AN ENRICHED STUDENT BODY - THE IMPACT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

THE IMPACT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

Sophie Lesjak graduated from Mulgrave as a member of the Class of 2017. She was the first non-Sparks student to earn an entrance scholarship to Mulgrave and is a perfect example of how our student body is enriched through our financial assistance programme.

While at Mulgrave for her Grade 11 and 12 years, Sophie took full advantage of the depth and breadth of the Diploma Programme and our enrichment opportunities. She was an active participant in a variety of extracurricular activities, including as a member of the only Titan’s Varsity Girls Soccer team in the past decade. Sophie found many ways to develop herself from a leadership perspective, and despite her short time at the school, she was elected as a Grade 12 Prefect, a member of both the Grad and Semi-Formal Committees, and invited to sit on the Council of International Schools’ (CIS) Global Citizenship committee during Mulgrave’s international certification process. Sophie contributed in so many ways to building community - such an important part of the Mulgrave experience.

After graduation, Sophie headed off to the east coast of the US to take a place at Wesleyan University in their Liberal Arts programme. Over the past four years, Sophie has had a remarkable journey that has included complexity and adventure, and contributed to her understanding of the world and what she wants to make of her life.

As a Mulgravian, Sophie was a very dedicated French student. Ms. Soper remembers her fondly: “Sophie is one of those students whom a teacher never forgets. She brought so much to our French class - not only her finely-tuned intellect and strong language skills, but, as well, her equally sharp wit. Sophie’s energy, wonderful sense of humour and healthy perspective on life kept her on an even keel even during the most stressful moments of the Diploma Programme. That girl is a one-of-a-kind, valuable addition to humanity.”

Ms. Soper mentioned that Sophie demonstrated an appreciation for her terrible French jokes. Perhaps in spite of the jokes but thanks to Ms. Soper’s lessons, Sophie chose to maintain her language studies at university, leading to a three-month study abroad programme in Paris through a partnership between Wesleyan and Vassar. It was the experience of a lifetime, and one that led to her decision to choose French Literature as one of her two majors (sociology is the second). Still glowing from the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of life in France, she returned to a world that was quickly complicated by COVID, which forced her to leave her Connecticut campus and return to Vancouver to complete the school year online.

Not knowing what to expect for the fall semester of her Senior year and definitely not interested in another round of courses online, Sophie took the path less travelled and spent several weeks as a WWOOFer with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. She provided labour to a brand new organic herb farm in a tiny town in upstate New York in exchange for room and board. Working with her hands and being part of a group of people who are passionate about the land and its bounty was refreshing, and an experience that she will never forget.

Now back at Wesleyan for the spring term, Sophie is enjoying a return to some normalcy. Her university is providing vaccinations for students, so life on campus has its original vibrancy. Wesleyan also has incredible housing options, and Sophie is currently living with five friends in an on-campus bungalow.

Sophie will complete her final semester in the fall, and says that like her parents who both have advanced degrees, she will most likely end up going to graduate school, but doesn’t want to hurry the process. “I want to take some time to just work and live. I’ve spent my summers in New York City and love it there. I’d like to get some life experience first living in Manhattan or Brooklyn, though getting the chance to live and work in Paris would be a dream come true.”

Sophie’s solid foundation, reflective nature, and sparkling personality inspire confidence in and affection for her. There is no doubt that she will forge a path that will lead her to accomplish whatever she sets out to do. Thanks for catching up with us, Sophie! We can’t wait to hear about the adventures you will have in the coming years.