The Search for My Grade 5 Teacher.

Since moving to New Westminster, I've had passing thoughts of my Grade 5 teacher, Ms. Gropp. During class, she frequently mentioned that she lives right here. In New West. 

I've thought of reconnecting with her, but never had the courage, thinking I'd be crossing boundaries. That maybe she wouldn't want to be bothered. I even had thoughts that she may not be with us anymore as she was in her 50's back when I was in Grade 5. 

My girlfriend who I work with in one of the policing units gave me the final push tonight. 

She said, "It's worse to live with the regret of not reaching out. Plus, I bet she'd be over the moon to hear from you and to have you tell her what an important influence she was in your life."

Ms. Gropp was a real dragon lady. I remember her giving shit to one of the boys in class for calling me 'hopeless'. "WHO SAID THAT? WHO SAID CLARA IS HOPELESS?? I TELL ALL YOU GUYS, SHE SMARTER THAN ALL OF YOU. YOU GOT NOTHING GOOD TO SAY, THEN GET OUT OF MY CLASS!!  

For all those reading this from East Van, this lady, was a REAL East Van teacher. Attitude and all. She was in her 50's back then. Took no shit from no one. I learned from the best and she was a real source of inspiration. 

I made a facebook search tonight and the profile looks like it could be her. Here's my message to my Grade 5 teacher: 

Is this Ms. Gropp? 

I'm not sure if I have the right person, but I thought i'd give it a shot. 

I'm Clara and you were my Grade 5 teacher at Renfrew Elementary School. I had a music teacher named Ms. Westrom too. I was part of the school singing group too. 

I wanted to reach out to you, one of the early teachers who made a positive and caring contribution to my life. You were aware that I came from a challenging family dynamic and I remembered you finding me crying by a window when school was just about to let out for Summer. 

I wanted to you know that I'm doing okay now and life has been rewarding both emotionally and financially for me. I am a high school counselor now and work as a flight attendant during the Summer. 

I'f i've got the right Ms. Gropp, I'd love to hear from you and hear how you are doing. :)

My winning entry into grad school.

Hi Everyone :) 

After a journey beginning at age 11, it all finally became a reality this past week as I was offered admission into one of the three graduate schools that I've applied to for Counselling Psychology. I was so determined to ensure that I made a positive impression by taking the day off and handing my entire application package in person and conversing with the academic adviser. It was on that day that I met my interviewer for the first time as she was passing by on her lunch break. 

A few days later, all of it came to a head when I was offered an interview. After delivering a hand made mug to the Principal who helped me throughout this journey, I went in to share my story and childhood aspirations with Dr. Taggart. 

I'd like to share with everyone the short letter of intent I wrote supporting my dedication towards the counselling profession along with the interest and determination originating from childhood. Here it is: 

Dear Admissions Committee,

My name is Clara Mai Yan . I am currently a resource and skill development teacher where I help students discover their learning styles, personal strengths and foster their confidence in learning. Prior to holding my current position, I spent two years at the Canadian International School of Macao as a reception and first grade teacher upon graduation from Queen's University.

One of my early significant experiences include being mentored, encouraged and inspired by my teachers and especially, my high school counsellor. Being raised within a challenging family dynamic, my counsellor was responsible for teaching me strategies to develop emotional strength, problem solving skills and build solid interpersonal relationships with my peers. Having seen me through grades 8 to 12, she has inspired me

to help students and those whom I work with to overcome adversity by developing resiliency.

It was during secondary school where I began to dedicate my leisure time towards volunteer work that would help with my career goal of becoming a school counsellor. Shortly after beginning 10^th grade, I joined the Kids Help Phone's national Student Ambassador program where I toured various high schools in BC to raise awareness and facilitate group discussions on current challenges facing teens. During 12^th grade, I became a member of the peer counselling team which involves helping new students adjust to school life in Canada and offering written insight to peers through our school newspaper's advice column. After graduation from secondary school, I further developed my counselling and mentoring skills by becoming a Residence Adviser at Queen's University. Currently, when I am away from my teaching duties, I serve as a Crisis Counsellor with the Vancouver Crisis Centre and Victim's Assistance Unit Caseworker at the New Westminster Police Department. Each Spring, I also volunteer as a guest hairstylist with the Cinderella Project in Vancouver.

When asked about what I have to offer the counselling profession, I am most proud of my ability to engage and establish rapport with both students and new people who I encounter. I am most thankful and grateful for having students and those whom I work with on a volunteer capacity, trust and share with me their personal hardships and challenges.

Within the area of school counselling, my research interests are in the social and emotional development of students, especially as it pertains to adolescent girls. As the issue of relationship safety becomes a growing concern, my goal as a school counsellor is to help young women develop self-confidence, resiliency and a strong sense of identity—without relying on social media and societal gender expectations as a source of positive self-identification. I am also curious in researching the learning needs of male students and exploring the growing epidemic of underachievement in both boys and girls. Upon completion of my counselling degree, I look forward to working with teachers to help students experience success through identifying and reinforcing their strengths and competencies.

Given my experience, work ethic and dedication towards achieving my childhood goal, I am confident and looking forward to completing my graduate studies in Counselling Psychology. Thank you for reviewing my application and I hope to receive an offer of admission for the Fall of 2015.

Sincerely,

Clara Mai-Yan Wong