Make This Place Home
Last spring, Alumna, Chanel Cressman (Class of 2004) shared how Rockway is ‘home’ to her and her husband, fellow graduate, Jeremy. This is what she had to say:
I sat in the Assembly Area listening to Rockway’s Principal, Ann Schultz (Class of ’84) talk about the legacy of music at Rockway. The more she spoke, the more I thought about what Rockway has come to mean to me, to us, and to you.
Beside me was my husband, Jer, also a Rockway graduate. Together, we had faced one of the most difficult years of our lives. And yet, here we are. We have come full circle. We have come home.
Although I call myself a ‘lifer’ (an affectionate term for those who start at Rockway in Grade 7), I wasn’t always excited to come here. At the ripe old age of 11, I wanted to attend another school where my friends were going. In protest, I had all of my fellow Grade 6 friends and teacher sign a petition.
Two decades later I have to admit my parents saw something I hadn’t originally noticed at Rockway, something that makes it so different. Years later I still find myself connected with this place and with its people.
It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what it is about Rockway that makes it feel like home. But I do know that my experience at Rockway gave me a sense of belonging and has helped me in more ways than I can count.
From being on student council, to extra math and science support after class, to singing in an all-school musical – I was able to do everything! Now as a business owner and Naturopath, I realize that my education in university taught me to be a doctor but, my experience at Rockway taught me to be a better human being. I was able to connect with others and develop relationships, as well as learn how to keep my accounting books up-to-date!
Outside of work, I’m an avid recreational soccer player. This has become another way for me to stay connected with lots of Rockway people. The community surrounding these walls is palpable and I particularly feel it during times of stress. Never was this truer than this past year. I lost my newborn son, Ira, and watched my husband go through a kidney transplant. Throughout these challenges, I have never felt more blessed to have my Rockway family on ‘my team’.
The year tested my resilience more than I could ever imagine. I credit my support team for nurturing my resilience. And I’ve come to appreciate how Rockway helped build this team and equip me for life’s challenges.
I have treasured an education and upbringing that emphasized reflection, social justice and peacemaking. I may only be in my thirties, but I already see that the foundation I built at Rockway has lasted beyond my time there and will serve me well for whatever lies ahead.
I, and many alumni, continue to return home to Rockway. Whether kicking the soccer ball around the gym over the Christmas holidays, attending the Big Night Out during the Connections Homecoming Weekend, or volunteering at a Board meeting or event, this place is about more than homework and test scores. It’s home.
As we look to the future and plan for a family, my high school sweetheart and I can’t wait to send our children to Rockway and make it their home too. Through all these reflections, I recognize we have a part to play in the future of Rockway.
Jer and I appreciate the true value of a Rockway education and want other students to have the same opportunity. This is why we donate to Rockway. We are supporting the Lead Us Onward campaign. Join us and make this place home for future alumni. Find out more here.
