School & Program
University of Victoria or Western University, Commerce

Meadowridge Student Since
Kindergarten

Born in
Maple Ridge, BC

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m pretty athletic. I’ve played hockey my whole life and lacrosse since I was nine or ten. I ski every winter and golf every summer. Other than athletics, I’m involved at school. For my CAS Project, we did a clothing drive and sent half of the clothes to the Dominican Republic and the other half we handed out on the downtown east side. It was right before the cold weather hit, and it was great to see people’s faces light up when we handed them coats and sweaters. Mostly, I spend my time with sports, studying, or hanging out with friends whenever I can. I’m an only child with four step-siblings—that’s kind of a fun fact. I’m really close with my family. My grandfather is my role model. He started his own business from the ground up and has run it ever since. He also taught me how to play golf and he watched all my hockey and lacrosse games. He even watched my soccer games even though he hates it. He taught me all the values that also rubbed off on me during my time at Meadowridge.

How did you first find yourself at Meadowridge?

My mom taught here, so she saw Meadowridge for what it was. The hard work, the values, the care… she wanted what she was teaching other kids for me. I did have the option to transfer schools in Grade 9 or 10, but decided to stay here since I knew I couldn’t get a better education than this. I don’t personally remember my first day, but my dad still remembers when I walked up to another student who was crying and helped calm him down. Some of my earliest memories are from the buddy programs. I still remember my Grade 12 buddy and, now, being a Grade 12 buddy myself, it’s kind of like déjà vu, going on to the front field and playground and all that. It was nice to go full circle, but also knowing the impact—based on my own experience—I could make. Actually, my kinderbuddy’s teacher is Miss Warner, who was my own Kindergarten teacher.

Our grade is pretty close and nobody has to put on an act and can just be themselves. I'll miss that. We always had something to bond over, whether it was sports or skiing or academics, but there were a lot always a lot of different perspectives too.

Tell us about your year ahead.

I’m going into business with a focus on finance. I’m excited to live in residence because I’ve had a pretty sheltered life. I’m probably going to play intramural basketball, lacrosse, and hockey if they have them. I need to play something! As far as clubs, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do, but it’ll be nice to find people with the same business-minded intentions. I know moving away will take some adapting, but I’m excited about it all the same.

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

I’m excited for a change of scenery. I’ve grown up with the same people my whole life. It’ll be nice to break out of my shell and have a new social environment. I’m excited to be studying something I’m more passionate about—that’s a big one.

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

Probably the security, knowing that I’m walking in here every day and get to see the same teachers I’ve seen my whole life. It’s necessary to step out, but it’s scary to think about. I’m going to miss the pressure from the teachers who are always on my back, but in a good way, and am grateful for what they helped me accomplish. Our grade is pretty close and nobody has to put on an act and can just be themselves. I'll miss that. We always had something to bond over, whether it was sports or skiing or academics, but there were a lot always a lot of different perspectives too.

Favourite Meadowridge Memory.

The miserable trip up the Indian Arm. There was a downpour of rain and there was a ton of water in the canoe, but it was still a nice trip that helped us bond and brought our grade closer. Even though most of us hang out outside of school, it was nice to have the whole group there to do activities and be together.

I’ll miss the everyday stuff too. There’s just so much over the past 13 years so it’s hard to nail down on something specific. Oh! I’ll remember our trip to Victoria. My partner and I weren’t listening to the instructor and we flipped a sailboat and fell into the water. We were soaking wet for the rest of the day but we were able to laugh and did alright in the end.

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

Appreciate your teachers. They really are here to help us. They have lunchtime opportunities, so go see them. They’ll help you out more than you’ll know. The counsellors are probably the best thing. Without them, I’m not even sure where I’d be. They deserve a medal. Mrs. Just helped me with every aspect of the university process. Also, go to events, dances, and all the stuff. It might seem dumb or unimportant at the time but you’ll eventually appreciate them and be glad you didn’t miss them. You only go to high school once, right? Also, if you need help, ask for it. I learned that a little too late, but I did learn it in the end.