Meadowridge Student Since: Student Since Grade 9
House: Fraser House

Describe your Meadowridge journey.

When I first started, I immediately noticed it was a great environment. Because it’s such a small community, it felt really different from my previous schools—but in the best way. It was easier to get to know people, and the teachers here have been super supportive and actually remember you. Being at Meadowridge has let me dive deeper into my passions. I played on the school soccer team from Grade 9 to 12, joined Robotics, and completed my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I really enjoyed my Extended Essay (EE), the Personal Project, and my Internal Assessments (IAs)—those let me explore topics I was genuinely interested in, beyond just the course material.

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

I feel like I’ve matured a lot and I’m definitely an easier person to talk to now. I’ve also grown in how I approach my work—I’m a much better worker than when I first started. I’ve really figured out what my strengths are and how to use them. I’ve learned a lot about learning itself, too. The IB is so much more than just passing exams or memorizing facts.

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

I really believe now that hard work matters more than talent. Before, I thought I could coast through things just based on talent or what I already knew. Meadowridge taught me you have to put in the effort, no matter what you’re doing. That lesson especially helped me this year and let me grow in all sorts of ways. For example, Mr. Jackson chose me as co-captain of the senior soccer team. I could’ve just relied on my knowledge of the game and given some advice here and there, but I decided to step up as a leader. I made a real effort to get to know the other players and help them personally, and that really paid off. I think I made a difference for a lot of people because of that.

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

It’s tough to pick just one moment, but I’d say the first term of Grade 12 was really formative. I struggled a lot in those first two months—even though I kept my grades up and probably looked fine from the outside, I was actually pretty stressed. I became a lot more disciplined and changed my outlook on how I worked. I started to take things more seriously, and that helped me a lot. I realized I couldn’t just coast through the term; the stress would pile up like a debt that kept growing. That experience taught me to manage my time better, and it’s kept me motivated ever since.

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

Definitely my EE. I spent more time on it than any other project I’ve ever done—way more than they say you should! I went through three different topics over the timeline and basically rewrote it three times. Plus, there were hours and hours of research. In the end, I was able to do some complex research and found results I haven’t seen anywhere else. I knew I had to fully understand everything, otherwise I couldn’t explain it myself. It showed me that what I do can actually matter. Before that, any test or project was just repeating information—I never made anything “new” before. The concepts weren’t new, but the results and data I discovered were. I was really proud of that. It gave me confidence to keep pursuing this kind of research and learning into university and beyond.

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

The start of the Diploma Programme was the most challenging. I’d always done well in English, but that year I got the lowest mark I’ve ever had at school. It really shocked me and freaked me out a bit. I decided to buckle down and work hard. Meadowridge taught me what hard work actually is.

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

Critical thought has always been my strength, but since being here it’s gotten way better—especially in DP classes and through my IAs. I’ve also learned the value of hard work and teamwork. Before, I had an “I’ll do it myself” mentality, but now I see the power of reaching out to teachers and friends for help. That will really help at university and in my career. When I was applying to schools and scholarships, I could’ve just done it myself, but I realized how much better my applications were when my counsellor or my dad looked them over. That obviously paid off, because of the scholarship I earned.

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

I’m proud of the impact I’ve had on people here. When I walk around the school, I see people I know, and they know me. When I leave Meadowridge, people won’t remember my IAs or my EE topic, but they’ll remember me. It feels important to have left a positive mark on the school.

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

Social skills. When I first came to Meadowridge, I was a bit worried because it’s such a small school. I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to get to know anyone. But that hasn’t been the case at all. With friends and teachers here, I’ve developed stronger social skills than I ever would have in a larger community.

When did you feel most connected to the school community?

I felt most connected during the Week Without Walls (WWOW) trips. Tofino in Grade 10 was especially memorable. By the end of that trip, I really knew my classmates and teachers, and it let me connect with everyone in a real way—especially on the beach at sunset. In Grade 9, I felt a bit like an outsider, but by Grade 10 I truly belonged.

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

It’s supportive. Most people would say it’s tight-knit, which is true, but what stands out most is how supportive it is. People here lift you up—they never bring you down.

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

I’m studying computer science at the University of Toronto St. George campus. What excites me most is the freedom I’ll have—I’ll be living on campus, so I can study and meet new people. There are so many academic opportunities. It feels great to be able to study what I’m interested in. I’ve been looking at the course list and there are over 4,000 courses available!

Why did you choose this path?

I don’t think there was much of a choice for me—since I was 10, everything has led me to this. I started coding early on and never looked back. I created projects that were actually useful for people, like a progress utility bar for monitoring stock portfolios. I did a summer internship where I helped improve fall detection rates using my own software. I joined Robotics as soon as I came to Meadowridge, and that really reinforced my interests.

What does graduating from Meadowridge mean to you?

It means all the experiences I’ve had and all the effort I put in were worth it. It’s definitely bittersweet to move on, but I’m happy about what’s next, and I’ll always remember Meadowridge.

Drake Wiggins has been offered the $100,000 Schulich Scholarship from the University of Toronto to study Computer Science. This scholarship is among the most prestigious in Canada, and it is offered to only 100 students (50 in engineering and 50 in math and science).