Opportunity

　　MLIS – Zhenjiang Laura Werbitsky

　　To me, Maple Leaf means opportunity. Opportunity for teachers to meet new people from around the world; to improve their teaching practice; to explore a fascinating culture and to teach some of the kindest, hardest working students I have ever met. More importantly, Maple Leaf truly provides endless opportunities for students. Through the athletics programs, extracurricular activities, student union, athletic council, etc, etc, etc, every student is encouraged to explore their hobbies and interests in a safe and supportive environment. It is the value that Maple Leaf places on providing these opportunities to our students that allowed me to enjoy one of the greatest experiences in my teaching career.

　　Garven is a prime example of how Maple Leaf provides our students with opportunity. Garven is a brand-new Maple Leaf graduate and was my running club captain for my first year as the running club coach at Maple Leaf Zhenjiang. Despite his struggles in the classroom, he shone on the track. He led the team in stretches at the start of each session, motivated the new runners through the Monday drills and challenged the experienced runners on the Thursday long runs in Nanhu Park.

　　Our team photo, a tired but proud group.

　　Garven's passion for running and growing leadership skills were put to the test at the BCOS running competition at SUIS in November 2018. Garven helped me organize and recruit runners for the event, prepare the competition paperwork and roster, and collected the forms and money from the athletes. On race day, he was more prepared than I was, knowing which athletes competed in which event. And, he cheered on every single runner. From his good friends in Grade 12, the boys in Grade 11 he was getting to know to the quiet Grade 10 girl, he cheered for all of them. When Eric fell and hurt his leg, Garven made sure he got to the host school's nurse and got his wounds cleaned. When David was concerned that a race was unfairly scored, Garven found the coach from another school who had the photo that showed David's first place finish. When Jason and Tide and Zoe and Barry and Kenneth and Tom competed in their events, Garven was there with them at the start, ran beside many of them during their races and cheered them on straight to the finish, win or lose.

　　Our 9 medals-the result of each student's hard work

　　This opportunity, as the running club captain, taught Garven skills he will use for the rest of his life, things I couldn't possibly teach him in the classroom. He was given responsibility, but also, was shown how his leadership skills and interest in running could benefit and inspire others. He got to experience, first hand, how helping and supporting others could have endless benefits, beyond that of medals and many great memories.

　　As we celebrated our 9 medals at Hot Pot that evening, I reflected on the successes of the day and my pride in the 11 incredible students sitting and laughing in front of me. I hope, as Garven enters the real world, at university in Suzhou and one day, at York University in Toronto, that he is able to reflect back on the opportunities provided to him throughout his three years at Maple Leaf and uses these skills and experiences to shape the man he will soon become.

　　Cooperation is an award that we all are winners of. In the west we have a saying“There is no I in word TEAM”. Everyone on the team has a different role and when the team wins even those that weren't in the game are winners. 枫叶百人故事