This fall, SMUS welcomes two new faculty members who have a deep connection to the school — they were once students here. John Cook (‘16) and Jake Wilmott (‘15), both alumni, are returning to SMUS not just as educators, but as individuals who have lived the SMUS experience firsthand. Their journeys are unique, yet they share a common excitement for contributing to the school that shaped them. Here they share their memories as students and their hopes for their new roles as teachers.
A lifelong journey with SMUS
For Mr. Cook, SMUS is more than just a school — it’s been a lifelong home.
“I started in Kindergarten and went all the way through to Grade 12,” he said. “After that, I immediately began coaching at the school and working in the outdoor education department, leading trips. Before that, I lived in boarding when my parents were house parents. So between the ages of one to five, I lived in residence. I’ve been here my whole life.”
Mr. Cook's deep-rooted connection to SMUS gives him a unique perspective as he transitions from student to teacher.
Mr. Wilmott's journey is a bit different, though equally rich.
“I came in Grade 5 and stayed through Grade 12, graduating nine years ago,” he said. “After graduation, I explored various experiences, including spending time overseas. This is my first time back at SMUS in a long while. I’m really excited to see the school from a different perspective, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet new ones.”
Excitement for the future
Returning to SMUS as teachers, both Mr. Cook and Mr. Wilmott are eager to build on the strong sense of community they experienced as students.
“I think just reestablishing those connections with former teachers and now some new faculty, as well as building up such a community. The sense of community was one of my favourite things as a student here,” Cook said. “Now I can be a part of that as a faculty member, which is pretty exciting.”
Mr. Wilmott echoed this sentiment.
“I think it’s really exciting to be able to contribute to students’ experiences and try to build an experience for somebody similar to what I had,” he said. “Being a positive influence, like my teachers were for me, is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Advice for current students
When asked what advice they would offer to current SMUS students, Mr. Cook and Mr. Wilmott drew from their own experiences.
“Don’t be afraid to try a bunch of different things,” Cook said. “There is no harm in trying something, and if you don’t like it that first week, you don’t have to do it again. But try things, and you’ll find something you love at this school.”
Mr. Wilmott's advice is a bit more reflective.
“Mine is a little more cliché, but I would say ‘your teachers are probably right,’” he said. “The advice they give you is genuine, and they have your best interests at heart, so listen to them. And like John said, take the opportunities that come your way in different areas of your young life. Take advice and run with it.”
As both step into their new roles, their journey from students to teachers at SMUS serves as an inspiring example of how the school’s influence continues to shape lives long after graduation. Their enthusiasm for giving back to the community that nurtured them is sure to make a lasting impact on the next generation of SMUS students.
