoor work through archaeology, blossomed into a meaningful volunteer commitment when she discovered the SUBU Community Garden.
“I went during Volunteer Week, and I loved it so much. Now I’m the lead volunteer and I was even nominated for Volunteer of the Year SUBU Award!”
It was only natural that Kyla ran for election as SUBU’s Welfare & Community Officer - not for glory, but for joy.
“I didn’t expect to win, I just wanted to make people happy. That’s why I used sunflowers in my campaign-to brighten someone’s day, even if they didn’t vote for me.”
Kyla also participates in several clubs including climbing, surfing, and experimental archaeology projects.
“All of it builds skills, connections, and confidence. It helps me professionally, too. And I’d really love to stay in the area if I can. Everyone’s just… so nice.”
Reflecting on everything-from her arrival tears to becoming a student leader and a fixture in the community-Kyla sees SUBU’s support as transformational.
“Honestly, I don’t know how successful I’d be here without SUBU. For international students especially, you give up your whole support network. SUBU became that support system for me.”
She also recognises the broader impact of SUBU’s work. “All of these things-SUBU Advice, the Community Kitchen, the Community Garden, being a Wardenthey reduce fear, reduce anxiety. They give people an avenue for help, even if they don’t know they need it. Sometimes just having someone ask, ‘Are you okay?’, and mean it, is everything.”
You can also find the full 2024/25 Impact Report here.