Meadowridge Student Since: Student Since Kindergarten
House: Alouette House

Describe your Meadowridge journey.

I definitely had a core group of friends from Kindergarten to Grade 3—the lifer’s group! After moving away for a few years, I came back to find the school much more diverse. There were so many new people to form friendships with, but the school was still small enough to create strong bonds. I've been very involved in sports here, and the small size meant I got to join teams I might not have tried elsewhere. I did cross country, track and field, volleyball, basketball, swim team, and running. The teachers have also played a big part in my experience.

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

When I came back, I was amazed by how many new buildings there were. Even now, I sometimes take my friends down to where we used to have our elementary classes. So much has changed! We also had plenty of sports teams and coaches. I've had great experiences with teacher-coaches, and there's something special about having them both teach you in the  classroom and coach you outside of it.

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

It's okay to make mistakes—you have to make them to learn. When I went to school in the UK, we lived on a small island, and I would get behaviour points for speaking out loud—even sent to the office. So, when I came back, I was a much quieter kid, but now I’m definitely more vocal. Meadowridge has taught me that. Teachers here aren’t afraid to call you out, and it’s really hard to get perfect marks. But you learn how to improve and get helpful feedback. Meadowridge is a great environment where you feel comfortable speaking up and sharing your thoughts.

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

Joining volleyball. It was my first time playing, and honestly, I was terrible at the start! But I was already athletic, so the skills came with time. Eventually, I got to play up with the senior team, and that experience shaped me so much. I always looked up to the older players, so I didn’t say much—just watched, listened, and learned from them. I was in awe of how good the girls were. The way they treated each other with so much respect really shaped me as both a player and a person.

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

When we canoed up Indian Arm for our Week Without Walls (WWOW) trip, none of us were good at cooking with a gas stove, so everything we made turned out either burnt or raw. I don’t usually make dinner—my parents do—so cooking for a two-night trip was definitely a new experience. I really appreciate that we get to go on these trips, because you pick up so many skills you might not learn otherwise. I learned how to cook, wash dishes, and even how to make a volleyball net using a tarp. 

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

I think moving from Grade 10 to Grade 11 was the most challenging experience I’ve ever had. The classes got harder, and the workload was a big jump. I’ve never been one to study a lot—I always managed to get good grades. But in Grade 11, my grades dropped, and I really had to learn how to manage my time between practices and everything else. I was that person on my club team with my laptop out on travel days, trying to catch up. It took a lot of effort and planning, but I actually found the work more interesting, and it made me look deeper, work harder, and ultimately get better grades by putting in the time and care.

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

Time management is a big one. I was really good at procrastinating in Grade 11, but then I had to learn to focus. I even downloaded time management apps on my phone and learned how to do research before starting a paper. That’s also something I picked up from the IB—how to conduct proper initial research for essays and lab reports. It definitely helps when writing the final version! 

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

Finishing the Diploma Programme (DP). Every one of my teachers told me to consider Course because I was so involved in sports. But I was determined to push through and get the diploma. It was really fulfilling, especially since not many people believed I would do it. I don’t like when people tell me what I can’t do. I’m undersized, so people assume I shouldn’t be good at volleyball. And because I’m athletic, maybe I wasn’t supposed to complete the DP. But I got university offers from a Division One school—proving people wrong is something I strive for!

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

You can learn facts and information anywhere. For me, what I really learned here was the importance of building culture and lifelong friendships. The biggest thing Meadowridge taught me was how to work with others. In Grade 10, I used to do the work myself and didn’t really trust anyone else. But we all reached a point where we started working together, learning, and sharing ideas. Meadowridge taught me to be more open and well-rounded.

When did you feel most connected to the school community?

The Kinderbuddy program! I still have photos with my Grade 12 buddy—she actually reached out to me recently and is coming to my graduation ceremony. I remember being in Kindergarten and looking up to my buddies, and now that I’m the older buddy, I always try to remember what it means to be looked up to. I try to teach the younger students to treat others kindly and show respect—the same things my buddies taught me. 

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

It’s a well-rounded and open community. I really like how everyone is on the same page. We have such a strong bond with each other. You can walk up to anyone in your grade—or even in a younger grade—and still feel comfortable. As a grad class, we did so much together and really showed a sense of openness. The teachers have always modeled that, and they’re always welcoming. 

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

I’m studying Biomedical Science at York University and hope to become a doctor. I’m also playing volleyball. I’m excited to get involved in school, meet the girls on my team, and build the same kind of bonds with them that I’ve had here.

Why did you choose this path?

Sports have always been such an important part of my life. I’ve always been encouraged to do everything well, and sports is something I know I’ll always have. Choosing to do both sports and study biomedical will give me a balance that’s important to me and open up new opportunities, too. 

What does graduating from Meadowridge mean to you?

It means heading onto a new path. I’ve been in the same place for so many years—at Meadowridge for ten! I’m excited to start fresh, take on a new experience, and feel like I have a really strong foundation as I go.