My high school was Vanier Collegiate, a Catholic high school in Moose Jaw. We were one of the smaller high schools in town, which gave me a really close-knit school community that made me comfortable to be myself. And although it was a Catholic high school – all perspectives and all kinds of people were welcome. It was a diverse school with opportunities for immigrant students and ELL students to participate and have extra help. Our school was welcoming to all sexualities and even had extracurriculars that supported all the communities and minorities that were part of our school. Despite being a Catholic school, the community is very supportive and have had a gay pride flag wrapped around the school cross during pride week.

I think being very shy in grade nine was really changed by the fact that I grew close with my teachers and knew all of my peers. I’ve had conversations with everyone in my graduating class before graduation (all 100 some of us), which in comparison of some Regina and Saskatoon high schools is not that big. It felt big compared to my elementary school – of which there were 12 of us. I think also the fact that I continued French Immersion in high school was incredibly helpful because it meant I had over 12 classes with people that I had known since I was five years old throughout the four years. This made things way more comfortable, and not only did it make the school community feel close but like a family. Our extracurriculars and sports programs were really great and I unexpectedly became a provincial athlete and a drama person. Things I wouldn’t have ever thought of doing before stepping into those doors. I think my high school shaped me into someone who easier going and a little more out going – I like to reach out to people around me and to try new things. High school challenged me to be the person I was afraid to be, and for that I’m grateful.