Hello everyone!

I think it's time for me to tell you all a little bit about myself. Without giving to much away (I may be a teen, but I'm not oblivious!!), I'm going to give a brief bio and tell you about me.

First, I was born on April 20 (yes, this is International Pot Day, and Hitler's birthday, I know...), and I started to go to school as a troublesome little kid who nobody really understood. I got okay grades - nothing extraordinary - but many people - parents and teachers included - were concerned with me. In grade 3, my family (my two parents and older sister) moved out of the city and into the country, where I faced the three most difficult years of my life.

My sister and I started at our new school as "the new kids." Let's just say that that didn't go over too well... this school was very close-minded, and they didn't accept change at all. I was bullied emotionally and socially, being excluded and made fun of on a daily basis. Nothing physical ever came of it, thank goodness, but it hurt all the same. Needless to say, I rebelled and acted out, giving me a bad rep with the kids and more importantly the teachers and administration. I did have some friends, but I was not a happy kid, and it showed.

I switched schools in grade 7, and went to a French Immersion school back in the city. It was, by far, the best decision I have ever made in my entire life. I met some of the best friends of my life, and since half my grade was starting anew at that school, we were all in the same position. The teachers were amazing, and we all had this sense of family and acceptance that I never thought possible.

In two short years, I had become a new person - much happier, and much better off. I graduated that school (in grade 8) at the top of my class, being the Valedictorian, and winning the Principal's Award For Student Leadership, the most honoured award given. I was on the School Council, so I got recognized for that, and I won the English award. It just goes to show how much environment can change a person.

Now I'm in my first year of high school, and I'm loving it. I am in three choirs (senior, junior, and men's), two bands (junior and intermediate), I'm on the yearbook commitee (I photograph and design the pages), and I am on the Reach for the Top team (which is kind of like a school-level Jeopardy). My music teacher even invited me to come out to a city-wide boys choir, which I will probabaly take him up on next year. On top of all that, I take piano lessons outside of school (Gr.7 Conservatory), I am in a 10-pin bowling league, and I have very good grades (don't get me wrong - I'm not boasting... I just am saying that.)

I'm now a very driven person who strives to do my best at everything I do. I never give up, and I'm a very fun-loving person who laughs as much as I can. I find it makes me a happier and stronger person.

I think my bad experiences in my second school have made me stronger and more self-proud. I now am much more comfortable with myself, and I am not afraid to be myself. Having been through this awful experience, then going to an amazing experience at Frech Immersion has made me a diverse and unique person, and I take great pride in that.

I know that this won't interest many people (none, in all likeleness), but I thought this might give an insight into where I'm coming from when I give my opinions on things.

May the Force be with You, Happy 30th Anniversary, and See you at Celebration IV in 45 days!!!
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(EDIT: Oops! I forgot to put my quote in, so I'm doing it now!)

That it will never come again
is what makes life so sweet.
-Emily Dickinson
Poem Number 1741