​​​​​International student Hannah Wrba enrolled at Westwood Collegiate in September 2022 after her agent sent her a list of schools to ponder.

While the German student from Hamburg admits her selection was more of a coincidence, coming back for her senior year was not.

“I choose to stay because I really like it here and I think the school has better qualities than the German schools,” she says, pointing to more course offerings, such as band (an extra-curricular in Hamburg) and the option of taking Female Fitness to fulfill mandatory Physical Education course requirements.

Thanks to the opportunity to play in Concert and Jazz band, Hannah has reignited her passion for the double bass, a former hobby that she may pursue at the post-secondary level.

On November 16, 2023, Hannah was awarded the Manitoba International Student of the Year (Secondary Student Category) from the Manitoba Council for International Education. The award recognizes academic achievement and community involvement.

Alexandra Humphries is the Manager of the International Education Program. She nominated Hannah for the award. “She has embraced the experience of being an international student with enthusiasm,” says Alexandra, adding that Hannah has a great relationship with her homestay family and has volunteered with Westwood’s MiniWarriors to support Early Years sport development. “She has been a positive influence on other international students.”

While Hannah’s second school year away from her mom and dad has been harder that the first, her parents are very supportive, and she is committed to earning her diploma in Canada. “I wanted to come back. The teachers are more engaged with the students,” she says.

What’s next for the Grade 12 student? While she loves the snow, Hannah is pondering a new possibility—taking a gap year living and working in Italy with a friend, and then applying to post-secondary institutions back in Europe.​

-originally published in The Connector, SJASD staff e-newsletter in November 2023.