Student Stories – Alexis (Grade 12)

How have your art classes helped you grow or discover new interests?
In my art classes, our teachers have allowed us to discover new techniques, use different materials and explore our interests. So that’s probably how I discovered how much I liked art and learned about what else I can do apart from just drawing and painting, I could also make 3D art, which eventually lead me to designing clothes and accessories which is one of my passions. The intentional exploration of techniques and materials, guided by the teachers, lead me to reflect on my interests and ultimately applying them to create my own artistic style.

What are some skills you have learned through your classes?
First of all, I was allowed to discover my own techniques and try new methods. I was able to find my own characteristics and style. At first, I focused on painting, but the more I explored during art class, I was able to think, like, oh, it’s not only about painting, I could also use trash to make art. Which lead me to my current style of art, which I would say is more surrealistic. In other words, through my classes at school I was better able to think outside the box, so to speak.

Student Stories – D’Weit (Grade 12)

How has your participation in sports and athletics supported your development?
So in sports, there’s this thing where you gotta keep your grades up, so that you can be able to play, a minimum GPA. I think that also really helps motivate me with my studies. In my freshman year, I thought I wouldn’t have to try hard during class and could just get by with less effort. However, sports forced me to do my homework, and in this way, they kind of forced me to grow up and be more mature, because now I obviously understand that my school work is important. But my original motivation for studying and completing my assignments, was to be able to play sports. It was also kind of nice because my grades also got better with the additional effort. Also, by joining sports, I made new friends. Because yeah, I come from like a different part of the world, and to me, everything was kind of new but also scary. But through sports, I found my people, and that has made a huge difference to me at school and as someone living abroad.

What are some lessons or skills you will take with you as you move into life outside of school?
Definitely grit and teamwork are two things I’ll take with me into my adult life. We used to have a losing streak in soccer, like a lot, but my coaches still pushed me to be better and not give up, and through their support, they made me want to put in more effort and not give up, even though I usually lose motivation like really fast. But the help of my wonderful coaches, made me work harder and prove to them that I also wanted to be part of the team and to show them that I want to be here. This will help me later in life because when I need to do something I don’t really want to do, I’ll still be able to show the grit needed to get it done.