NEXT GENERATION OF CHANGEMAKERS

THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHANGEMAKERS

THEIR FINAL YEAR HAS BEEN FAR FROM WHAT THEY IMAGINED, BUT IT HAS UNITED THESE GRADE 12 STUDENTS IN SPIRIT AND RESOLVE. HERE’S WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT LEARNING TO OVERCOME CHALLENGING TIMES AND THEIR HOPE FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW. COLBY YURKIW

How long have you been a student at Aberdeen Hall?

I have been a student at Aberdeen Hall for 8 years.

2020 has been a year of transition in many ways. How do you feel you’ve personally changed or grown over the last year?

The unexpected changes presented early in the year have certainly influenced a year of adjustments. Every day interactions such as learning and interacting with our peers became challenging but through innovation and hardwork, we persevered. Personally, I have become increasingly independent and learned to utilize the resources available to me. Whether it’s practising mindfulness, going for walks, learning

to cook, or developing a workout routine, 2020 has certainly been a year of personal growth and development.

What changes have you seen in society as a whole that you think are a result of the political and social upheaval we’ve experienced this year?

The United States presidential election in addition to the coronavirus has caused extreme social and political unrest.

In regards to political upheaval, society has progressed in spreading awareness and dealing with systematic racism which has lingered for years. With new movements around the world, awareness has been spread, and as a result, society has sincerely benefited. Although many of these events have taken place in the United States, the changes made have influenced Canada greatly. In addition, society has had to deal with a situation that was unexpected and abnormal. The pandemic has caused social and political change, and called for extreme preventative measures to be put in place. Such measures cause inconvenience and unrest, and as a society, we must evaluate our behaviour and act in the best interest of not only ourselves.

How can we as a school ensure that we are doing all we can do to change and grow along with the changing times?

As a school, we have done an amazing job of addressing issues presented from the pandemic, as well as social and political issues. In addition to spreading knowledge and awareness on the current situation, the school should address students’ individual needs and continue to support them throughout. Every student has been affected differently by the events occurring around the world, and having support at school is crucial for academic success and mental stability.

What do you think are the major challenges the world will be facing over the next five years?

In the next five years, the world will be progressively recovering from the effect of the pandemic. Ideally, a vaccine will be something integrated into society, and the virus will be a thing of the past. Also, I believe the world will be progressing away from political and social unrest, and our lives will be rid of issues posed by laws, elections and pandemics.

Speaking of the future, what are your post-secondary plans?

I plan on pursuing either engineering, commerce or a dual degree which combines the two in my post-secondary education. I am undecided as to which university I will attend, although I have aspirations of attending Stanford University. In Canada, I am currently interested in UBC, Western and Waterloo. In addition to academics, I plan to play volleyball in post-secondary if possible, which will be a great progression from Team BC.

What are your career aspirations? How do you see yourself contributing to your community?

Although I am uncertain of what type of engineering I plan to pursue, longterm I aspire to own my own company. As a result, I will be able to effectively make necessary changes related to the environment, and innovate to create new systems and infrastructure. I plan on dedicating substantial efforts to reducing harm to the environment, as the negative effects of many companies are increasingly becoming permanent. As the effects of global warming continue to destroy our environment, I believe it is necessary for everyone to influence change no matter how big or small.

Do you have any words of wisdom for future AHPS grads?

To Aberdeen Hall’s future grads, I implore you to appreciate and take in every day of school until the end. Take every opportunity, and put yourself out there without worrying what others will think. Life is too short to please everyone, and your high school experience is something you will never forget. Continue leading our sports programs and developing our school into an even better place for learning, friendships and community. Do not take anything for granted.

DILAN SIDHU

How long have you been a student at Aberdeen Hall?

since Grade 3, making this my tenth year at the school.

2020 has been a year of transition in many ways. How do you feel you’ve personally changed or grown over the last year?

Given the circumstances presented this year, I have had the opportunity to grow as a person with regard to mental health. While self-isolating and learning online, I was able to gain a better understanding of how important mental health and wellness is. As I advance through my final year of High School during the pandemic, this new appreciation has helped me tremendously- giving me the ability to prioritize myself while still finding ways to enjoy my senior year at Aberdeen Hall.

What changes have you seen in society as a whole that you think are a result of the political and social upheaval we’ve experienced this year?

Because of this year’s political and social upheaval, due to many situations including the effects of self-isolating and lockdown and the American election, a noticeable change in the discussion of mental health and self-educating has been seen within society. Furthermore, all the uncertainty that came with the pandemic has shown society that it is okay to not know how things will turn out in the end.

How can we as a school ensure that we are doing all we can do to change and grow along with the changing times?

As a school, we can continue to check in with the student body to provide support and awareness for mental health, as it is in many cases the determining factor of future successes.

What do you think are the major challenges the world will be facing over the next five years?

Considering the many changes that came with the pandemic, I believe it will be a struggle for society to accept this different approach to everyday living as the new norm.

Speaking of the future, what are your post-secondary plans?

I intend to continue my educational journey by attending university either in Ontario or BC, where I will complete my Bachelor of Science degree.

What are your career aspirations? How do you see yourself contributing to your community?

After completing my Bachelor of Science degree, I would like to attend medical school in order to achieve my life-long career aspirations of becoming a doctor. In this position, I see myself contributing to my community by ensuring and assisting everyone to be in their best health whether that be physically or mentally.

Do you have any words of wisdom for future AHPS grads?

My biggest suggestion for future grads is to not let stress get to you because this is your last year of high school, so you should enjoy every minute of it. I would also suggest that you take advantage of what the school offers in terms of grade 12/AP classes and tutorials because universities will not offer you the same support and guidance.

ANASTASIIA KORSHUNOV

How long have you been a student at Aberdeen Hall?

I have been a student at Aberdeen Hall for the past 4 years.

2020 has been a year of transition in many ways. How do you feel you’ve personally changed or grown over the last year?

2020 has been a difficult year for many, including me. It was shocking that the ordinary things that I used to do every day suddenly became forbidden. The world is rapidly changing. However, I am still able to find some benefit from it and learn many important life lessons. For example, since I had to finish my Grade 11 year online, I learned how to better practice independence and use outside resources to deepen my understanding, something that will serve me well in my post-secondary education. I was also able to make valuable connections with my teachers through the numerous Zoom tutorials that I attended. The pandemic and other challenges this year made me realize that it is possible to find the positive in every situation, no matter how difficult it might seem at first. I believe that if we stick together

and stay strong, the hardships of this year will soon become just a memory.

What changes have you seen in society as a whole that you think are a result of the political and social upheaval we’ve experienced this year?

This last year I’ve noticed people expressing their opinions very openly and strongly on a variety of topics, and I see that being partially linked to the pandemic and maskwearing. Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has become mandatory to wear facial masks or coverings. Many individuals viewed this as an infringement of their rights and were not following the recommendations. In the US, wearing a mask (or not), seemed to be a partisan act, with one party showing clear reluctance to mask-wearing. The opposing views on this topic emphasized the political divide in American society, with both constituents and party-leaders openly expressing their beliefs. Locally, I often see people protesting on the streets and encouraging people to accept their point of view.

Personally, I believe that unnecessary disobedience is causing nothing but a divide between people and in extreme cases violence. I think that if we all followed the rules, we would be able to beat the pandemic much faster.

How can we as a school ensure that we are doing all we can do to change and grow along with the changing times?

I think that the community at Aberdeen Hall is very supportive and understanding of the current situation and the challenges that we have been facing. The students are following the rules regarding mask-wearing and social distancing, which shows an exemplary level of maturity. Due to safety concerns, if they are showing symptoms, students are often absent from school, which has been a source of stress for many. However, the teachers have done an amazing job of posting the assignments and instructions online, so that no one gets left behind. The school counselor assistance has been very helpful for many since the start of the year. The new changes are not easy, and having someone trustworthy to talk to makes this time a lot less difficult.

What do you think are the major challenges the world will be facing over the next five years?

I am hoping that the pandemic will be in the past soon; however, readjusting back to “normal” will be a long journey. In my opinion, the hardest part will be for people to keep their guard up regardless of the statistics because that would prevent a third or even a fourth wave. Many people miss the activities that we were able to do without worrying about masks, and I am sure everyone is eager to live an ordinary life, but that could have negative consequences. It is important to stay responsible, and slowly but surely, the challenges will be in the past.

Speaking of the future, what are your post-secondary plans?

After I graduate high school, I am planning on going to a Canadian university to study electrical engineering. While I am working towards my bachelor’s degree, I would love to go on exchanges to countries like Scotland, Singapore or Russia to gain valuable experience and knowledge that might be unique to certain places. Since at this time, travelling abroad is not the best option, I am also looking for more local alternatives by researching different specialized programs in Canada.

What are your career aspirations? How do you see yourself contributing to your community?

I am planning on going into electrical engineering at UBC, which is a degree that will open many doors and provide me with career opportunities in different fields. I am not exactly sure where I would want to work, but I know for a fact that I would like to do something that improves the world in one way or another. I am considering working in the healthcare industry, for the government or towards developing a software that would improve the lives of citizens. Home automation is something that fascinates me, and I believe that further extending it would be beneficial to the elderly, and to people with disabilities and special needs.

Do you have any words of wisdom for future AHPS grads?

Graduating during the pandemic has taught me the importance of being grateful for what I have at any given moment. Now, the most ordinary things that the grads of previous years got to experience will not be the same for us, which truly puts everything in perspective. My words of wisdom for future AHPS grads would be to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. Now, looking back on the things that I experienced and how much

more well-rounded it made me, I am very grateful that I got the chance to volunteer for numerous establishments, plan school events, play on school sports teams and learn new things on school trips. Participate, step out of your comfort zone, and live as if every day is your last! I promise it will all be worth it in the end!

ISMAIL OMAR

How long have you been a student at Aberdeen Hall?

Since September 2018

2020 has been a year of transition in many ways. How do you feel you’ve personally changed or grown over the last year?

Over the past year, I have learned the value of the company of those around me. I have missed seeing my peers, but I have spent a lot of time with my family and realized how much I value them.

What changes have you seen in society as a whole that you think are a result of the political and social upheaval we’ve experienced this year?

Society seems to have become more restless over the past year, I suppose due to the increased tension the global climate has caused. The economy has suffered, the US election occurred, and Covid-19 has altered the lives of everyone. As a result, people seem to be increasingly anxious.

How can we as a school ensure that we are doing all we can do to change and grow along with the changing times?

The world is always changing and will never be still. Therefore, the school must always be able to adapt and be open to changes to keep up with the world around it.

What do you think are the major challenges the world will be facing over the next five years?

Covid-19 will certainly be a great challenge that the world will continue to face over the next few years. The increasingly deteriorating environment will also be of great concern in the coming years.

Speaking of the future, what are your post-secondary plans?

I plan on attending university to study mathematics or computer science.

What are your career aspirations? How do you see yourself contributing to your community?

I plan to work in mathematical modeling, contributing to the community by providing predictions and simulations of the real world.

Do you have any words of wisdom for future AHPS grads?

Don’t worry too much.

KADIN LOUGH-MORELLI

How long have you been a student at Aberdeen Hall?

This is my sixth year at Aberdeen Hall.

2020 has been a year of transition in many ways. How do you feel you’ve personally changed or grown over the last year?

Personally I’ve grown in my understanding of what people need in life and how I can help them achieve it. In this last year, more than ever, people have needed community and others around them who can be empathetic and supportive when they are going through something difficult. I strive to be someone that people feel safe with and can confide in, and I make myself available to help them to get through whatever hard times they are having.

What changes have you seen in society as a whole that you think are a result of the political and social upheaval we’ve experienced this year?

Everyone in the world had to change their lifestyle at least a little this year, due to one of the many different situations we have faced. One of the changes

in society I’ve noticed is the growing consideration many people now have for others with regards to health restrictions, race, age, and various other differences they may have previously unintentionally overlooked. It’s inspiring to see that the world and our communities have come together, grown stronger, and begun to fix the things that were previously broken in our society.

How can we as a school ensure that we are doing all we can do to transform and grow along with the changing times?

One of the key things to remember is that students need to be heard. I understand when measures are put in place for our best interest, and yes of course many of them are necessary, but it’s important to ask the student body what they think is needed to make sure everyone is comfortable in their learning environment.

What do you think are the major challenges the world will be facing over the next five years?

I think that due to the effects of Covid-19 many things have been brought to light about our society that were not apparent before. Things like mass discrimination and implicit bias are so ingrained in our society that they have existed outside many of our conscious awareness. However, these biases are real, that has really been brought to light this year, and I think we are more aware of our own biases than ever before. Because of this, I think there are going to be many changes to our political system and our social structures over the next five years to overcome these adversities.

Speaking of the future, what are your post-secondary plans?

Right now I am in the middle of finishing my applications to a couple of larger schools, such as the University of Toronto, The University of Waterloo, and the University of British Columbia. I’m also looking into the possibility of playing post-secondary basketball at a few smaller universities and colleges in BC. I would complete a transfer program of some sort so that I could play a few years of post-secondary basketball before moving onto one of the larger universities mentioned to complete my engineering degree. Either way, I plan on going into engineering and later specializing in architecture and design as well.

What are your career aspirations? How do you see yourself contributing to your community?

After post-secondary I plan on finding a career within the realm of architectural design and structural engineering. I hope to contribute to my community through coaching, like many of my mentors have, or through volunteering in other ways.

Do you have any words of wisdom for future AHPS grads?

My only advice is not to stress too much about your future. I know it’s a hard ask and trust me I stress all the time, but don’t waste your time thinking about every little aspect of your life, and every little way it can go wrong. Apply to your universities or colleges or whatever it is for you, set yourself up for success, and give yourself as many options as possible when deciding how you are going to live your life. Once you close a door it’s hard to open it back up, and you never know when you’re going to want to completely change your direction and go through a different door.

Congratulations to the class of 2021. Their determination and resilience have given us great hope for the future and they have proven that they have what it takes to be successful, no matter what.