Ms. Dionne Young

Front Office
Joined Meadowridge in 2014 
 

What brought you to Meadowridge?
My friend found the job posting and encouraged me to apply. She said it was the perfect fit for me. I looked up the school, read through the website, and was impressed, but I thought, I don’t think they’ll hire me! But my friend convinced me. She’s my biggest motivator! I applied, was interviewed, and here I am ten years later. I immediately liked the school; everyone was kind, and the students were respectful. It did not take me long to see that.

What does a typical day look like for you?
It’s different every day. From the minute I get in until the end of the day, I play various roles at the school, from caregiver and problem solver to organizer and listener. Every day, every need and request is different. I leave tired but fulfilled.

My goal is to make a difference for one person every day. If that’s giving a tissue to someone crying or helping answer questions for a parent, I’m happy to have helped. When I start my day, I organize the office and the mailroom and prepare for students and staff to arrive. Then, it’s greeting everyone as they come in, in between all of the administrative tasks there are to do. After that, it’s submitting attendance, checking in, answering calls, and supporting everyone with every need. I come in every morning, and the next thing I know, I’m packing up and saying goodbye. It’s been like this since day one ten years ago.

What are the best parts of your job?
The students and families. I would never give up that part of my job—I love working with our community! Recently, I’ve been able to get more involved and go on field trips. The more I can engage with students on the other side of the desk, the more exciting my day will be. I also like that our school has students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. In two years, I’ll see students graduating who were in kindergarten when I started. To me, that’s amazing. I love seeing all the different things each grade brings. I like the middle school, where students are just figuring themselves out, and the high school, where I hear about what they have planned and where they are headed next. In elementary, I love their personalities and seeing them learn and grow. That’s the greatest.

What’s your favourite Meadowridge tradition?
Morning greetings. Being able to wish every single student a great day every morning means something. I get a chance to do morning greetings about once a week. Last year, I greeted middle and high school students, but this year, I’m over in elementary school. I love saying hello to students and parents as they start their day. I also like Spirit Days. They are fun, high energy, and a little bit competitive. Go Whonnock!

What would surprise us about your position?
The close relationships I build. I think that would surprise people. I get a lot of cards—I’m a card keeper!—and I go back and read them. The cards say so much about who each person is. I keep every single card I receive, and each one brings back so many memories. Whether it’s with staff, students, or families, I enjoy every relationship I can build.

One person you would like to sit down with.
My grandparents. I was never able to have a relationship with my grandparents since all but one had passed away before I was born, and my last grandparent passed when I was only three. Growing up, I watched others and the relationships they formed with their grandparents, and I wish I had that same experience. I would love to talk with my grandparents and hear more about their and my parents life journeys. Being a grandmother myself is such a valuable experience because I know what it was like to not have them. I would love to talk with my grandparents, learn about my parents, and hear their own memories and stories.

Favourite Meadowridge memory.
The Class of 2021 Convocation Ceremony. While every convocation is an important and emotional time, the Class of 2021 ceremony was our first during the pandemic. It was such a surreal time, and I was floored by what the school could still put together for our Grade 12 students. It really touched my heart and made me cry. Of course, I knew it was not the ideal way for them to graduate, but I still was so impressed.  

Spring or fall?
Fall. I see the changing leaves on trees and flowers where I sit at the school. I love walking through the North Forest and seeing the changing leaves. In the mornings when it’s icy—yes, that’s still fall!—then I know a sunny afternoon is to come. For me, fall is also a time of reflection, of looking back and seeing and remembering how the year looked.

Favourite meal?
Alaskan King Crab. Steamed in butter and garlic, what else do you need?! No sides. Just crab. When I went to Alaska, that’s all I ate. It was hands-down the best meal. Of course, it has to be prepared just the right way and eaten straight away.

Best way to spend the day?
With my grandkids and daughters. As a grandparent, I can re-live all of the things I did with my daughters again. I loved when my kids were growing up, and I missed those days as they got older. Doing it the second time? That’s even better—and I’m more seasoned! My grandkids are three and eight, so you get those toddler years and a bit older, and it’s just the best. We go to the beach, the farm, the park… every day is a good day.