The Alumni Series features testimonials and interviews given by recent graduates of WillowWood School. Our third alumnus featured in this series is Ann Fu. An is attending the University of Toronto, where she is studying Health Sciences.
How did WillowWood help you accomplish your goals?
Since my arrival in Canada, WillowWood has provided me with a solid learning platform and has taken good care of me. WillowWood allows me to maximize my potential; in addition to academics, my sports, music, social skills, and other interests have all been well-educated and enhanced. Furthermore, my university application process would not be smooth without the help of my teachers; they are just as responsible as parents and do everything they can to support me.
How was your English when you first started in Grade 10?
I used to be very unconfident about speaking English because my English was not fluent and I was afraid that others would think my English was not good.
How did teachers at WillowWood help you improve your English language skills?
The teachers encouraged me to speak English and pushed me to try to communicate with my classmates (even Chinese classmates) in English as much as possible in class. What impressed me most was that after I studied at WillowWood for a while, Zach told me that my English had improved a lot; it made me feel that I was really improving and that I spoke English more confidently.
Did you make friends with international students?
Yes, I have made friends with many international students, whether in middle school or high school, Chinese or Korean. I often played and chatted with them, even when we graduated from WillowWood.
Did you make friends with domestic (Canadian) students?
Yes, I made domestic friends by taking classes or attending school activities, chatting with them during lunchtime or while doing sports; this not only trained my English speaking skills but also helped me know more about Canadian culture.
How did teachers help/make you feel during your time at WillowWood?
The teachers helped me better integrate into the big family; every time the school organized activities, whether sports or volunteer activities, the teachers would invite me to participate. Even if there was something I was not good at, the teachers would encourage me to try it. Such an environment made me develop the habit of being brave to try, seize every opportunity, and strive to improve and enrich myself.
What school are you going to now? What are you studying there? What year of study are you in?
I am currently a second-year student at the University of Toronto St. George campus, specializing in health and disease and minoring in immunology.
Is there anything else you want to share with parents who are thinking of sending their children to WillowWood?
All the teachers at WillowWood are very friendly and responsible, and I am very honoured to be part of this big family. I 100% recommend WillowWood to students who want to study in Toronto.
Comments