We had the chance to interview some of this year’s grad class. During these interviews, learners had a chance to reflect on their last year of high school. They also left some words of wisdom for the next graduating class of PSII.
Z will be going to UBC for forensic sciences in September.
“At PSII, I learned how to ask questions. I learned how to go deeper into a topic, to broaden my understanding. PSII offers an amazing and different way of learning, and questions are the basis of everything. I think seeing learning this way will take me really far. My advice for future graduates is to trust that you are ready, you just need to trust and take the next step.”
Akito is heading to Camosun to complete a Music Creativity and Performance Foundations, Certificate in collaboration with the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
“PSII is the reason I found my passion in music in the first place. Here, I was able to explore music as deeply as I could. My advice for future grads is to move between spaces in the school. Work in spaces that will help you achieve your goals. PSII is the perfect space to push yourself to do things you’re not comfortable with. Scope out all your options for after high school; there are different options out there that don’t involve a 4-year degree. Talk to various teachers, not just your ORG, they all offer different fields of expertise and experience.”
Naema is heading to UBC in September. We asked her something she learned at PSII that she will continue to use after she goes?
“I learned a lot about myself at PSII. I now have more understanding about myself, both how I learn and who I am.PSII has allowed me to thrive. I hope to continue enjoying what I do and learn.”
Zella is heading to Camosun for psychology in the fall and Gaia will continue her studies at UVic in biology. Here are some quotes from these two graduates.
“Since coming to PSII, I approach learning with more enthusiasm, to dig deeper to make my learning meaningful. My advice for future grads is to take advantage of your time here, you have the time & support to learn. Go to sessions that are interesting to you. Immerse yourself. Try to learn about the teachers, they all have different skills and knowledge.” – Zella
“At PSII, I have learned how to foster my curiosity and to follow where it leads me in my learning. My advice for future graduates is to use the tools available to you smartly. Trust teachers, they are here to help you. Don’t be afraid to fail, you learn from your mistakes.” – Gaia
“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good” -Zella, Gaia & Voltaire
We asked Gustav how PSII had changed his approach to learning.
“PSII has cultivated my willingness to think about a problem and explore different ways of thinking about it. I am now more willing to seek out information. One advice I have for future PSII graduates is to find ways to tie things you enjoy together. Find the areas where they interact; there’s so much richness and depth there. Figure out how everything is connected. Create connections between things you know as an act of practice. Seek that out.”
Jordan is heading to Mount Allison University in September. Here is their advice for future graduates:
“Make sure you know what requirements you need for the program you want at university. Don’t leave things until the end. Remember, when you’re feeling terrible, there is time after that. Don’t be afraid to move away; there will be people to support you, even if you don’t know them yet. Don’t be afraid to be on your own.” – Jordan
Day will be going to SFU to complete their degree in criminology.
“PSII teachers meet us where we’re at. They help us learn how to manage our time and be responsible. I enjoyed learning topics that were interesting to me. My advice to future grads is to start early, your grade 12 year can get stressful with university requirements and applications, don’t forget to enjoy it.”
Oskar has been with us since grade 9. We asked how PSII had changed how he approaches learning.
“My learning has changed a lot. At PSII I learned topics I was interested in at a deeper level. I also learned to find things I am interested in topics that might not be very exciting to me.”
Cole is heading to Camosun in September for their Engineering transfer program. He has balanced his academic commitments while training and competing as part of the BC gymnastics team.
“At PSII, I have learned to distinguish the difference between memorizing and analyzing. I now approach learning from a more analytical perspective. I also ask questions that will deepen my learning. My advice for future graduates is not to let the stress of graduating stop you from enjoying your last year of high school; there is always time to complete what you need.”
We cannot wait to see where all of our grads go after PSII ❤️