On a regular basis throughout the year we will be featuring one of our alumni who will tell us what they have been up to since graduation and provide current Minis with valuable advice and insight.
Featured June 2017
THEN
NOW
What have you been doing since graduating from the Mini?
I studied at the University of Western Ontario before eventually transferring to NYU where I graduated in May 2016! One highlight of my undergraduate experience was studying abroad in Shanghai for a semester. Studying abroad was an unbelievable experience, which I definitely recommend you do at some point in your academic studies. Currently, I live in NYC and work full-time on Wall Street in Barclays' Investment Banking Division...and still play basketball when I have time off.
What is your favourite Mini memory?
The first thing that comes to mind is all the different trips that we did as a class or school. Whether it was skiing at Manning Park, camping at Strathcona, or playing with the marine life at Bamfield, I always enjoyed spending time outside of the classroom with friends and classmates. My favourite trip was the Grade 9/10 trip to Ashland, Oregon for the Shakespeare Festival. I remember having a lot of free time during the day, which my friends and I spent barbequing and hanging out by the water. There was also a competition to see who could eat the most, hosted by none other than P. Mavety. At night, we watched a different Shakespeare play but by the end it, we were all in a deep sleep.
What advice can you give to Mini students while in school and once they have graduated?
Always maintain a healthy work-life balance. Don't cut out extra-curricular activities so that you can focus more on your schoolwork. Stay involved with the community, including the main school, and make sure you allocate time to areas that you are passionate about. Don't be afraid to explore your academic interests at the Mini! After graduating, always stay in touch with your friends and teachers from the Mini. It's easy to lose contact with them given that many of you will be studying across the country and world. Some of your closest friends will be from the Mini and it's always nice to reminisce on some of the experiences you shared with them in high school.
What have you gotten out of your Mini experience?
The Mini has taught me a lot over my 5 years at Point Grey. It helped prepare me for my post-secondary studies and in general both academically and professionally. Most importantly, I've gained a host of friends from all different years. They've all gone on to do amazing things and now live in different parts of the world. Hopefully, that means I have a place to stay when I start travelling!