DJ B. '25

Posted 7/16/2025

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’m really glad I came to Shawnigan in Grade 8. I don’t think I would have had as good of a time starting in any other year. I think I still would have succeeded, but Grade 8 gave me a strong start. I have so many memories from that year – our giant Nerf gun war, and all the little moments in the Grade 8 House: playing basketball, mountain biking, hanging out in our rooms, playing games.

I always had a hunch I’d end up in Ripley’s House. During the Sorting Hat ceremony, I felt relieved when I was placed there – it was the House I initially toured. Ripley’s had this connected, cared-for feeling. Mr. Doyle was there when I arrived – he was a great House Director, and he helped me settle in. Moving into a bigger House with older grades was a big change, but it went well.

I’ll miss the small things: making food together in the kitchen, blasting music, hanging out. Just being around a group of guys who genuinely love each other. That sense of brotherhood – that’s what I’ll miss most. The guys in Ripley’s have seen me through everything. The highs, the lows – they’ve had my back the whole way. Everyone has a unique personality, but what’s special is how much people care. If I came back to the House after a rough day, they were the first ones to support me.

Being Head of House this year was such an honour. Getting to know everyone, leading meetings, checking in with people – it felt good to be at the centre of the House. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from that leadership experience is this: don’t try to do everything alone. Lean on the people around you. Use your team. It’s not about carrying the load yourself – it’s about winning together.

If someone asked me why they should board instead of being a day student, I’d say boarding gives you a deeper connection. You’re at the School 24/7, and you’re around for those late-night bonding moments that day students often miss. It’s a different experience – and one that helps you build stronger relationships.

Rugby has been my biggest passion at Shawnigan. I didn’t play before I came here. I came for hockey, but that didn’t work out. When hockey wasn’t working out, I was handed a pair of rugby boots and coaxed onto the field. I was terrible at first, just trying to pass the ball, but I started to get it. Rugby gave me a whole new way to use my body.

Being on the First XV these past few years has been special. Our team has been really tight, and we’ve brought that unity onto the field. Running down the stairs onto Canada Field is just unreal. I remember being a younger student watching the First XV and thinking, “That’s the top.” And then suddenly, I was there. It meant a lot to be that person others looked up to.

Rugby has also opened doors I never imagined. I’ve travelled to Germany, Colombia, Japan, California, and New York. I’ve had conversations with university coaches and been noticed in ways I never expected. The exposure has been amazing. Next year, I’ll probably play for a club team. My goal is to make the U20 Canada team at some point.

The coaching at Shawnigan has shaped me so much – not just as a player, but as a person. They push you hard, but it’s because they believe in you. They build you up. I’ve never had coaches like this before. They’re the best I’ve ever worked with.

Of all the passions I uncovered at Shawnigan, the most unexpected was theatre. In Grade 10, I took drama on a whim – I thought it might be fun. It turned out that I loved it, and I wasn’t bad at it. I was just the rugby guy, so it caught people off guard. I was totally supported. Mr. Interlandi is an amazing teacher, and my friends in theatre were really encouraging. Even my dad said, “I had no idea you were into this – or that you were good at it.” That meant a lot.

Shawnigan encourages you to try new things. I never felt judged for doing theatre. In fact, a bunch of people came up to me after the musical asking, “Where do I sign up?” Whether it’s theatre, music, or athletics, the school supports you.

The musical this year was the coolest moment of my Shawnigan experience. Being part of a full production, standing on that big stage – it was surreal. I’ve been to Broadway shows and thought, “Wow.” But being on the other side, hearing the cheers after a song – that feeling is unmatched.

If you’re nervous about trying theatre, or anything new, just try it. You’ll never know until you do. Shawnigan gave me the space to try new things, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Academically, this has been my best year. School has never been my strongest area, but I’ve found my rhythm. Coming to Shawnigan taught me how to be a better student. I’ve learned how to study, how to manage my time, how to enjoy the process. I’ve learned how to complete assignments and actually prepare for tests.

My favorite thing about Shawnigan is the community.

Everyone’s connected. With around 500 students, you really get to know each other. We eat together, train together, live together. Even though we’re in different Houses, there’s unity. That positive energy on campus is something I’ll never forget.

I’m most grateful for my friends. And rugby – it gave me a whole new life. I’m also grateful for Ripley’s House and all the staff who supported me. I’ve had a lot of help along the way, and I’ll always be thankful for that.

My advice to future Shawnigan students: Get out there. Try everything. Volunteer. Be at the front of the line. This is the place to explore and find your passion. And even if you think you’ve found it – try something else.

There’s always something waiting for you that you didn’t know you’d love. You just have to try.

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