Meadowridge Student Since: Grade 6
House: Kanaka

Describe your Meadowridge journey.

My Meadowridge journey has been a steep learning curve, and it’s something you must build resilience through. Because the IB Programme is so demanding in every aspect, you learn how to push yourself beyond your limits and grow through the challenges you face.

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

Back in Grade 6, I was clueless. I didn’t really know who I was as a person. Meadowridge has kept me on my toes. It has emotionally and mentally toughened me in many ways.

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

Prioritizing your health and well-being first. Before, I thought everything was just about studies, academics, and scoring well. But once you go through a program that’s so demanding, you realize that to succeed, you need to take care of yourself, too.

Doing extracurriculars, spending time on things I enjoy, and surrounding myself with good people helped me maintain a positive environment.

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

When I received my Grade 12 tie during the ceremony. Walking across the stage, hearing my name announced, and realizing how long I had been at Meadowridge really hit me. It dawned on me that this was my final year, and the point where I needed to be proactive, stay focused, and be ready to give my absolute best.

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

The Extended Essay. Even though I was a course student, I still completed a Biology EE. It involved a lot of trial and error. I rewrote it multiple times and changed my topic several times before settling on one I truly cared about: the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and high sugar consumption.

Toward the end, I was under a major time crunch and ended up completing a 4,000-word essay in a week. It was stressful, but I was proud of the result and of having pushed through something so challenging.

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

The transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 in the MYP. In Grade 8, I had finally figured out what was expected of me academically, but Grade 9 shifted everything again. The coursework became more complex, and teachers expected a deeper level of thinking.

That experience taught me adaptability and perseverance.

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

Critical analysis, communication, perseverance, and the ability to take risks.

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

I’m proud that I put genuine effort and enthusiasm into my education for myself and for my future. I’m proud of everything I’ve learned and the knowledge I’m taking with me into the next stage of my life.

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

That mental health really matters. Having a healthy mindset, being kind to yourself, and maintaining balance in your life are all important parts of succeeding.

When did you feel most connected to the school community?

Spirit Days. That’s when everybody comes together and supports one another. Everyone in the same house is cheering each other on, and there’s such a positive atmosphere across the whole school.

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

People are there for each other. You’ll always have a shoulder to lean on when you need it.

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

I’ll be moving to Rome to attend Saint Camillus University of Health Sciences for medical school.

Direct-entry medicine has always been the goal I’ve worked toward. I was accepted into several great Canadian universities, but getting into medical school felt incredibly rewarding because it’s something I truly set my mind to achieving. Right now, I’m especially interested in psychiatry and neurosurgery.

Why did you choose this path?

Medicine is something I’ve always been passionate about. My mom is a doctor, so I grew up inspired by her work and by the idea of helping people.

My interest in psychiatry especially comes from what I learned during my time here. Meadowridge taught me how important mental health is and how many people struggle silently. I want to become someone people can turn to for support and guidance.

What does graduating from Meadowridge mean to you?

This is the school I’ve spent the longest time at and where I’ve built lifelong relationships. Meadowridge gave me an accepting community that helped me through both the highs and lows.

One thing my mom always told me during IB and exam season was:

“Naysa, if you want your tea to be sweet, you must put in sugar. The tea can never become salty if you put in the sugar.”

That quote stayed with me throughout the Diploma Programme. If you put in the effort, you will achieve your goals. There’s no way to truly work hard toward something and not grow from it.