Interview with Hudson College Alum, Samuel Tagieff
- Name
Samuel Tagieff - Grades (year)
Gr. 7 - Gr. 12 - University (major)
Western University (Business Management Organizational Studies) - Gender
Male - Enrolment
Day student
Samuel, an alumnus of Hudson College, reflects on six years of personalized learning, strong community, and independent academic growth, highlighting how inclusive faculty, leadership, and extracurriculars prepared him for university and beyond.
Highlights from the interview
Hudson values the personal connection they make with their students. Due to smaller class sizes, generally under 20 students instead of 30 to 40, teachers can really get to know each student. This allows for more one-on-one time, making them far more supportive in each student’s individual academic journey.
What I appreciated most about Hudson was the welcoming environment and sense of community. Regardless of your background, Hudson provides a community of individuals who genuinely come together.
- Hudson emphasizes two key things: fostering community and promoting independence. The school encourages students to connect and not be separated into silos, but rather be part of a unified student body. At the same time, Hudson provides all the necessary tools and resources for success without spoon-feeding students. They encourage accountability and self-driven achievement, which I’ve found invaluable in my post-secondary studies.Hudson emphasizes two key things: fostering community and promoting independence. The school encourages students to connect and not be separated into silos, but rather be part of a unified student body. At the same time, Hudson provides all the necessary tools and resources for success without spoon-feeding students. They encourage accountability and self-driven achievement, which I’ve found invaluable in my post-secondary studies.
Leadership at Hudson is broad and inclusive. Instead of highlighting just one valedictorian or standout student, leadership exists in many areas, sciences, athletics, English, and social sciences, so there are multiple role models and mentors to turn to. This ensures that students have many sources of support while also encouraging their own leadership growth.
The administrative team and school leaders are personable, approachable, and genuinely invested in students’ growth. Despite their larger duties, they make time to talk to students individually, support them academically and socially, and maintain excellent relationships with parents. Even after leaving Hudson, I still occasionally communicate with members of the leadership team, which speaks to the lasting impact they have.
Academically, Hudson fosters independence rather than spoon-feeding students. The school provides resources for subjects like math, physics, and English, but emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-directed learning. This approach prepares students for post-secondary education, where they must navigate challenges independently.
Extracurricular programming at Hudson is exceptional… These programs give students opportunities to explore interests and build friendships, especially for international students adjusting to a new country and school.
Teachers often see students over multiple years and adjust their teaching to match each student’s learning style. They provide strong support while allowing independence, and their genuine care distinguishes them from other schools.
Hudson fosters an inclusive environment for students from a wide range of backgrounds and personalities.
The school has smaller facilities, but they make excellent use of them, and expansion is ongoing, including a new turf field. The campus continues to grow and improve to meet students’ needs.
Students are encouraged to give back, mentor others, and stay connected. This provides guidance during the transition from high school to post-secondary education and beyond.
Hudson helps students develop academically and socially, even if they initially feel underprepared.
The three biggest reasons to choose Hudson are the community, the emphasis on independence, and the achievement-oriented environment. The sense of belonging supports personal and academic growth, independence prepares students for post-secondary and professional life, and the school fosters an environment where success is encouraged without being overbearing.
Reflecting on my six years at Hudson, I can see how the school shaped my academic skills, learning habits, social development, and personal growth. The foundations built there have helped me succeed in university and will continue to serve me in professional environments. I am extremely grateful for my experience at Hudson.
