Katherine Chien

I know a fair amount of graduates. Last year, as a tiny grade 10, I took grade 11 Accounting and grade 11 Enriched Functions. It was a little awkward at first (understatement of the century, I was a doe caught in headlight). However contrary to my earlier beliefs, GRADS DON’T BITE! After two long months with them, I managed to learn some names and made friends.

Now after almost two years and 3 classes with Gr 12s, I’ve gotten over the whole age differences thing. Watching you stress over applications, freak about acceptances, and fuss about prom wear (who knew a lot have gotten their prom dress or tux in March?) I feel like a five-year-old, sitting on the bottom steps of the stairs watching my big
brothers and sisters step through the doors to another world, knowing that in a
year I will do the same.

Wherever you may be heading to next year, have fun and stay safe. Make North Toronto proud! I’ll be cheering for you at commencement, even though I know most of you won’t remember who I am by then (the short grade 11 in your class!). I will miss you when you’re gone; you have taught me a lot.

Thanks to Oleh and Cassandra for being the
first ones to speak with me in my grade 11 and 12 math class, respectively. It
meant a lot to me. It gets plain weird when the people in your grade aren’t
entirely sure which grade you’re really in, and the grade 12s aren’t sure what
to do with a grade 11 in their class.

” It
well may be

By being my friend…”

–wicked