new sides of herself. Textiles with Ms Kenny, Teacher, Arts and Applied Design Skills & Technology, Senior School, was her first experience sewing. English First Peoples 12 with
Similar to Lina, the Harkness table also became meaningful for Hela because it was so different from school in Afghanistan, where learning was largely based on memorization. insightful questions that clearly drew on their own background knowledge and learning they have been doing in their classrooms, and it was a powerful opportunity for them to see the real-life implications of human rights abuses.”
Beyond the classroom, Hela joined cross-country and archery. Crosscountry tested her endurance, while archery became a place where she could be fully present during a Grade 12 year filled with applications and deadlines. Speaking at the International Day of the Girl Child assembly alongside Lina also became one of her proudest moments.
Ms Robinson helped her learn more about Indigenous Peoples and grow more confident as a writer.
“ In English First Peoples 12, the connections that Hela was able to make between the First Peoples of Canada and the Indigenous peoples of Afghanistan created opportunities for the class to consider the concept of reconciliation from a global perspective,” said Ms Robinson.
Participation still took courage.“ Everyone is talking, and you need to jump in,” Hela said.“ There’ s nobody looking at you, pointing at you, or giving you a certain time to talk. You have to have that courage and put your idea out there. It gives you a sense that … people care about what you say ad what you think,” she said.“ Share your opinion respectfully and you will be appreciated.”
Teachers often heard from students how impactful the perspectives that Lina and Hela shared in assemblies and classes were, particularly how listening to their experiences put their own challenges into perspective and opened up a new way of thinking about an issue. As Ms Hare, Teacher, Ivy Compass Program, shared,“ Both students were so eloquent as they spoke to Middle School students about their own experiences, the lives of other women and girls in Afghanistan, and the historical and contemporary situations in the region. The Middle School students asked
By trying different courses and activities, Hela came to understand herself better.“ Coming from Afghanistan, I didn’ t know what I enjoyed,” Hela said.“ I didn’ t know if I wanted to go into sciences or social sciences. Taking all these opportunities, I understood that science is not for me. I want to go into social sciences.”
Her advice for future students is to participate as fully as possible.“ Take every opportunity,” she said.“ There are so many things inside of school but outside of the class that you can learn— all these clubs, all these sports. Taking all those opportunities will show you your way.”
A PLACE TO RETURN TO
Adjusting to being at Crofton House took time. But as Lina and Hela found their way around campus and began to participate fully, they found friendship and community.“ I never felt like I didn’ t belong here,” Lina said.“ For that feeling, I’ m very grateful.” Hela agreed, noting that even small gestures mattered.“ All the students, teachers, and staff members, everyone really welcomed us,” she said.“ Seeing you in the hallways, giving you a smile— all of that gives you courage.”
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