School & Program
Simon Fraser University, Political Science

Meadowridge Student Since
Grade 3

Born in
Isle of Man

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I usually like to waste my time on the computer playing video games. I exercise too, whether in the gym or playing basketball. I also like to go for drives and get snacks—savoury things, snacks like chips and burritos (burritos are a snack for me). I like to watch a lot of movies, and I read the news every day. In Grade 10, Mr. Lockhart told us to read the news as it would not only benefit us but also get us better grades. Ever since then, one of the first things I do when I wake up is read the news.

How did you first find yourself at Meadowridge?

My mom got a job here before I came to the school. I was attending a nearby public school when she offered me the chance to move to this school. I said “sure!” and have been here ever since. I can remember those early days, even some of my first days here. Before I came in Grade 3, I met Daniel [Wood ‘22] because I came to a movie night the Grade 2 students were hosting for charity. He took me to get some popcorn. On my first day at the school, I remember hanging out with the people I had met during my introduction day. It was a nice transition, coming to Meadowridge.

The difference between Meadowridge and most schools is that it is a family—it’s not like other schools. I’ll for sure just miss the friendships that I’ve made here. At Meadowridge, people go to great lengths to help you out.

Tell us about your year ahead.

I’ll be attending Simon Fraser University. In between classes, I’ll be working part-time. For my first year, that’s my focus. Maybe in second year, I’ll move into a dorm or an apartment or even a cardboard box. For now, though, I’ll be keeping busy and staying to myself. I’ll be living at home, so will spend time trying to coordinate my schedule while still trying to see my parents and have a social life. I’ll definitely keep going to the gym, maybe join a group that plays basketball or badminton, and I wouldn’t even mind joining a chess club.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead?

I’m excited about the possibilities that will come up. Being at Meadowridge, it creates a bit of a bubble. I look forward to a new environment with new opportunities and seeing what I’m capable of. I’m looking forward to the lifestyle, or “finding myself” I guess you could say. There will be different job opportunities, new people, and lots of connections… all good things that will set me up for later in life. I look forward to working with professors who have a world of experience.

What will you miss most as you move onto the next chapter?

When you start school, Grade 12 is what you’re working towards. When it’s over, you’re left thinking, “what’s next?”. The reality is, it’s up to you. You’re what’s next. That’s what I’ll miss—the structured lifestyle of school. You only get to be a kid once. I seriously miss already being in the classroom, having the people I’ve known for years and the teachers. For the first 17 years of your life, you spend 90% of your time with your parents. I drive to school with my mom every day, I greet my dad every day when he comes home, and I text my sister… occasionally. Those things won’t happen as much when I go to school. I’ll miss that.

The difference between Meadowridge and most schools is that it is a family—it’s not like other schools. I’ll for sure just miss the friendships that I’ve made here. At Meadowridge, people go to great lengths to help you out. Not even just with homework or exams. There are teachers here who I consider very close to me. I’ve spoken to them, asked for their advice, and talked to them about difficult stuff. We advertise the community, but we don’t advertise the true extent to just how nice people are and how willing they are to help.

Favourite Meadowridge Memory.

I was asked this by my post-secondary counsellor. I said it was when I was in Grade 4 or 5 when a student pulled the fire alarm and I got to spend some time outside. But my actual favourite memory? I suppose the Meadowridge Track Meets as a kid. I really enjoyed them. One, they were a day off of regular classes. Second, it was a day to be competitive against classmates. It was just a really nice day. When you go each year, it gives you a sense of how time moves along. You keep going and, each year, the kids become younger and younger until all of a sudden you’re in Grade 7 and don’t go anymore. I just have fond memories from those days.

Making the most out of Meadowridge – what wisdom can you pass on?

Everyone should take some time to realize how privileged they are to be here and for the opportunities they’ve been given. As a Grade 12 student, if I was given a wish, I’d say to go back in time and be in Grade 3. Don’t waste your opportunities; make sure you do the right thing the first time and you won’t regret it. When you say, “this sucks,” well, I’m telling you now, it could be worse. Don’t get caught up in the small stuff. There are bigger problems in the world, and I’m sure you have bigger problems to worry about. Also, be sure to ask for help before it’s too late.