The Tri-City News asked SD43 valedictorians in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody to reflect on their high school years and tell us what their future brings.
We'll publish their answers daily this week, at 8:05 a.m.
Erin Horikiri
Inquiry Hub (Coquitlam)
What are your plans after graduation?
- After graduation, I’m trying to create an educational pathway that combines my two passions and allows me to explore and pursue both. I’ve always loved to read and dance, so I'm going to study Library Information and Technology at UFV and intend to eventually become a library technician or librarian. I also want to pursue dance as an Intended Major for the SCA dance program at SFU and eventually become a dance teacher or choreographer.
What are you most proud of during your high school years?
- I’m most proud of my progress and growth as a person. Inquiry Hub has taught me so many things and prepared me for the world in an incredibly unique way. I’m so proud of how I’ve been able to overcome my anxiety and accomplish things I never thought I’d be able to do. I went from not even being comfortable presenting in front of a small class, to leading school-wide projects and speaking in front of hundreds of people at our school’s open house. High school has been an incredible opportunity for me to learn and grow in a safe and accepting environment.
What would you change about your high school years?
- My high school experience has been overwhelmingly positive, but if I could change anything I would go back to Grade 9 and encourage myself to be less afraid to try things and get involved in the community. Starting a new school, especially in the midst of a global pandemic, was very overwhelming. But in hindsight, I was way more nervous and scared than I needed to be. If I could change anything, I’d want to face every challenge with a little less fear because now I know that I can overcome them.
What does being a valedictorian mean to you?
- Being chosen as valedictorian feels like a culmination of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put in throughout the last four years. I’ve always been a high achiever and being valedictorian encourages me to continue putting 110 per cent of myself into everything I do even after leaving high school.
What advice do you have for the next graduation class?
- For future grads, I highly recommend applying to scholarships. It can be hard to balance, as various scholarships have different deadlines and you’ll also be managing coursework and other deadlines. But applying for scholarships is a very valuable and educational experience and can be incredibly beneficial!
