Abigail didn't set out to become a writer, but between late nights organizing her Higher Level coursework and quiet afternoons in the Resource Centre, a clear passion emerged: storytelling, history and helping others. Heading into Grade 12, she's weighing three possible paths: journalism, history and classics, or social work, each rooted in her curiosity about people and the world around her.

My grade four teacher, Ms. Long, really helped me build my confidence early on.

Her academic focus took shape through HL Literature, History and Drama. "It's been a very heavy writing year," she shares, "but IB Select has given me the extra time to really devote myself to those courses, stay organized, and feel prepared for tests and assessments." That breathing room, she says, hasn't just lightened her workload; it's made her feel lighter too, leaving space for conversations with friends and quiet time to read.

She credits Branksome's teachers and School Counsellors with shaping her confidence over the years. "My grade four teacher, Ms. Long, really helped me build my confidence early on," she recalls. "She encouraged me to go out of my comfort zone, and that gave me a whole confidence boost." What defines Branksome most, she adds, is its community, from Spirit Week to the clubs that help students find their interests, along with the excitement of watching the school grow through projects like the new iCAST building.

As graduation nears, Abigail is candid about the mix of emotions. "I'm a little nervous, and I guess also a little sad, because this school has been such a big part of my life," she says. "But I know Branksome has prepared us to take on the real world, not just the skills we'll need for university, but the confidence to hold conversations, make our opinions known, and be bold. I know I'll be ready for it."