As more than 200 Cochrane students get ready to make the transition from high school to the “real world,” the top students at each school reflected on lessons they learned and to give some advice to the next generation.
“Sometimes you just need to take a break, take a day from school if you need to – take care of your body and mind and make sure you connect well with your family,” said Gabie Pllling, 17-year-old valedictorian for St. Timothy High School.
Pilling knows the importance of self-care. The Leader of Tomorrow recipient coaches three sports teams, volunteers and works a part-time job to save money for post-secondary tuition.
“One of the most important lessons is put yourself first,” Pilling said.
“We have to figure out how to live in a world that is changing so rapidly that we have to find ways to make it work.”
The teen’s words were echoed by the valedictorians from Cochrane High School and Bow Valley High School who discussed what is was like to grow up in a world of technology.
“Technology took over our lives, I think (our generation) is not always aware of the world going on around us,” Valerie Cote, 17, Cochrane High valedictorian admitted.
In a generation of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and new apps released weekly – sometimes daily – the teens said the “real world” will be a good test to for the new graduates.
“I think we struggle with face-to-face communication – it might be hard to adapt to a different world, we are used to looking at our phones and it is not like that in the real world but I think we will be able to get through,” said Maddie Kaczur, 18, Bow Valley High valedictorian.
But despite the social media takeover of the teen’s lives, there was one thing they could all agree on: their generation’s resiliency.
“We are doing whatever we can to make as much as we can – we adapt and take what we are given and just roll with it,” Pilling said.
“The best thing about our generation is our zest for life – we are very spontaneous and live in the moment.”
The Cochrane High valedictorian, who remains busy between keeping high grades and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, performing arts groups and staying actively involved in leadership programs through her school, said she is proud to be graduating with such an inclusive and “driven” class.
“We are really accepting towards others, different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations – we all just want to be friends,” Cote said.
“When you are coming into high school, it can be really exciting but (new students) are probably nervous – I would tell them, don’t be scared of what you wear or who you hang out with, everyone is unique.”
Cote said part of her valedictorian speech compares high schools to highways where both are “always so busy.”
“Just stick to the right lane and you’ll be OK,” Cote said with a laugh.
The Bow Valley teen also agreed that new high school students might be overwhelmed with the number of options presented to them when entering their senior year of school but said to just find “where you belong.”
“The biggest challenge is trying to find what you love and sticking with it,” Kaczur said.
Between playing sports, volunteering for leadership and trying to keep good grades, Kaczur said students should be trying to get involved with as much as they can.
“It’s a little bit stressful but if you have a plan, you’ll have people around to support you and if you work hard, good things will come … Be courageous, show up, be able to learn something every day and inspire others to get involved,” Kaczur said.
All the valedictorians advised the students to come to get as involved as possible and know when to ask for help. Above all, they all said to simply try your best.
“Always put in your best efforts. People notice when you try hard, whether it is a relationship or in the work place – it’s always the effort that counts,” Pilling said.
