Interview with Balmoral Hall School Alum, Gillian Chiu

I graduated in a class of about 50 young women, and similar schools had classes that were significantly larger. I think learning in such a small environment, I formed a really great sense of understanding of who I am as a person, who I am as a student, and as a team member. You aren't really able to fall into the back of a crowd because there is more attention on each individual student. 

If Balmoral Hall were a person, and I were introducing you to them as my friend, I would say that they are hardworking, supportive, and ambitious. 

Balmoral Hall truly values educating and raising strong, independent women. I know that this was really the draw for my parents when they were choosing schools to enroll my sister and me in. They wanted an opportunity for young women, such as the two of us, to grow up and feel supported and build up their confidence, and know their worth. I think this is something that I've really carried with me throughout my time at the school, but even more so through university, and as I start my career. 

I think that students and families might be surprised by the level of freedom that students at Balmoral Hall have. Freedom in the sense that they let us find a passion, and they let us run with it. I think that this is especially true now with the Center for Arts and Design. I think that this isn't something that they're advertising, but they really should. The students are able to explore their own minds, and I think that's really special.

I can say without a doubt, my education at Balmoral Hall made me a more confident student, a more confident worker, and generally a more confident person. After Balmoral Hall, I moved to a different city in a pretty competitive field and have entered into a career that is traditionally male-dominated. I don't think that I would have succeeded or felt like I succeeded if I didn't have that confidence to back me every step of the way.  

One of the best things that my parents did for me while I was at Balmoral Hall was to encourage me to do things that were a little outside of my comfort zone. Things like school trips. I was really hesitant to go on some of these school trips, mainly just because I was afraid of leaving home. But, because my parents encouraged me to go and participate, I went to Churchill, and I saw polar bears, and I went on a science trip to Ecuador in the Galapagos Islands. That's not an experience that students get everywhere at every school.

My biggest advice to a new student attending Balmoral Hall would be to keep your eyes open for opportunities. I think the best way to get the most out of your experience at BH is by really pursuing what interests you. Sometimes these things are already set up by the school. Sometimes you get an idea in your head, and you talk to the right teacher, and something happens. Clubs form, or groups form, or you get to try a new type of project in a class. You really need to keep hold of these opportunities or ideas and go for it.

One of the things that I think connects the students' past and present at Balmoral Hall is the traditions. Upon graduation, the students receive a doll that looks like them and is dressed in a beautiful uniform with accessories. I think having this as something unique at the school, along with other traditions that take place, is something that you can really form a connection to. It's something that I think is really special.