Hamber Grads Prepare For Post-Secondary Life
Photo Credit: Yearbook Archives
As June comes to an end, the graduating class of 2025 prepares to say their final goodbyes to Eric Hamber and explore life beyond high school.
Prom, a highlight for many students, was hosted on May 15 at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Adrian Lai (12) particularly enjoyed the event for its food, social aspect, and fancy dress code. “Everyone dressed up nicely, and it was nice to see everyone in formal attire.”
Students also enjoyed spending the night with their closest friends, many of whom have been friends throughout all five years of high school. “I really liked the slide show going from grade 8 through 12,” Sienna Lawrence (12) said. “The food was actually decent. The atmosphere and decorations were nice, and it was just a really nice event.”
Another favourite grad event was grad camping, which took place in late May at Cultus Lake. “I liked the place and the company of the people,” Elia Presot (12) said, who enjoyed the lighthearted atmosphere this trip brought, along with the company of friends and the open nature.
Although graduating can be bittersweet, Jeffrey Chan (12), who plans to attend the University of Toronto, has taken a positive outlook on leaving. “Honestly, I am excited to start a new chapter in my life. I’m excited to go to university, explore Toronto, and just get that experience.”
Ruby Ellermann (12) shared the feeling. “I am excited to move to a new city, but I’m definitely going to miss my friends since I only have one other person going with me.”
Many grads have plans to enjoy their last summer in Vancouver before they move on to new cities for post-secondary studies. Ellermann will also be going to the University of Toronto and plans to spend her summer enjoying Vancouver’s outdoor spaces. Other grads, such as Lawrence, plan to go on big trips with friends over their last summer before heading off to university. “I have a huge trip to Europe this summer with some of my closest friends. This is going to be a really great summer for me,” Lawrence said.
Grads have learned valuable lessons through five years of school.
“Enjoy your time in high school. Don’t stress too hard about academics and take your last year chill,” advises Chan. He added that students tend to get caught up in the details. Instead, they should remember that the whole point is to learn, grow, and have fun.
“Don’t rush and don’t worry,” Lawrence said. “People change their careers in the middle of their lives. [...] When you are 17 and you are thinking about what you are going to be doing at 25, you are going to be a different person with different thoughts, ideas, and goals. So slow down, take your time, and don’t feel the need to speed through it all.”