After joining Meadowridge midway through Grade 10, there was no looking back for JR Zhang ’17. During his two and a half years at the school, the support that he received from teachers, staff, and counsellors is his fondest memory. “They all went above and beyond. I still remember the day I sat with Mrs. Just to go over my university applications. We were there for two to three hours perfecting my essays before I submitted my applications,” JR reflects. Where has life taken him since? We sat down with JR to learn all about life after Meadowridge.
After Meadowridge, where did you study? What did you take and how did you decide on this career path?
I attended Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto to complete their Finance & Economics Specialist program. My interest in commerce was sparked after analyzing profits and losses for companies during a Business Internal Assessment (IA) I completed in Grade 12.
Where are you currently working? Tell us about it.
I am a Supervisor in Investor Settlements at First National Financial LP – Canada’s largest non-bank lender in both residential and commercial mortgages. I prepare Investor Settlement Reports while building and maintaining meaningful relationships with clients and investors. All our tasks are daily which means we are always under tight timelines throughout the day. However, once the clock hits 5:00pm, you can turn your brain off and not worry about work anymore. The satisfaction of completing everything before 5:00pm is the most enjoyable part while the tight timelines is the most challenging.
“They all went above and beyond. I still remember the day I sat with Mrs. Just to go over my university applications. We were there for two to three hours perfecting my essays before I submitted my applications,”
- JR Zhang ‘17
What’s something surprising no one would think you do in your current role?
I am currently acting as the Hiring Manager for my team. I have been through countless interviews, whether it was for university applications or jobs, and I remember being nervous in every single one of them. Now, sitting on the other side of the desk is full circle. It truly gives you a deep and interesting feeling being the one to ask the questions.
How did your education at Meadowridge prepare you for your future?
IB gives you a taste of university courses and gives you a head start preparing for these courses.
What advice do you have for this year’s graduates who are preparing for life after graduation?
Enjoy your university years; they will be your most memorable years in life.