Prefect Perspective

When I was little, I couldn't wait to grow up. I thought growing up meant freedom, the kind where I could buy whatever toys I wanted, have my own phone and eat as much junk food as I wanted. Back then, life felt simple and growing up felt exciting. Now, my perspective has changed.

Seven years ago, my mother brought me to Canada. It was a completely new and unfamiliar environment. At 10 years old, I left behind my friends, my language and everything that felt comfortable. Suddenly, I felt like I had to grow up, whether I was ready or not.

Although it felt scary at first, studying in a new country gave me new opportunities. I learned to explore, make decisions and step outside my comfort zone. Then, one year ago, I made one of the best decisions of my life: I transferred to Albert College. At first, it wasn’t easy, with a new environment, new people, new expectations. I was very homesick. Over time, though, things changed. I found my values and built meaningful friendships - my best friends are all from different countries. I fought for a basketball championship with my team. I challenged myself to run for prefect, and I made it.

These new experiences shaped me, pushed me and helped me grow.

With more freedom and opportunities came more responsibilities. When I was younger, I did not fully understand this. When I became a prefect, my perspective on my new freedoms as an older student really began to change. For the first time, I understood that my decisions affected others—my peers, my boarding house and the wider community. I began to recognize that responsibility means understanding and accepting the outcomes of your choices.

Now, as I stand ready to graduate, I still feel uncertain about the future and what life at university will be like. That uncertainty can be a little scary at first. Each new step means gaining something, but also leaving something behind. Perhaps growing up is not about having everything figured out, but about continuing to move forward despite fear and uncertainty.

I have come to realize that freedom is not as simple as it once seemed. Freedom comes with more choices, but you cannot pursue every path available to you, and choosing to follow one can mean giving something else up. Sometimes that is the most difficult part.

I want to tell my peers that as you grow older, you will gain more freedom, and that freedom will come with responsibility. Just know that as you make those choices and face your own challenges, you will grow in ways you cannot yet imagine.

Cherish the people around you and the memories you are creating now. One day, these ordinary moments will become the ones you miss the most. If you have the chance, challenge yourself, maybe even by running for prefect.

-  Simon, Grade 12 student and Graham Hall Prefect