As the graduating class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage at Garden Valley Collegiate, valedictorian Janika Friesen spent some time reflecting on all the moments leading up to this point in her education journey.
"It's a good feeling to be done in school and to move on to a new part of my life. A new chapter," Friesen shared, "But at the same time, it is kind of sad because I've made so many connections with so many different people.”
Though there's a sense of melancholy at the idea that she will not be seeing many of these people regularly anymore, Friesen says she is eager for what lies ahead.
"High school has actually prepared me quite a bit for the outside world, like being with new people, trying new things, taking new risks. I'm ready, I'm excited, and I'm a little nervous, but I'm ready."
Finding purpose in passion
Friesen kept herself busy during her years at GVC, chasing many different ventures, taking part in athletics, arts, and music.
"I did soccer throughout all my years of high school. I did the musical. I was involved in lots of concerts at school," she said, noting her participation in the pit band for 'The Addams Family'.
Looking at the sum of the parts that made up her high school journey, Friesen said that, for the most part, it was one of personal growth through experimentation.
"I would say it was a lot of finding who I was... growing up as a person, realizing like, ‘Oh, this is not what I want to do. This is not what I like...’ I feel like there's a lot of trial and error."
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Advice for the past
If she could speak to her younger self, Friesen said that the advice she would offer would be that of gentle encouragement.
"Third grade Janika was very shy, very quiet... I think I would have said like, 'Come out of your shell more. Just enjoy it. You're not in it very long, even though it may seem like it and just try new things, take risks and see where it takes you.'"
As for the major contributors to Friesen’s success during her time at school, she credits her teachers, friends, and family.
"I had some amazing teachers who really showed me, like, OK, this is how like to prepare me for the outside world... who really made classes fun and interesting."
She added that their impact inspired her next steps: "I am going into education... It was really influential. My parents 100%, like getting me through the full high school experience. The support that they showed was incredible. And my friends... they got me through it. Like if I didn't have them, I don't know if it would have been as fun as it was."
The next step
Following graduation, Friesen plans to take a gap year before enrolling at the University of Manitoba to study early years education, but in the meantime, she’ll be spending time with family and thinking about travel.
"I'm going to Alberta, actually right after grad with my sisters for a bit, and after that, gap year, I'm not sure what that will look like. I want to travel for a little bit, but we'll see what all happens."
- with files from Janika Friesen -