I am Shawnigan archive

I was nervous on my first day, because I didn’t know what to expect. I started at Shawnigan in Grade 8, during the COVID pandemic, which was already a weird time. Unpacking in my room, everyone was wearing masks, and communicating could be a challenge. It was a strange way to start, but Shawnigan did its best.

Being in a House of all Grade 8s made it easier. We were all in one place and stuck together all the time because of COVID regulations, which ended up being a good thing because we bonded really quickly. Because we were always together, we made friendships that have lasted all five years, even though we didn’t stay in the same Houses. I’m still close with people I probably wouldn’t have talked to otherwise. We all shared the experience of being homesick for the first time. That connected us – and always will.

I first heard about Shawnigan from a friend who was already a student. At the time, I was at another school on Vancouver Island, and I felt something was missing – maybe academic challenge, maybe motivation. I wanted more. My friends encouraged me to apply, and I decided to take a leap.

 

I’ll never forget my first visit. I remember sitting in Mitchell Hall, completely overwhelmed; everyone was in uniform, the buildings were beautiful, and it all felt so official. The people were kind and welcoming, and they smiled at me, but I still wondered, Do I belong here?

I can’t imagine my life without having experienced this place. 

My start at Shawnigan was really a happy accident. I was a bit shocked when I got the job because it all happened so quickly, but I do remember being excited even though I felt like I was going into a great unknown. 

I was immediately struck by the natural beauty of Shawnigan’s campus and instantly felt drawn into the magic. The trees here are amazing; I have always felt they’re the best feature of the campus. I remember the feeling of stepping into the old Main Building and seeing the character and charm throughout the building. I knew instantly that this was a special place.