Emma Hamblin and Samantha Jones have been friends since kindergarten. Both avid 4-H’ers, they will be pursuing careers where they can work with animals. For Emma, already a qualified welder, it’s TRU’s Sustainable Ranching program in Williams Lake then on to study animal husbandry at Olds College in Alberta. Sam is headng to TRU for a BSc then on to the University of Saskatchewan to study veterinary medicine. Learn more about all the SD73 valedictorians here.
Emma Hamblin
SD73: When you think about your graduating class, what does this goal mean for you? (to connect students with their futures and to see every student cross the stage when they graduate with dignity, purpose, and options.)
EM: When we each cross the stage one by one I think, “How many of us will change the world?”, “Are we on this earth for a purpose?”, and “Will we change lives?” As I look at each person in my grad class I know that we will all accomplish our goals and all of our lives have meaning. I want everyone in my grad class to know that there is not a doubt in my mind that they will do great things. Our paths are all different and I can’t wait to see what will become of us.
SD73: What has your school experience been like at SD73?
EM: I can honestly say my experience at Barriere Secondary and SD73 has been one I will never forget. Barriere is such a tightly knit community and I am eternally grateful to have gotten the support from all aspects of my school/ community since I started school here. It’s not just Barriere too that has been exceptionally supportive, the whole school district has been there when I needed them. Whether I needed help in an online course or had a question for another school about a program they offered, I was always able to find a faculty member that went above and beyond to not only help me but also make me feel welcomed for asking questions.
SD73: What life lessons and goals are you taking from your time here?
EM: I will forever take with me how to be a critical thinker. In almost every course I took they taught us critical thinking and how to solve problems with the information given. My goals are to use that critical thinking, combine it with my hard work ethic, and change something in the world. Even if it’s just one life, every change makes a difference. Critical thinking is analyzing, predicting, applying, and transforming. I plan to use these steps every day for the rest of my life.
SD73: What advice do you have for your grad class, and for future graduating classes?
EM: Live life to the fullest and always do what makes you happy, money will never buy happiness, and always try your hardest at something because if you aren’t trying your hardest then you aren’t trying.
“The most important thing is to enjoy your life, to be happy, it’s all that matters.”
- Audrey Hepburn
Samantha Jones
SD73: When you think about your graduating class, what does this goal mean for you? (to connect students with their futures and to see every student cross the stage when they graduate with dignity, purpose, and options.)
SJ: A chapter of our lives will be closing, allowing another one to be opened. It means that every single one of us has prospered throughout both the ups and downs of school. It proves that every single one of us is a strong, independent individual ready to expand our knowledge. We are all ready to explore our true potential and freedom.
SD73: What has your school experience at SD73 been like?
SJ: I am lucky to have had a very positive experience at Barriere Secondary and in SD73. Having been a student in the district since kindergarten they have helped me successfully reach my educational goals. I am thankful to have received many different opportunities in the district including the Youth Advisory Committee and the Environmental Studies camp.
SD73: What life lessons, ideas, and goals are you taking with you from your time here?
SJ: There are many life lessons, goals and ideas that I will be taking from my time here but one of the main things is that we must not let our frustration hold us back. We must use it as a tool to help us critically think our way out of situations. To help lead us to a solution. A goal I take is to continue to be involved with my community as a 4H member and continuing as part of the netball team in a coach position.
SD73: What advice do they have for your graduating class, and for future graduating classes?
SJ: Advice that I would give to our grad class/future graduating classes would be to not be afraid to have an opinion and be an individual. Don’t let others get in the way of your interests and dreams.
“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
- Ella Fitzgerald