1. The Ripple Effect: During middle school, a new student named Jessie joined our class.

Jessie
feels the pressure of being the "new kid" and she seems isolated. One day I decided to invite
her to join us at the lunch table as a simple gesture of friendship. Little did I know, this small
gesture had a profound impact. Jessie went on to become an integral part of our team, and the
ripple effects of that initial friendship extended beyond the school year, underscoring the lasting
impact of reaching out to others.

2. The Courage to Speak: During a class discussion on a sensitive topic, Sarah, an introverted
classmate, bravely shared her personal experiences. Her courage to speak openly about her
struggles inspired others to do the same. This experience taught me the power of vulnerability
and how, sometimes, breaking the silence can create an environment where everyone feels
seen and heard.

3. The Unexpected Mentor: In my final year, I found myself struggling with career choices.
Surprisingly, after chatting with Mr. Johnson, the librarian, when I went to the library, he
unexpectedly became my mentor. During our brief conversation, Mr. Johnson shared valuable
life lessons that guided me on a path that aligned with my passions. This story taught me that
wisdom can come from unexpected sources and that an openness to learning from everyone
can enrich our journey.

4. Last Minute Victory: In the rush of deadlines and tests, I found myself pulling an all-nighter to
complete a major assignment. Surprisingly, the pressure fueled my creativity, resulting in one of
my best pieces of work. This experience taught me that sometimes, accepting a last-minute
push can lead to unexpected triumphs, challenging the notion that success can only come from
careful planning.

5. Highs and Lows of Cruise Night: Cruise Night is a highly anticipated event for the senior class
that brings highs and lows. From the laughter of dancing with friends to the bittersweet
goodbyes, that night encapsulated the essence of the senior year experience. This story
emphasizes the importance of cherishing every moment, even the ones with a hint of sadness,
as they all help make up the memories of the high school journey.

6. The lost wallet: One day, on the eve of an important presentation, I realized that my wallet
was missing. I panicked and retraced my steps, searching desperately for it. The next morning,
still without my wallet, I nervously did my speech, convinced that the day was doomed to fail. To
my surprise, my mom found my wallet in the kitchen. This unexpected turn of events, from
despair to relief, highlights the unpredictability of life. It reinforced the lesson of embracing
uncertainty and reminded me that even in the face of challenges, positive outcomes can emerge
when we least expect them.

7. The unlikely friendship: During my senior year in high school, I formed an unlikely friendship
with a girl called Jenny, a classmate who on the surface seemed to have nothing in common
with me. Breaking through stereotypes, we discovered shared interests and perspectives. This
story highlights the importance of looking beyond superficial differences and finding connections
that transcend social expectations.

8. Express gratitude: At the end of summer camp school, I was tasked with delivering the
valedictory speech. Taking a moment to express gratitude for the teachers, friends, and
experiences that have shaped our journeys has allowed me to reflect on the transformative
power of gratitude. This story highlights the impact of acknowledging and appreciating the
people and moments that contribute to our growth.

9. The family trail: My family and I went on a hiking trip in north Vancouver last month. The trail,
while challenging, became a canvas for laughter and camaraderie. The experience underscored
the importance of relaxation, even when dealing with emerging adulthood. It taught me that
moments of joy and humor are as critical to coping with the challenges of growing up as they
are to brighten our family hikes, turning every obstacle into an opportunity to share laughter and
connect.

10. Teamwork: In the final stretch of a chem test, a study group formed in my class. What
started as a way to share notes quickly transformed into a support system to relieve test stress.
This story highlights the importance of collaboration and working together to achieve success,
challenging the notion that academic achievement is solely about individual achievement.

11. Embrace the unknown: Stepping out of my comfort zone, I ran for a leadership position in
the ISP Leadership Club. Navigating unfamiliar responsibilities and uncertainty, I learned to
embrace the joy of the unknown. This experience translated into personal growth and taught me
the importance of taking risks and thriving in unknown territories.

12. Embrace imperfection: During a football match I watched last week, a sudden rainstorm
caused chaos and laughter. Instead of seeking shelter, students danced in the rain, turning an
unexpected situation into an unforgettable experience. This rule embodies the spirit of
embracing imperfection, finding joy in spontaneity, and appreciating the beauty that emerges
from unexpected situations.