Elena Zhou

Play, Learn, and Grow

It’s just Elena Zhou’s second year at Pickering College, but already the school has become like home to her.

“Basically, it feels like this is my second family because so many people are caring for each other. They’re also caring for me and I realized that this school is really fitting for me,” the Grade 5 student said.

One of her highlights is how learning and play are combined through hands-on and inquiry-based experiences. In Grade 4, that included excursions to the Ontario Science Centre to study gears and pulleys, a visit to Willowgrove Outdoor Education Centre where she got to find insects and small animals, and Sports Day and Fun Fair, right here on the Hilltop.

Elena has also participated in the board games co-curricular, led a school Morning Meeting for Lunar New Year, and competed with the U10 Track and Field team.

Not only has she had a lot of fun, but Elena has also learned a lot and grown as a person.

“Before I came here, I was really sensitive and kept to myself, but now I feel more confident and it makes me feel happy to be here,” she said.

Outside of school Elena is equally active, taking K-pop dance classes, piano lessons and participating in modelling competitions. Earlier this year, she was crowned the champion in her age group for the New Silk Road China International Children’s Model Competition in Toronto.

“It was my first trophy. I was really happy,” she said.

Elena’s family credits the support she receives at Pickering College for helping build her confidence and contribute to her success. Now, as a Grade 5 student Elena is looking forward to exploring new things and especially learning to play an instrument.