Alumni Reflection
by: Lauren Desveaux
Graduating Class of 1998

Lauren Desveaux, is a proud Hazel graduate of 1997-98. She attended Hazel for two years, as a French Immersion student, and just this past week completed her high school years at Clarkson high school. She graduated this past week from Clarkson and is heading off to Waterloo University in the fall to pursue a degree in Kinesiology. We wish her all the success in the world. Below, is Lauren’s reflection of her time at Hazel. 

I sit in front of my computer today, on the eve of my high school graduation with the exact same feelings I felt five years ago before my grade eight prom- Excited and apprehensive, a bit saddened and a bit cheerful. I look forward to the new endeavours ahead, but at the same time I fear them.  I’m sure the same thoughts crossed your minds as you prepared for your graduation, the combination of excitement and sadness realizing this may be the last time you see some of the friends you’ve acquired over the years at Hazel McCallion. You think ahead into the future, you wonder which faces will still be around, and which will fade into the background. You wonder which teachers you’ll remember and what you’ll carry away from them.  

As I contemplate the future, I again find the same sentiments arising as did five years ago. I am, as I’m sure some of you are, scared to once again become the small fish in the big sea, me at university, you in high school. The comfort level is gone, friends have changed, and there are bigger and scarier people out there. But, like me and all my peers, and coming from Hazel, rest assured, you will quickly conquer any fears.

Let me clear some things up for you about high school- initiation doesn’t happen, it’s really just a myth. High school isn’t that much harder than grade eight, in fact having been educated by the high standards of Hazel, grade nine was honestly a breeze. You’ll make friends fast, everyone there, not just you, is new, and teachers really aren’t that scary. Most of them have their claws retracted and are ready to help. BUT, I must admit, most can’t compare with the teachers at Hazel.

Both my fondest and my shoddier memories of Hazel lay in the gym. There was rarely a day that passed when I wasn’t in the gym or on the field early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I was always around, playing whatever sport was happening at the time, be it a team sport or an intramural sport. As you know, at Hazel, there was always something going on. There was constant friendly competition between peers and even the teachers, and in fact I seem to remember numerous times beating Mr. Riddell and his “stacked” team in indoor soccer. Competing in the Pentathlon, my two trips to Tawingo and numerous other events were always enjoyable and rewarding. Interwoven in all those sports were some bad times as well- about 4 sprained ankles, a concussion here and there, and the usual bumps and bruises. But, nonetheless, it was always fun.

I know a student presently attending Hazel right now. She will remain nameless to prevent any unintentional embarrassment. Before she attended Hazel, she and her parents approached me, knowing I had attended Hazel, inquiring as to how much I liked it, what the school was like, etc… I talked it up so much that I think they may have thought I was lying. I told them just how well rounded the entire learning process and environment is at Hazel. The education is top-notch, chances for extra help are frequent, and opportunities for involvement are plenty, no matter what your interests. All in all, you can’t beat it. From what I know now, after their daughter attended Hazel, they feel the same way.

Leaving Hazel was hard to do. I remember my grad night with a medley of emotions. It was the last time I’d see many friends and teachers, and like I’m sure you all did, I was sure to use the time to thank those who helped me along the way. Special thanks went out to Mrs. Colman who acted somewhat as a mentor to me, not only a teacher. After a hug and a picture, I went and waited in line to say goodbye to Mr. Riddell. He was just about everyone’s favourite, as I’m sure he still is. I remember crying on the lapel of his jacket, knowing how much I was going to miss him and the school.

From the first day of grade 7 as a little pipsqueak, entering the school for the first time, I felt at home. There are some things you just can’t forget, and my memories at Hazel will be with me for a life time. I hope you all take away from this school as much as I did.