Ash Butun '26

I’ve wanted to go abroad since I was little. I wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone, and when my older brother started applying to universities in Canada and the United States, it encouraged me to find my own path too.

I applied to a few Canadian boarding schools, but Shawnigan immediately stood out. Even from halfway around the world in Turkey, it felt like a small, close-knit community where I could discover who I was while being surrounded by people who genuinely cared.

 

One of the biggest reasons I chose Shawnigan was my admissions interview with Mrs. Pollock. She felt incredibly genuine, and through our conversation I got a real sense of the warmth of the community. She spoke about the opportunities available, from academics to the 360 program, and I realized Shawnigan offered much more than the traditional education I was used to in Turkey, where the focus was almost entirely on academics.

 

I had never even been to Canada before arriving for Grade 9.

 

When I finally drove through the front gates with my parents, it felt surreal. I had spent months looking at photos, watching YouTube videos, and imagining what life here would be like. Suddenly I was actually here. I still remember walking into Strathcona House for the first time. My “big sister” helped me settle into my room, and I immediately felt that people genuinely cared about me.

 

Being an international student wasn't always easy. I was – and still am – the only student from Turkey. There were times when I felt homesick or out of place, but those feelings never lasted long because people were genuinely interested in learning about where I came from. The support was always there; I just had to learn to accept it.

 

Strathcona House truly became my home. Mrs. Platt, Mrs. Conroy, and Mr. Hale supported me through every stage of my Shawnigan Journey. They never treated me differently because I came from another country; they simply treated me like family.

 

One of the things I love most about Shawnigan is the community. It's something I mention often, because it really is at the heart of the school. I can chat with teachers over coffee in Duke's, see them in the dining hall, or stop to talk between classes. Everyone knows each other, and that creates a real sense of belonging and security.

 

Shawnigan encouraged me to explore interests I never expected to have. Music has always been part of my life, but joining Rock Band showed me what it was like to perform with others. It became one of the highlights of my time here and gave me some of my favourite memories.

 

Rock Band will be the hardest thing to leave behind when I graduate. I'll probably join another band at university, but it won't be the same. It wasn't just about making music; it was about sharing those experiences with my closest friends. Some of my happiest memories are setting up for performances and playing together in Chapel.

 

Film production was another unexpected passion. I joined the class in Grade 9 simply because it looked interesting, and I discovered something I genuinely loved. Even if I don't pursue it as a career, it opened a door I never knew existed.

 

The same was true in athletics. Before coming to Canada, I had never even heard of field hockey. By the end of my time here, I had been a team captain. While I eventually focused on tennis, playing on a team taught me about communication, leadership, and supporting others.

 

Serving as Head of School has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I never wanted to be a leader who simply enforced rules or stood in the spotlight. Instead, I wanted to be someone people felt comfortable talking to someone they could trust.

 

The most meaningful part of the role hasn't been the formal responsibilities. It's been having younger students tell me they want to become a prefect or Head of School because they saw themselves in me. As an international student, that means a great deal. It showed me that leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room. You can lead quietly by listening, encouraging others, and making people feel like they belong.

 

If I could give one piece of advice to future Shawnigan students, it would be to appreciate every moment from the very beginning. Don't wait until your final year to realize how special this place is. Shawnigan can be busy, challenging, and demanding, but those routines and shared experiences are what make it feel like home.

 

When people ask me why they should choose Shawnigan, my answer is simple: the community. No matter what you're experiencing, someone will always be there beside you. That's what makes this place so special, and it's something I know I'll carry with me long after I leave.