Grade 12 - Reflection - Service - Encounter

I have been on 4 encounters, all of which have had a large impact on my life and helped me see life in a new light. I have learned so much about myself and others through these experiences and I am so happy to have been a part of this program. As a candidate, I was one of the only grade 11's, which was scary at first, but I was able to make a lot of new friendships through this experience since I didn't have any friends to rely on and prevent me from making new relationships. This retreat was so amazing that I decided to come back as a leader in the spring. Encounter XXI was equally as meaningful for me and it was so rewarding to be able to give back to the program. Leading my peers and seeing them change for the better and be affected the same was I was really showed me the value of this program and what it really can do for those who are affected by its magic. After realizing the positive things that can come from giving back to such a valuable program, I decided to join Encounter XXII as an assistant rector last September. This was a very different role, more behind the scenes, but it was a good experience also and what I really gained from this retreat was the knowledge that I wanted something more. That I wasn't done with Encounter and that I really still needed to give back in another way for all it had done for me. I was asked to be rector for the past encounter, XXIV, and this was by far the most rewarding retreat for me. Being able to facilitate a trip from start to finish really taught me a lot about problem solving, organization, people skills, public speaking, and how to lead a group of peers. I was able to give back in the way I so craved, which gave me so much satisfaction knowing I had done all I could for this amazing program. Encounter XXIV taught me so much more than any other encounter because I learned compassion. Most of all, I learned the most about myself of this retreat. I shared more than I had before because I was finally comfortable with the surroundings and that no one would judge me, that everyone cares for me and that the Collingwood community really is that, a community. Encounter has done so much for me and I have done so much to carry on its legacy. I will never forget this experience and I am so glad for everyone that has allowed me and helped me through along the way.

Grade 12 - Reflection - Academics - McGill

This year has been a whirlwind. Grade 12 has flown by, but it has been filled with ups, downs, and exciting times. At the start of the year I knew I had to achieve high grades to get into the schools I wanted to go to. This included University of San Diego at the time, and Western. I knew to get the scholarship I needed for San Diego I would need all A's, and for the program I wanted at Western, about a 90% average. I decided I would work harder than I ever had before so I would be able to achieve the marks I needed and attend my dream schools.

To achieve this, I had to give up other things like sports that I loved, and some social events once in a while. This was hard for me because I had never had to really put in that much effort in school before.  Calculus was my hardest subject by far and I knew to achieve this grade I would really need to step up my work habits. I got a tutor and raised my mark from pre-calc 12 by 6 percent, something I am very proud of. APES was a push for me and I had to really study for every test, focussing on details and finding old exams to help me prepare. I was upset that my mark had dropped by the end of the year, but it was still a good mark and I was proud that I could achieve and A in the course anyways. All my hard work finally paid off when I was admitted to Mcgill Arts & Science. At first, McGill wasn't in the picture for me, simply because I didn't think my grades were high enough or I had even the slightest chance of getting in. This was so exciting for me and I accepted as soon as I heard back from them. Knowing all the long nights of studying had paid off was a great feeling, and I knew that my efforts had been recognized. In the end, I got into most of the schools I had applied to, which really solidified for me the work I had put in not only this year but throughout my years at Collingwood.

McGill is going to provide me with so many amazing opportunities and an amazing experience next year. I am so happy that I have made this decision and that all my hard work did really pay off. Although I didn't end up where I had originally intended, I believe everything happens for a reason and I am so excited for this next chapter of my life.