A moment that has really stayed with me happened at my first grade 9 debate tournament. I was so nervous, and after giving my speech I actually felt proud of myself. Then the other team started asking questions, and I suddenly realized they were the questions I had prepared. I had argued the wrong side. I left the room in tears, embarrassed and convinced I wasn’t cut out for debate.

Tracey Lee, our founding debate coach, found me and gently encouraged me to keep going. Instead of giving up, that moment pushed me to prove to myself that I was capable. Sticking with debate ended up changing everything. It is how I found my people, and it opened so many doors at a time when WPGA’s debate program was really flourishing. It even allowed me to travel and experience Model UN trips I never would have imagined.

That challenging moment taught me resilience and showed me how powerful it is when someone believes in you.

WPGA means family to me. So much life has happened here for me, from growing up in these hallways to getting my first job. People bring their parents, grandparents, aunts, and all kinds of relatives to see this space because it is so special. Because WPGA started with a small amount of resources, we have always been a community that “can make it work” and that is a big aspect as to why people have stuck around. This has led to the strong family environment and community we see today. We all carry a sense of ownership in the school's evolutions. I wouldn't be here 30 years later if I were not invested. 

In 2013, when I was finishing my degree, the job market for teachers was almost empty. In my cohort of 60 social studies teachers, only six of us found jobs—four in independent schools, and the other 54 were unemployed.

WPGA took a chance on me. I had only had my degree for two weeks when they offered me a position. The school has always been invested in its alumni, and that sense of being part of a family really mattered. I was actually Clive Austin's (founding Head of School) last hire before he retired. 

There were connections that made it feel even more meaningful. Clive had taught grade 9 math to my dad at St. George's, and when we moved from Richmond to Vancouver, I attended QE. When we heard Clive was going to be Head of School, we knew we wanted to be part of that.

Over the years, I babysat John Pope’s and Stephen Anthony's kids, and Stephen Anthony himself gave the toast at my wedding.

As I reflect on being a student here to working here, it’s the relationships that have always made this place so special  and it means a lot to now be back, surrounded by so many familiar faces.

WPGA has definitely grown and changed over the years, especially in terms of our population and what we’re able to offer. There’s so much excitement about the programs and opportunities we continue to create. It feels like a really important moment as we think about how we grow over the next 30 years.

At the same time, what has stayed exactly the same is the mindset of “buckle down and make it work.” That spirit is such a core part of WPGA, and I wouldn’t ever want that to change.

And, even as we’ve grown, one thing that remains constant is that kids don’t get lost here. Everyone is seen and known. There isn’t a student who can go through the school without being recognized. They know their teachers, and the community knows them. That focus on visibility and relationships has always been at the heart of WPGA, and it still is.

One of the biggest values I carry with me from WPGA is the sense of belonging and family. When you’re fortunate enough to be part of a community that strong, it gives you real confidence and stability. You feel supported, but you also feel responsible to show up for others, and that stays with you long after you leave school.

WPGA is the kind of place where people know you and want the best for you. That creates a foundation that helps you make decisions in your life with more clarity because you’re coming from a place of being anchored. If students can leave feeling grounded in who they are and connected to a group that truly cares, that’s one of the best lessons you can give anyone.

As we celebrate 30 years, my hope for the next 30 is that we stay mindful of what makes WPGA truly special. As we grow and evolve, I want us to keep maintaining and strengthening that human connection at the heart of the school.

WPGA has always been in the business of making good people, not just good students. My vision is that we continue to build on that, ensuring that relationships, community, and character remain central no matter what changes come next.