Interview with The Sterling Hall School Alum, Jack Garbedian
- Name
Jack Garbedian - Grades (year)
Gr. 3 - Gr. 8 - Gender
Male - Enrolment
Day student
Jack, an alum of The Sterling Hall School, reflected on his 6 years at the school and highlighted the school's supportive environment, where failure is seen as a learning opportunity, and the unique approach to teaching. He also credited the school for shaping his character, teaching him kindness, and fostering leadership.
Highlights from the interview
Sterling Hall has been my home for six years, and I've truly made some great relationships built on trust. And when I'm at Sterling Hall, I know I can truly be myself. And when I'm myself, I learn better, and I can also push myself harder.
Failure in our school is only a failure if you haven't learned from your mistake. In our school, if you fail in something, they will teach you why you failed, and then they'll teach you how not to do that again.
- If Sterling Hall were a person, I would say the three character traits would be caring, creative, and open. Caring because I know that the teachers and everyone at Sterling Hall deeply care about each other, and they truly want to see you succeed. Creative because Sterling Hall is constantly trying to find new ways to teach their boys, and open because Sterling Hall is really good at accepting who you are, and they're really open to seeing other people's points of view.
If Sterling Hall were a person, I would say the three character traits would be caring, creative, and open. Caring because I know that the teachers and everyone at Sterling Hall deeply care about each other, and they truly want to see you succeed. Creative because Sterling Hall is constantly trying to find new ways to teach their boys, and open because Sterling Hall is really good at accepting who you are, and they're really open to seeing other people's points of view.
Something that connects Sterling Hall is this mantra said by Mr. Parsons, 'Big boys look after themselves, but bigger boys look after others.'
They're really big on manners and character, which I'm a big fan of, and just making sure that men of the future are well-prepared and, most importantly, kind.
We have so many co-curricular activities and clubs that you can get involved in and just try something new. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. The teachers are more than happy to help you. And just live in the moment and have fun.
I can safely say that Sterling Hall is the best decision I've ever made. Sterling Hall has shaped me into a man who knows it's okay to fail and that failing is a part of being human. Second, it has taught me to always grab the opportunity. Third, and most importantly, to always be kind no matter what.
One of the reasons why I would recommend Sterling Hall to another family is because of our community … This is because Sterling Hall makes sure everyone is included and makes sure no one's left out. There's something magical about that.
