Waldorf Graduates
Feeling nostalgic about school?
While some of us may just be glad it’s over, it is a different story for Waldorf Graduates.
“Waldorf was the best gift my parents could have given me. I loved each and every day of this rich and complete education”.
Nadja Hall,
Graduate of Waldorf Schools in Vancouver, Toronto and England, plus mother of three Nelson Waldorf School students.
In June of 2002, the first Nelson Waldorf School Alumni Scholarship was awarded to a former Waldorf student from the graduating class at Nelson’s L.V. Rogers High School. The award was presented to James Luckey by Diane Walters, who taught most of the applicants for a full eight years at the Nelson Waldorf School.
To be considered for this scholarship, candidates were asked to write a 250 - 400 word essay on “how Waldorf education affected my high school experience and my life in general”. The following quotes are excerpted from the students’ essays:
“The gift of learning that Waldorf gave me has allowed me to become a straight “A” student and to be placed on the Principal’s Honour Roll three years in a row. My high school teachers have often complemented me on my great attitude and hard work ethic. In response, I always say, “That’s Waldorf for you”.”
~ James Luckey, studying mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia.
“I am stronger, wiser, more confident and more open-minded because of Waldorf. It inspired in me a passion for words and language, a fascination for history, a deep appreciation for music and a respect for cultures that are different from my own.”
Terri Lee Davies, at Okanagan University Centre, studying to become a teacher.
“Our class was a close-knit family, sharing mutual tragedies, comedies and indelible friendships… Many times we laughed together, sometimes we cried, learning about life by living it…”
Tobias Gray, attending university in Vancouver.
“Waldorf school gives you opportunities to find a place within yourself where anything is possible.”
Alek Kingsland, taking first-year university courses at Selkirk College.
“I joined the Nelson Waldorf School in 1995, and was welcomed into class 6 by Diane Walters. Coming from a public school, the concept of integrating art with academics was new to me, and very appealing… I learned a lot about myself and my ability to succeed.”
Nicolene McKenzie, world traveler and future Waldorf teacher.
“I feel that I know what I want and I’m not afraid to be myself and try to achieve my goals. I can be independent in my thoughts and actions. I attribute this to the freedom I had when going to Waldorf, where we were all seen as unique individuals with equal potential in life.”
Elaine Dobie Bambrick
“Waldorf gave me great confidence and self-esteem… Waldorf education also taught me how to see both sides of a situation, and deal with it in the best and most fair way… Thanks to the Nelson Waldorf School, my perspective is wider than the widest lens for any camera.”
Solomon Rosenberg, student at the Western Academy of Photography.
More Reflections
On August 29th 2001, an alumni gathering was held at the Nelson Waldorf School. The following quotes are from the “Guestbook”:
For COLOUR, IMAGINATION, INSPIRATION, years of beauty, fun and fulfillment, for afternoons of capture the flag, for all the delicious ingredients that formulate beautiful, flexible, open minded, sure footed “unmolds”, people who can grow and shine with any light or colour, [even colours that don’t exist yet], I would like to say THANK YOU.
PS: To all those ambivalent parents, Waldorf is the way to go!
Kasia Van Schalk
Though I was here for only three years, I know that my time here will help me a lot in the world. It has taught me to be more open and accepting…
Mika Taiji
As much as I never really appreciated the group singing, morning verse, etc., I think that it helped me to maintain a calmer mentality. As far as recorder playing went, it has given me a lifelong appreciation of music.
Leo Bartels
The more I grow and experience the world, the more grateful I am for my years at Waldorf.
Sheyla Schwabe
