When Salem Kakish reflects on his undergraduate journey at the University of Toronto, he doesn’t just see a degree in philosophy—he sees a transformation. A graduating fourth-year philosophy specialist and soon-to-be Oxford law student, Salem’s story is one of intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to community.
Born in Jordan and raised in Toronto, Salem’s path to philosophy wasn’t preordained. At the beginning of his undergraduate studies, only two things were extremely clear: “I knew I wanted to go to law school,” he says, “and I wasn’t good at math.” A glance through the academic calendar led him to philosophy, almost by elimination. But what began as a pragmatic choice quickly became a passion. “I took Jim John’s PHL101, and I think many students can relate when I say that my love for philosophy started growing in that class.”
Salem’s academic interests gravitated toward political and legal philosophy, drawn by the freedom to question foundational structures. “Legal philosophy often feels constrained by existing legal frameworks,” he explains. “Political philosophy, on the other hand, allows you to start from scratch—it’s more creative, more expansive.”
That philosophical lens shaped not only his academic work but also his activism. As the founder of Philosophers for Humanity, Salem sought to bridge the gap between theory and action. “Everything starts with an idea,” he says. “But I wanted to create something in the department that was more action-oriented.” The group blends philosophy with philanthropy, supporting local charities through bake sales, panel discussions, and an annual benefit. In just two years, they’ve grown from a small initiative to a community of nearly 200 students, raising more than $1,000 for local causes.
Salem’s commitment to justice is deeply personal. At 15, while working at McDonald’s, he filed a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal after experiencing workplace misconduct. “I didn’t tell my parents—I just Googled the Human Rights Code, filled out the form, and hit submit.” That experience revealed the law’s transformative potential. “It wasn’t about punishment. It was about realizing that the law shapes our lives—for better or worse.”
This early encounter with legal systems solidified his desire to pursue law, not as a distant ideal, but as a practical tool for change. This fall, he’ll begin his studies at Oxford University, a dream destination rooted in his long-standing love for London. “It’s where I’d like to build a life,” he says with a smile.
Back in Toronto, it’s clear that Salem’s undergraduate experience at U of T did not just revolve around academics and their application to the wider world. He credits U of T’s unique collegiate system—particularly his time at Trinity College—for giving him a sense of belonging. “At first, I was at a larger college,” he says, “and felt isolated as a commuter student. Trinity made me feel part of something. I knew everyone’s face, from the registrar to the students in Strachan Hall.”
Mentorship also played a pivotal role. As both a mentee and later a mentor in the Department of Philosophy’s unique PHL1 Mentorship Program, Salem found a space for meaningful dialogue. “It brought me out of my shell. It taught me how to argue—not in the combative sense, but in the philosophical sense.”
His editorial work with Noēsis, U of T’s undergraduate philosophy journal run by members of the Philosophy Course Union (PCU), further deepened his appreciation for student scholarship. “Reading other students’ work made me a better thinker. It’s not about reshaping the field—it’s about learning to care deeply about your ideas and how you express them.”
Despite his drive and many accomplishments, Salem remains grounded, and he insists he does know how to relax. “Sometimes, the best way to relax is to do nothing,” he says. But when he seeks active renewal, he often does so in nature—hiking, skiing, or simply “touching grass.” These moments, he says, reconnect him to the physical world in a way that’s calming and centering.
Looking back, Salem wishes he had seized more opportunities earlier. “U of T is full of them—you just have to look. I didn’t realize how much mobility this university offers. It’s changed my life in ways I never thought possible.”
For incoming students, his message is clear: “Don’t underestimate what U of T can do for you. It’s not about prestige or connections—it’s about the quality of education and what you do with it. The world really is your oyster.”
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