Grade 11 service

Wellington College in England

Highlight:

My service highlight in grade 11 is my trip to Wellington college to visit a mentally ill home. While there we were able to interact with the patients and talk to the staff about what life is like working there. It was truly a life changing experience as it made you feel so lucky to even having the basic necessities of life such as being able to walk, talk, eat or even hear. 

Choice 1:

Another service highlight for me in grade 11 was on my trip to Wellington where i was able to plant trees and plants in an area that had been previously inhabited by invasive species. This was a great experience as it showed me the importance of native plants to the sustainability of an area. 

Gr. 11 Service Reflection:

In October of 2011 I was selected as one of four students to go on a Round-Square trip to Wellington College in England. While in Wellington we were split into 25 different groups to do a service project in the area. I was put into a group with eight others that were required to visit a mentally ill home in the English countryside. I instantly felt lucky as many other groups were required to go to rivers and test the pH level of the water, and no offence but you can do that anywhere; on the other hand visiting an mentally ill home is a once in a lifetime opportunity. When we arrived at the home we were informed by the owner of the house that they currently take care of four mentally disabled people. To most people this would not seem like a lot but for the owner and the staff they must dedicate 100% of their time to taking care of these people. When we were finally introduced to the patients they explained to us that the two males in the house are 44 and 42. They also explained that they were both expected to die at the age of 14 unless they were brought into care. The severity of their illness was unexplainable. They could not speak, eat, walk, hear or talk. Their only form of communications was by moan or by laughter or frowns. The staff then told us that the current sizes of these two men’s brains were equivalent to that of a six-month-old baby, except a baby can crawl. We were also introduced to two females in the house. The first one was 24; she had much more function than the two men. She could eat, talk, dance, walk and hear. The only thing she could not do was speak. The final woman was by far the most interesting to me as she reminded me of my cousin. She was constantly happy and right when she looked at me she ran over gave me a big hug and asked me to dance. Unfortunately for me I had no idea what she was doing because she was unable to communicate as she was a mute. The day passed on and I began to observe the staff members and the owner of the house and how they reacted to different situations. All I could see though was their love for the patients. This service project has effected me in such a unique way that it is nearly impossible to put into words. The lives of these patients really show you how lucky we are to be able to do the things we do.

Grade 10 Arts

Arts:

My arts highlight this year is my trip to the Kiwanis Festival. The choir traveled to Richmond to participate in the Festival against schools all around the Vancouver area. We had a wonderful time at the festival, singing songs and dancing on stage was especially special.

Choice 2:

Another Arts highlight for me this year was a very interesting choice. It was my trip to Cuba for Choir and Band. Traveling to this unique country with 63 of my fellow classmates was surreal. It was an amazing experience that is truly impossible to put into words.

Arts Reflection:

            This year Collingwood School took 63 students involved in the band and coral program to Cuba. The trip was life changing and was the most educating experience I have ever had. To see these people so happy even when they have nothing is unbelievable.  They come from poor families with no money or livestock yet they find ways to find inner peace and happiness despite their circumstances.  The trip started in Cuba’s capitol Havana.  The group immediately set course to a local school with children aged 15-18 studying as students in the establishment.  We were introduced to these young adults and right off the bat I made friends.  They were so welcoming and non-judgmental it was an experience that completely altered my opinion of the Cuban people (I was expecting them to be violent due to their ruler).  We were able to sing with these people as well as learn to dance the salsa and play the drums.  The students were like professionals, the saddest part was knowing that in a few years that would be the last time that the students could play the instruments or sing the songs.  The school supported the students with the instruments but once the student left that would generally be the last time they ever played an instrument again.  This school was just one of three that we were lucky enough to visit in Havana.  It was a life changing experience that showed me how to appreciate what I have.  The lack of resources in Cuba shows a country of poverty but the smile on everyone’s face shows unity.  After Havana the group set sights on Varadero, the tourist part of Cuba.  It has miles an miles of sandy beaches and the water was crystal clear.  We even got to perform for the hotel guests.    As I look back on Cuba and the people there I really miss their open hearts and open arms.  They accept you no matter what and it really blew my mind to see how little they have but how talented they are.  Cuba was a trip to remember and I can’t wait to hopefully see my Cuban friends on the world stage one day.

Grade 10 Academics

Academic- Science Physics Trip

My Athletic highlight is the school trip Play land. We learned about the laws of physics and had a fantastic time as well. The science program has done a wonderful job at creating a trip that allows the students to explore physics and ride the rides with students from all over Vancouver.

Academics- Speeches 

My academic highlight for grade 10 is public speaking. I enjoyed this specific subject because it really made me feel confident in front of a crowd. It gave me the opportunity to improve my oral and writing abilities. I chose this topic because I really didn’t realize how much I missed doing it (due to my Australia exchange) until this year. It allows you to either be someone your not or raise awareness on global issues. It is great tradition at Collingwood School and I encourage children not to take it for granted.

Academic Reflection – English 11 – Speeches

One of my academic highlights this year was participating in the grade speech competition.  I had missed being a part of this process last year as I had attended exchange in Australia, and I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed the competition.  Being a part of a program that carries through grade 1 – 12 is rather daunting for students.  The expectations grow in terms of presentation and content, and the pressure to “entertain” gets higher and higher.  Due to this pressure, I came up with the idea of doing a speech about body language and the impact it has on the reaction of people around you.  I found the subject fascinating because it made me analyze my own body language and it made me correct a number of common mistakes that most people make.  I really didn’t realize how important my speech topic was until I read this statistic, “A judgment is made about a person within 20 seconds of viewing them, and 93 percent of this judgment is decided upon by the way we look and carry ourselves”.  This statistic shocked me, but as I thought about it I realized that it is probably true.  On the day of my performance I tried to take a few “lines” out of my own speech by walking with confidence, keeping my shoulders back, having eye contact with the crowd to show my relaxed nature, and by speaking loudly.  It was ironic that many of the things discussed in my speech were things that I could put into play while I was delivering the words!    My speech went over really well and the crowd liked the concepts and my delivery.   I felt so good being able to teach them something they hadn’t heard before and I know that they listened because there were quite a few questions at the end of my presentation.  Mostly however I enjoyed feeling on the edge and a little uncomfortable as I jumped back into speech presentations having been absent for a year.  I realized that the greatest improvements that I made were done during this time because I felt so alive and so aware of my surroundings – I was ready to embrace any growth possible.   It wasn’t until the end of my speech presentation that I realized that this would be the last time I deliver a speech for Collingwood School.  I am a year ahead in English and I won’t be required to write a speech next year – which really makes me sad.  As I reflect on all my speeches at Collingwood I have to say that this program is one of the best at the school.  Not only does it force all the students to get out of their box, it also allows us to work on valuable presentations skills that we will carry with us forever.  That is the beauty of Collingwood.   Fortunately I still have a little sister at the school so I will be sure to come and watch her deliver her speech so that I still get a bit of the old feeling again. 

Grade 10 Athletics

My first rowing Regatta

Athletics- Monster Erg Rowing Regatta

An athletic highlight this year is my rowing regatta to Victoria. My teammate and I won the regatta by 6 seconds and enjoyed it very much. We were the underdogs coming into the race, which made it that, much sweeter, hopefully we can return next year and defend our title. 

Choice 3- Rowing 6km Erg Test

My other Athletic highlight this year was finishing my 6km-rowing test in under 24mins. It has been a goal of mine for quite some time now and I am proud to say I finished it 12 seconds faster than planned. It was one of the most painful experiences I have ever encountered and I am ecstatic to hopefully beat my new high score in the near future. 

Athletic Reflection – Monster Erg Rowing Regatta

A few months ago I had the opportunity to participate in an Erg competition at the University of Victoria.  An erg is a machine that simulates the rowing action of being on a boat (on the water) and provides the user with an incredible work out as well as some valuable rowing skills.  I hadn’t been rowing very long, but I was longing to get involved in a competition to see how I was doing compared with kids my age.  This competition was rated fairly highly so I decided to attend.  Approaching the huge gymnasium at the University of Victoria was a frightening feeling at best.  There were hundreds of competitors waiting to compete and there were ergs “everywhere”.  Because I was a novice I realized that I wouldn’t be competing until the end of the first round so I got prepared to wait, and I waited and waited endlessly.  As I waited for my turn, it dawned on me that this was one of the most difficult parts of any competitive sport – the waiting time.  Keeping myself positive and focused was really hard and the longer I waiting to more difficult it became.  As my turn approached I realized that I hadn’t eaten in a while and I quickly downed a power gel for energy.  I was thankful to have the quick hit as I waited the minutes before competing.  My turn finally arrived and I strapped myself into the machine.  My heart was beating super fast and my hands were perspiring before I even began.  I realized that this was a feeling I would have for most races.  The starting gun is still a bit of a blur in my mind as I set off at hyper speed hoping to place in the top 10.  I felt like a super hero on steroids as my heart pumped a mile a minute.  As I approached the end I realized that I had a chance to win the division.  The scorekeepers combine the scores of 2 teammates and we were both performing really well.  As I finished the race I realized that we had WON which was a moment I truly didn’t expect.  I felt this quiet elation burning inside of me as I received my medal and thanked my coach.  Rowing is becoming a much bigger part of my life today than ever before but I will never forget that erg competition and the way it made me feel.  I realize that if I don’t force myself to attempt new things than I will never experience the elation I felt when I won the race.  I will always be appreciative of the VRC and their commitment to making me a better rower, and the time they have give me to improving my craft.  Without this type of institution behind me I would never have the chance to do regattas like the one in Victoria.  As I look forward in my life I only hope that I continue to challenge myself in the same manner and intensity that I did on that day in Victoria.

Grade 10 Service

Soup Kitchen

Service- Soup Kitchen

A service highlight for me this year was my trip to the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver to help out with the soup kitchen, We served many homeless people and learned a lot about the less fortunate lifestyle. It was a life changing experience and I encourage all students to participate in the next soup kitchen put on by Collingwood.

Choice 1- Camp Counsellor

Another highlight in service for me this year is attending Grade 6 camp along with a few of my pears as a camp counsellor. I enjoyed getting to know the grade 6’s, hiking in the deep forest and learning about sustainability and leadership. Camp is a great way to meet people and try things you have never done such as polar dipping. It allows you to escape the outside world and do things you never imagined doing before. 

Service Reflection:  Soup Kitchen: 

Becoming involved in the Round Square Soup Kitchen was one of the most impactful and rewarding things I have ever done in my entire life.  As we gathered as a group I had no idea what to expect or how I would change as a result of what I was going to see.  The bus ride over seemed to take an eternity with all of us chatting about regular school life, sports, and our busy lives.  It wasn’t until we arrived at the Church that I realized the full impact of what was going to happen.  Prepping for the meals gave us a chance to decompress and become emotionally prepared for the day.  We heard stories (from the regular servers) about the guys that visit regularly, and the people that have vanished.  Mostly we heard about the horrors of drug abuse, poverty, crime and life on the street and the memory of the stories is still fresh in my mind.  When the people started to pour in the front door, my pulse quickened and my stress level went through the roof.  I felt so scared of these people, and what they were capable of, and for the first time ever I felt truly vulnerable and embarrassed of all the   excess in my life.  As we started to serve them I quickly lost all the fear I was harboring and I started to converse with them to learn about what happened to them.  I quickly learned that although there are exceptions, for the most part these people were good people that made bad choices.  It almost seemed to me that they were searching for ways to escape their terrible ordeal, but the irreversible damage as a result of the drug abuse was holding them back.    I found it quite amusing that despite their circumstances, many of the people actually complained about the quality of the food and in particular the cookies!  I had to laugh at this as it supported the argument that even our “Vancouver street people” are a bit spoiled, as they were able to upgrade their “cookies” by complaining endlessly.  I saw one man who really looked sad as you could tell that he was once a normal athletic guy who for some reason got involved in the wrong crowd or with the wrong people.  I spoke to him   as he ate his food and he told me to stay in school and to not compromise my life by taking drugs.  I felt that this brief interaction was a moment that I will always remember as it came from a person who truly regretted messing up his life.  I plan to stay involved in the soup kitchen as often as possible as it is a good way to double check that I am not becoming a spoiled little brat, and that I don’t take my very fortunate life for granted.  I recommend this experience to everyone as I truly believe it changes us for the better and makes us better people.  Without participation in organizations like the soup kitchen it is easy to get caught up in the WV bubble and to forget about what really matters in life.