Recently graduated from Templeton Secondary, Tracy is one of fourteen ambassadors for #Grad2021. She was heavily involved with the school's Athletics Department as Co-President of Game Crew, plus Student Council, Yearbook, Grad Council and the senior girls basketball team.
Outside of school, Tracy spends a lot of time at the gym, as well as painting and sketching, which she says all serves as an outlet to help cope with feelings of stress.
We recently asked her about what it feels like to be graduating and what advice she has for new students. Here are some of the highlights:
How does it feel to be graduating?
I’m personally nervous to be graduating — nervous for change. But who isn’t? It seems unreal how big I used to see the grade twelves at school, yet now we’re here. Strange enough, I think it may seem like a difficult time to be graduating but the only thing we can do is to make the most out of what we can. I am going to miss walking into Templeton and interacting with all the staff and teachers. However, I’m excited to seek new experiences and adapt to a new chapter of my life.
Do you have any advice to new students entering high school?
One thing for sure is to move at your own pace, whatever it may be and how it works for YOU. Entering such a huge and new environment can be overwhelming but at the end of the day, ensure that you’re content and not overworking yourself with school, sports or peer pressure. That said, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to join a sports team or a club because you’ll never realize how great of an experience you might have missed out on until you’ve tried. If it’s not for you, then backing out is always an option.
Change is scary and inevitable. Life is constantly moving and so is everything around you, it’s nothing to be afraid of. Try to stay as flexible and optimistic as you can.
Also, do what makes you happy. It sounds super cheesy but let me tell you, there will always be that fear of judgement that holds people back from their full potential. Remind yourself that you are your own person, and you can do whatever you like. It’s not your job to live up to other people’s expectations.
How has Covid-19 impacted you?
The current pandemic costed us this year's basketball season. Knowing that my last game of high school basketball was actually last year is pretty devastating but I am trying to look at the positives. Not having basketball allowed me to have a lot more time to focus on my studies instead.
The first few months of quarantine did give me a little too much time to overthink things and stress myself out emotionally. As difficult as the first few months were, I was able to spend a lot more time focusing on myself through exercising, playing basketball, working on new art pieces and hanging out with friends virtually.
In the fall, Tracy is headed to UBC Sauder to study commerce and we have no doubt she's going to do great things. Tracy, congratulations and we wish you all the best!
Interested in applying for the #Grad2022 Ambassador Program? The deadline to apply has been extended! Please click here.
Want to congratulate Tracy on her graduation? Leave a comment below!