University Applications? No Problem

When I was in Grade 11, close to the end of the school year came a day filled with dread and anxiety: I almost believed I had a fever. Hands shaking like a nervous wreck, I shuffled into the university counselling office looking like a ghost. It was time to clutch those pamphlets and browse those entrance requirements and make some decisions that would set me on a path for my foreseeable academic future. At that point in time, I thought deciding course selection for Grade 12 was going to be stressful and downright terrifying. What if I don’t take the right courses? What if I change my mind as to what I want to go pursue post secondary? Should I take APs? What do I do with my life? Sitting down at that desk and really chatting with the team at university counseling, however, completely cleared these worries up: they spoke to me in a way that made my future decisions seem completely manageable. Fast forward to the beginning of Grade 12: the entire grad class is at an assembly during advisor meeting, getting spoken to about the important applications and deadlines coming up quickly. The last slide on the presentation, however, reads “The half year ahead will be THE MOST IMPORTANT ACADEMIC PERIOD OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER.” No pressure, am I right? Yes, pressure, but good pressure. No matter how daunting the next few months will seem, university counselling is always there to help me with whatever I needed in terms of my future. From switching classes to simply chatting and getting advice, Ms Coull, Ms Beausoleil and Mr Rodrigues are always there for an appointment about whatever I need to change or plan in my academic career. Clare M, Mackenzie 17’, said “I wouldn’t have even known how to start with university applications, I am so thankful for Mr Rodrigues and his team for helping me figure my life out.” I couldn’t have put it better. No matter what pressure is on me, or whichever deadlines were facing ahead, University counselling is always there to help. I suppose getting into a suitable post-secondary institution isn’t so hard after all! Gina B, Mackenzie ‘17