It wasn’t until Audrey began studying at Collingwood that she started to think about life after graduation–but unlike some students, Audrey never wanted to specialize in any one thing. That was a big part of why she made the move from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at her previous school to Collingwood in Grade 9.

“I like to explore different options,” she says. “I feel like Collingwood, along with the Advanced Placement program, has allowed me to play to my strengths in a way the IB program didn’t.”

Collingwood’s personalized approach to learning means students are exposed to a vast array of co-curricular offerings and customizable timetables –in fact, no two graduates have the same schedule. For Audrey, this meant courses in Film & Media, AP English Language, AP Human Geography, Philosophy, and AP Studio Art. Participating in debate and public speaking, Model UN, dance, service, fashion design, and being part of the EDI Committee meant she was able to try new things that might one day become a career.

“Collingwood also helped me cater to my strengths. My teachers have really wanted the best for me and have gone out of their way to make sure I’m doing my best.” One of those strengths has been approaching challenges and opportunities with curiosity and openness. When she was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, she didn’t see it as a detriment. Instead, she sought out help from Collingwood’s Inclusive Education Department who supported Audrey’s growth in learning to juggle school work and staying organized. 

One of her biggest supporters along the way has been University Guidance counselor, Rachel Pezim. The university selection process doesn’t just happen in the senior years at Collingwood–it begins in Grade 8 when UG counselors meet with students to begin discussions about their passions, course selection, and potential career paths. UG counselors work with the same group of students for the entire secondary process, which helps to develop long lasting relationships that support students during high school and beyond. Each UG counselor works with their students no matter what their intended university destination is as they are trained to support all the global destinations to which our students apply.

Ms. Pezim remembers how Audrey stood out from the beginning as a student who did not take this resource for granted. 

“Audrey was my most efficient student in regards to her university selection,” Ms. Pezim says. “She really did her research and came prepared. She was very engaged in the process and communicative.”

Upbringing of course, can also make a huge impact. From the bright lights of Hong Kong to the forests of West Vancouver, Audrey's life has been a tapestry of diverse experiences. Each move, each new school, fueled her curiosity and desire to explore different paths. Witnessing her mother's success in communications in Hong Kong sparked Audrey's own interest in the field. 

Vancouver – although beautiful and busy – doesn’t have the same pounding pulse that she was used to in Hong Kong. “I like moving at a fast pace, and being surrounded by vibrant people and places. With that in mind, she set her sights on the east coast of the United States, considering Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, NYU, and Barnard, to name a few. Ultimately, Audrey felt Boston itself had everything she had been looking for – a fast pace, opportunity, culture, and diversity – and the schools were well situated and highly regarded. 

“I really enjoyed my tour at Boston University,” Audrey says. “I liked the people I met there and how many resources were available to support students. I also liked the fact that it’s a campus but it’s really integrated into the city, and it has great school spirit.”

In February, Audrey was offered an early decision to Boston U. “At Boston U’s College of Communications, you have the ability to choose from so many majors just within communications, like marketing, PR, or journalism. That really opened up a lot of doors for me,” says Audrey.

“You never know what current your life is going to take. If it’s meant to be, I’ll work in fashion,” she says with a relaxed shrug. Just like her parents advised, she's keeping her options open, even with dreams of a fashion career, confident her chosen path in communications will lead her where she's meant to be.