Graduates of the Class of 2020

Lyndsey Bryden

Hi, I’m Lyndsey! In the fall I’ll be studying at the University of British Columbia. I’ll be completing my first year in the Faculty of Science, and I’m currently planning on then transferring to the Faculty of Land and Food Systems to pursue the Global Resource Systems program. I’m super excited for this program, since its interdisciplinary view will allow me to marry my interests in sustainability and environmental action with social science topics such as international trade and development. Upon graduation I received the John Plommer Mini School* award. I am honoured to receive this award, since a very special part of my grade twelve year was being able to give back to the Mini community that has played such a huge part in my life. I cannot thank Point Grey Mini enough for the support the program has provided me with over the last five years. My classmates (who quickly became my best friends), the teachers (who made the Mini the incredible environment it is), and other students all contributed to making the Mini an amazing community that I’m so grateful to have become a part of.

*The John Plommer Mini School Bursary and Plaque is presented to a Mini School student who has made significant contributions to the life of the Mini School and has been a good scholar. 

Hannah Podoaba

Hi! My name is Hannah, and I will be attending the University of British Columbia to study in the Faculty of Sciences. While my major is undeclared, I hope to major in behavioral neuroscience, studying hormones and behavior and research in behavioral sciences, In the not-so-near future, I plan on applying to medical school to pursue my goal of becoming a medical practitioner. I will forever be in debt to the Mini for its incredible teachers, trips, and fellow classmates, which all gave me experiences that I could never lhave anywhere else. This summer, I will be taking my love for graphic design further by working freelance in designing a non-fiction book. Graduating this year, I received the Point Grey Yearbook Award, the Mini School John O'Conner Spirit Award*, and was chosen as a recipient of the Beedie Luminaries Scholarship, of which I am still overwhelmed by. Thanks to the support and encouragement through the Mini, I was able to learn to be confident, always treat others with kindness, and of course, to be forever curious

*presented to a grade 12 mini school student who has made significant contributions to the life of the Mini School.

Marcus Shew

It is difficult to encapsulate my Mini experience because there are too many great memories to name!  That said, I know what will stick with me are the incredibly supportive Mini teachers, who always go above and beyond for us students, unforgettable Manning trips and Orientations, and of course, the extraordinary group of classmates I am lucky to call my friends.  I feel exceedingly fortunate to have created lifelong memories in the engaged and enthusiastic community at Point Grey Mini.  I hope to carry the Mini’s inspiring spirit with me in the fall, as I attend UBC to study Sciences, and beyond. 

Sansian Tan

In the fall, I will be attending the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Arts. I'm aiming to major in psychology or philosophy, in the hopes of one day pursuing a career in law or research. As I begin this new stage, I'm grateful for the Mini and the family I've found here. Thanks to my teachers and fellow students, my time at Point Grey has been full of laughter and learning, of challenges met and potential realized. Whether out on trips or just in class discussing, the Mini is a place to find yourself and what you love--and I'm so lucky to have been able to do so alongside such kind, dedicated, welcoming people. The last five years have made me who I am today and, although we're all far apart for now, I can't wait to see what the future holds. 

Jerry Xu

Hi everyone! In the upcoming fall, I will be attending the University of British Columbia to pursue a combined major in business and computer science. In the future, I hope to focus more on the computer science side, ultimately becoming a software engineer. I look forward to spending my next 4 years of university with many of my Mini School classmates. I am forever grateful to have spent my last 5 years in the Point Grey Mini, an experience which has provided me with a lifetime of friendships and unforgettable memories to look back on. The invaluable guidance and support from the Mini’s teachers have been instrumental in my academic and extracurricular achievement — thanks to the Mini, upon graduation, I am honoured to have received the John Procyk Award*, the Peter St. Louis Academic Scholarship**/Governor General’s Medal**, a District Award for Technology, and a Point Grey Academic Scholarship. As I head into the future, I am sure that the leadership and personal development that I take away from my time in the Mini will continue to shape my life.

* The John Procyk Award is presented to a Mini School student who has contributed significantly to life in the Mini School and who is an exceptional senior science student.

**The Peter St. Louis Academic Scholarship and Governor General's Medal are presented to Point Grey Secondary's top academic student