Meadowridge Student Since: Since Grade 8
House: Kanaka House

Describe your Meadowridge journey.

I joined Meadowridge in Grade 8, but it wasn’t until high school that I started getting involved. Coming from a much smaller school, my first year was all about adjusting. Once I settled in, I joined Student Council—first as a member at large, then later as head of the Service Committee. I noticed we had lots of fun events, but I wanted to give back, work with charities, and make our service more intentional. Last fall, I organized a food drive, and we were able to send a substantial amount of canned goods to our local food bank. In Grade 11, I joined Robotics, focusing on social media and promotion, and I also coached FLL Robotics. It’s been an incredibly supportive community. I still remember my first day; people came up to talk to me and genuinely wanted to get to know me. When others invited me to sit at their table, it eased all my anxieties. That’s when I knew I had found my place.

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

Now, I feel confident sharing my voice and opinions. Over the years, I built up my confidence by exploring different activities. Through CAS Clubs, I tried all kinds of things, discovered my interests and strengths, and found new opportunities. Looking back at myself in Grade 8, I was always worried I would say the wrong thing. Now, that anxiety is mostly gone—I participate in public speaking and take on leadership roles in Council. 

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

I’ve learned that it’s okay to make mistakes and fail. Before, I used to limit myself, thinking, “I’m good at this, so I’ll stick to it.” But at Meadowridge, the mandatory activities push you to branch out and try new things. I realized that even if you fail, the experience is still rewarding. For example, through my personal project—where I created a website to teach children about immigration—I not only learned about my own identity and my family’s experiences but also faced many challenges and made mistakes along the way. Reflecting on those moments and presenting something so personal was incredibly rewarding. 

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

Completing my Internal Assessments (IAs) made me see myself as a true learner. I especially think about my Chemistry IA—it took five tries before my lab finally worked. I swapped out sensors, changed concentrations, and kept troubleshooting. No matter how many times I failed or how many mistakes I made in my methods, I approached each setback with patience and found creative solutions. Looking back, I realize how much I persevered and how committed I was to learn, even when things got tough. 

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

Completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award stands out as a defining experience. In Grade 9, we all went on the trip and started with Bronze, but afterward, a few friends and I decided to pursue Silver. We organized the trip ourselves, planning meals, packing, carrying, and cooking all our own food. As we progressed, the routes and goals became more challenging, but it was so enjoyable. We pushed ourselves to our limits and did things I never thought I would. That experience really shaped me. I genuinely loved camping, hiking, and being outdoors and disconnected. Through school and all these adventures, I discovered interests I truly love and want to keep pursuing.

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

I felt most challenged during my Extended Essay. On its own, the project might seem manageable, but when combined with the rest of the Diploma Programme (DP), it made for an intense few months. Balancing the Extended Essay with IAs, CAS, and everything else taught me a lot about time management and organization.

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

Research skills are something I’m definitely taking with me. Throughout the DP, I learned how to evaluate sources, find academic material, and synthesize information to create new ideas; these are skills I know will be valuable. I plan to go into psychology, especially the research side, so it all feels very transferable. I’ve also learned to persevere under pressure. The program pushed me to my limits, and I grew a lot because of it. Also, throughout the IB, reflection becomes second nature.

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

I’m proud of what I’ve built for myself here—the friends I’ve made, the projects I’ve completed, the food drive we ran. There’s so much I’ve accomplished at Meadowridge that I don’t think I would have done, or even had the chance to do, at another school.

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

I learned so much about nature and being outdoors. Many of our subjects incorporated outdoor experiences—we did labs outside, tied knots, built fires, cooked our own food, and learned how to pack thoughtfully. In Theory of Knowledge, we explored Indigenous connections to the land. I picked up so many real-world skills I didn’t expect to.

When did you feel most connected to the school community?

I felt most connected during the Tofino Week Without Walls trip in Grade 10. It was all about bonding with my classmates—enjoying the beach, looking out at the ocean, and camping together. We played football, surfed, built sandcastles, and just connected. I still remember late nights chatting around the fire; it was a powerful reminder of how much I appreciate the people around me.

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

It’s welcoming in every sense. We’re all integrated and interconnected here. Whether it’s through Council, Kinderbuddies, or leading CAS Clubs, you connect not just with your own grade but also with younger students.

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

I’m enrolling at Western for the Social Sciences with the Scholar's Electives program. I hope to pursue research and become a counsellor. I love helping people and having meaningful conversations. I’m excited for what’s ahead. 

Why did you choose this path?

I’ve always loved talking to people and hearing their stories. I volunteered through VolunTEEN and spent time with seniors, and I interviewed people about their immigration experiences for my personal project. Through all of this, I discovered how much I enjoy listening to and understanding others—it’s what I want to do.

What does graduating from Meadowridge mean to you?

Graduating from Meadowridge means I’ve accomplished something truly meaningful. Reflecting on my experience, I’m amazed at everything I’ve been able to do. As I move on to university, I’m grateful for all I’ve learned about myself and everything I’ve gained here.