Ivana W. '25

I never could have imagined how much would change from that first day to now.

 

I was placed in Groves’ House and met Ms. Cholack, who supported me from day one. In Grade 10, I was shy and struggled to adjust, but her encouragement helped me slowly come out of my shell. That year was tough, but it was transformative.

 

One of the biggest reasons I chose Shawnigan was because of the wide range of opportunities. I was excited that we’d be required to take part in co-curriculars – 360 (arts and activities) and sport. I couldn’t wait to dive in.

 

In Grade 10, I joined Model UN and participated in the Global Goals conference. Mr. Klassen created amazing experiences through MUN, and they helped me gain confidence in public speaking. Those moments taught me that I love being in front of an audience – and that I actually enjoy performing.

 

Performing has always been in me. Growing up, my sister and I would perform for our parents – on Christmas, birthdays – we’d sing, act, dance. My mom loved it. She always wanted me to be a performer.

 

She used to say I should be a dancer, a singer, an actress... but I didn’t pursue any of these things or take classes – until Grade 10, when I came to Shawnigan and watched the school musical. It was The Addams Family, and I remember thinking, “Wow; this is really, really good.” Something sparked in me again.

 

In Grade 11, my interest reignited. I auditioned for Grease.I didn’t get a major role, but being part of the musical was a great experience. Just being involved – singing, dancing, taking on a character – I learned so much. I played a cheerleader, which meant learning choreography with pom-poms. It wasn’t a big role, but it was fun, and it got me thinking, “Okay, I want to do more of this.”

 

In Grade 12, the first round of auditions for Chicago was the dance audition. I had practiced a lot, so I felt pretty confident. People sometimes ask me how I learned to dance like that – and honestly, I’d just imitate people I thought were amazing. In this case, Kate I. was in front of me – she's a ballroom dancer – and I mirrored her energy and movements. That’s something I do a lot: I draw inspiration from people around me and build off that. Then came the singing audition. I was super sick – my voice was gone. We were singing “All That Jazz” and “Roxie,” and I told Ms. Bryant, “I can't hit this note right now.” But I still gave it my best. We didn’t even get a proper acting audition – just one line. I was worried because I thought acting would be my strength. It felt like everything was working against me.

 

After my audition, I was convinced they didn’t like it. But then they asked, “Can you sing this part again?” and “Can you hit this note?” I tried – even with my raspy voice – and left not expecting anything. I figured maybe I’d get cast as one of the dancers, a murderess or something. When I opened the list and saw “Ivana – Velma” I was stunned. Not even excited at first – just completely shocked. I genuinely thought others deserved it more. There are so many talented singers here.

 

Musical theatre has helped me recognize how much I love performing. I’ve always known it, but now it feels real. More than that, it unlocked a deeper confidence in myself. On stage, in character, I’m totally different – I feel bold, expressive, fearless. People say your characters become a part of you. And I think that’s true. Performing has helped me become more sure of who I am. It has also led to incredible friendships and a true love for the stage.

 

Belonging has always mattered to me. At my old school, the values embodied by JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) were emphasized – and I wanted to continue that at Shawnigan. That journey really started to take shape in Grade 11, and in Grade 12 I stepped into leadership roles that allowed me to grow that passion even more. My biggest reason for applying to be a Prefect was to access more resources to support JEDI work. And although it came with challenges – mostly because the school is so busy – I learned how to follow through and stay committed.

 

The support was definitely there. Señora Carballo, Mr. Clinton-Baker, Student Life, and others really believed in the work. At the beginning of the year, it took time to build momentum, but once the ball got rolling, the school responded with real encouragement and resources. I think we’re starting to see a cultural shift. There’s more energy around student voice, more consistent engagement, and more visible support for inclusive leadership. Of course, there’s still room to grow. But we’re moving in the right direction, and that gives me hope.

 

If I could speak to the shy Grade 10 version of myself – the one who had just arrived and wasn’t sure if she belonged – I would say this:

 

It works out.

 

You’ll grow into yourself. You’ll make your mark. You’ll become someone you’re proud of. Just keep believing, and keep showing up.

 

I am so grateful for just being allowed the opportunity to have been here. Shawnigan is a mosaic. It brings together academics, arts and athletics, and wraps it in a community where people grow together, not just side by side. That interconnectedness is what makes this place so special.

 

To anyone considering Shawnigan: Come ready to embrace everything. Take initiative. Be passionate. Stand for what matters to you. That’s how you grow – and how you help others grow too.

 

And to the community I’m leaving behind, I would just say, keep believing; keep building.

 

Because when people are passionate about something, it has the power to change everything – for them, and for the people around them.

 

I’m leaving Shawnigan with a deep sense of gratitude. I’m thankful for my house, for the late-night chats, for walking to Duke’s Café during elevenses, for the laughter in Marion Hall, for every walk from the gym back to Groves’. I’ll miss it all.