I wasn’t always the best student, but in Grade 12, Yung Ming Liu made a bet with me that if I made the Honour Roll, he would personally piggyback me onto the stage to receive the award. Lo and behold, I somehow found my way onto that stage with none other than YML carrying me on his back to a standing ovation. As funny as it was, that moment stuck with me because it showed me the impact someone can have when they believe in you, sometimes before you fully believe in yourself. 

 

Starting from Kindergarten all the way through Grade 12 and then returning to work here for the past 11 years, this community has meant everything to me (I should probably get out more). Through the staff, students, and parents I’ve met over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build countless meaningful relationships and lasting connections. What has always stood out to me is the culture of respect, kindness, and genuine care for one another. Those values help shape the students who come through WPGA and create an environment where people feel supported and encouraged to succeed. I’m also incredibly grateful to have learned from so many amazing teachers, who continue to offer me guidance and advice to this day. 

 

WPGA has changed in many ways over the years. The campus has expanded through numerous renovations, new learning spaces have been added, and both the student body and staff have grown significantly. While the school itself has evolved, the culture has never changed. There is still a strong feeling of kindness, respect, and support that can be felt throughout the school. No matter how much WPGA has grown, there continues to be a shared commitment to helping one another, while being able to celebrate each others’ successes along the way.

 

The biggest lesson I carry with me is that success is never something you achieve alone. Throughout my time at WPGA, there were always staff, friends, and family members willing to support and encourage me, even when I didn’t always make things easy for them. Seeing how much people invested in one another taught me the importance of treating others with respect, offering help when you can, and doing your part to lift people up. Whether at work or in my personal life, I try to bring that same mindset with me every day.