Meadowridge Student Since: Junior Kindergarten
House: Alouette House

Describe your Meadowridge journey.

I joined Meadowridge in Junior Kindergarten, and one of my earliest memories is being totally confused at Halloween that first year—everyone looked so strange in their costumes! That’s still a core memory for me. The shift from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Middle Years Programme (MYP) was smooth, but the transition from MYP to the Diploma Programme (DP) was a big change. Everything felt new, but I actually liked that. I got really involved in fencing, both at school and outside of it. I made it to provincials and nationals, and I coached younger students for a few years too. I first joined fencing because of my brother—I looked up to him and knew I wanted to join when I got to Grade 4. I was also active in robotics as both a builder and a driver, and our team made it to provincials twice.

When you think back to who you were when you started here, what feels most different now?

In some ways, I feel like I’m still the same person, but the environment around me has changed a lot. Over the years, I’ve seen friends come and go, since I’ve been here for so long.

What’s something you believe now that you didn’t before attending this school?

I see my teachers differently now. I used to think of them just as people who taught me, but now I see them as mentors, there to guide and support me. Back in the MYP, I rarely asked teachers to look over my work or for extra help if I didn’t understand something. Over the past few years, though, I’ve changed: now I consistently ask questions and seek support, like having my papers reviewed, especially during the Extended Essay (EE). Having mentors helped me understand topics better, and that support made a real difference in my success.

Can you describe a moment that changed how you see yourself as a learner or person?

The biggest shift for me was going from Grade 9 to Grade 10. In Grade 9, I wasn’t the best student, but in Grade 10, I learned to put in more effort and review my work. Before, I’d just finish a paper and submit it, but in Grade 10, I started going back to re-read and see what was missing, really thinking things through. I used to think you were either good or bad at a subject, but once I started putting in effort, I realized you can always improve and really solidify your understanding. 

What’s one class, project, or experience that really stayed with you—and why?

I really enjoyed the Personal Project—I created a 2D video game and learned how to code in C-Sharp. It was a really fun process because I had the freedom to do anything that interested me. Another example was in Grade 9, when I built a remote-control car for my design project. Both projects gave me a lot of personal freedom and a reason to dive deeper into my interests.

When did you feel most challenged here? What did you take from that experience?

One of the most challenging moments for me was in Grade 12, when I had to finish all my Internal Assessments (IAs). Before then, I’d never pulled an all-nighter, but that changed as things got really stressful with my workload. Managing my time became crucial. Honestly, I even enjoyed some of those late nights—I used them as an excuse to watch Formula 1 Racing, since the Grand Prix was at four in the morning our time. Watching something fun helped me get through the Extended Essay (EE) and IA process. I actually look forward to more all-nighters in university!

What skills do you feel you’re leaving with that will actually matter in your next chapter?

I’m leaving with a strong sense of independence. In the DP, it’s really up to you to succeed, especially during personal learning projects. I’ve developed a sense of urgency and learned how to manage my time well. I don’t like to waste my days.

As you move on to your next chapter, what are you most proud of?

One of my proudest accomplishments is earning the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I completed Bronze and Silver, and even though I didn’t go for Gold, I still joined the qualifying journey just for the hike. Those trips were tough, but they taught me a lot about camping, accommodating others, and working with friends. There was a lot of preparation involved! My Extended Essay was also a really rewarding experience.

What’s something you learned here that you didn’t expect to?

Going through the university application process, I learned how to present myself, and that’s a really important life skill. Writing the essays was actually fun because it gave me a chance to reflect on who I am, show my personality, and explore my identity.

When did you feel most connected to the school community?

I felt most connected to the school community when I was volunteering—whether it was as a fencing coach or helping with the middle school farmers market. The farmers market really stood out because it benefitted both our school and the local community. I also felt that sense of connection when performing in middle school concerts.

How would you describe the community here to someone who’s never experienced it?

It’s a very tight-knit community. Everyone knows everyone, which really influences how people treat each other: there’s more empathy, and you can join any conversation without it ever feeling awkward. 

What are you doing next, and what excites you about it?

I’m heading to the University of Washington to study Engineering. I’ll be undeclared in my first year and am still deciding between aerospace or mechanical engineering. It’s far enough to feel like I’m away from home, but still a short drive if I need to come back. I’m really excited to join clubs there. I’ve talked to lots of people who found great internships through clubs.

Why did you choose this path?

I’ve always been interested in space. Back in Grade 1, I wanted to be an astronaut but eventually realized that might be a bit out of reach, so I pivoted to aerospace engineering. Space still fascinates me, and it’s one of my favourite movie genres too. 

What does graduating from Meadowridge mean to you?

Graduating from Meadowridge means leaving a community I’ve been part of for 14 years—most of my life, since I’m only 17. It’s a big step.