Elise Kohno, Class of 2010

“Don’t close yourself off to different opportunities or things you may not initially be comfortable trying” is the key piece of advice Elise Kohno ’10 would offer WPGA students. Elise herself has certainly remained open to opportunities, moving East after grade 12 to study criminology at the University of Toronto, where she competed on their varsity girls soccer team for two years. While she prefers Vancouver as a city, she is grateful for the independence she developed and the friendships she made in Toronto.

Following her U of T graduation in May 2014, Elise moved back to Vancouver, and is excited to start law school at UBC this September, having written her LSAT this past year. As for what type of law she will specialize in, Elise is open, adding that although she finds criminal law fascinating, and worked at a criminal law firm for two summers, she is keen to expand her knowledge, particularly of family and environmental laws.

This flexibility and willingness to explore were apparent while Elise was at WPGA, where she was a First Responder and Student Council member, coordinating Athletic Council events such as Sports Day and the Terry Fox Run. She especially enjoyed organizing a leadership conference for schools on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. What she loved most, however, were the feelings of unconditional acceptance and support at WPGA. “By grade 12, people’s true personalities shone through, and everyone embraced each other’s quirks and qualities. That sense of belonging really helped develop my confidence, and made me realize that it’s far better to be who you are and not change to impress anyone.”

Elise also remarks that although U of T was a big transition, the work ethic and study skills she learned at WPGA were invaluable. Specifically, she learned to take effective notes, study efficiently, and filter minutiae from important content— skills she says she will need more than ever at law school.

We wish Elise the best of luck at UBC, and look forward to having her continue to coach our junior girls varsity soccer team this fall.