Grads to Watch: Clarissa Peter
Clarissa Peter prospered as a student and as a person during her time at Dwight International School.
Peter not only put considerable time and energy into her studies, she thrived by getting involved in all facets of the daily routine at the multicultural school.
An improved work ethic produced better grades.
“I was probably trying harder this year,’’ said Peter. “I think it comes fairly naturally. I usually get most of my work done in class. In math, I have to work at it.’’
At the same time, “leadership roles picked up,’’ she said.
Peter was involved on senior council and the grad committee.
“We did a lot of things,’’ she said. “We’ve done pizza days, dances and sports days.’’
Being at a small school with just 16 grads and a little more than 100 students overall was a unique experience Peter will always cherish.
“I think it’s a good thing,’’ she said. “Probably almost half is Aboriginal. We have Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, a few Americans, Mexicans.
“Half of the school is boarding and half the school is day students.’’
Peter fit into the latter category, living in Duncan and commuting to the Shawnigan Lake campus.
Sports have always provided an important outlet for Peter — both in the community and at school.
“I played soccer for over 10 years,’’ she said. “I’ve played most of the school sports we’ve had. I’ve been in volleyball, soccer, basketball and badminton.’’
Peter enjoyed the contrast in the big-city atmosphere of playing soccer at the North American Indigenous Games in Denver, Colorado in 2006 and the close-knit feel of the 2008 version in her home community. She was part of the midget girls’ soccer team that won the silver medal in NAIG 2008.
Peter just landed a job for the summer at the Hiiye’yu House of Friendship Society working on a variety of projects.
“I kind of wanted to work here,’’ she said. “It’s a really good environment and I heard how well they work (together).’’
Peter will be attending UVic in the fall, taking social sciences courses with the aim of one day becoming an Aboriginal lawyer.
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