Interview with Merrick Preparatory School Alum, Yazeed Al Adawi
Yazeed, an alumnus of Merrick Preparatory School, discussed the diverse course selection opportunities at the school, the supportive teachers, the small class sizes, the disciplined routine, and the nurturing, safe environment that contributed to his personal and academic growth and overall well-being.
Highlights from the interview
Before I joined Merrick Preparatory School, I didn't know about many fields like psychology and nanotechnology. Before making selections, we had someone brief us on these courses, their purpose, what we would use them for, and what interests they serve. This set an orientation for me regarding where I went ahead. I enjoyed math and science-based courses, but the school also encouraged us to learn about other courses that might be interesting in the future.
There are so many great teachers at Merrick Prep School. I was initially not very enthusiastic about learning, but these two teachers made me love learning and challenged me in numerous ways in math and science. They helped me beyond their working hours, staying until 9:00 PM if needed. They supported me with personal issues, making sure I was comfortable addressing any problems.
The teachers would know when I wasn't feeling well, because the classes were small. They made sure to talk to me and support me whenever they noticed I wasn't as interactive as usual. Personal care was one of my favorite things about Merrick Preparatory School.
I wanted to be in a small school, and Merrick Preparatory School was recommended to me by a friend. Small class sizes made it easy to interact with teachers and ask questions. The environment in Merrickville is very environmentally friendly and safe, with no distractions or dangers. The natural beauty of the area, including the Rideau Canal, provided a nurturing environment for studying and relaxation.
We did many extracurricular activities within the Merrickville environment, including soccer and running, although some activities like rafting and camping were done elsewhere. When the class behaved well and submitted assignments on time, teachers suggested going outside to do classes in parks. We occasionally went for ice cream and returned to study in the park.
After graduating from Merrick Preparatory School, I missed the element of family. The residential staff played a major role in my success, always cheering us on and motivating us to go outside and have fun. In university, it was tough to adapt to not having that sense of community, but I eventually found my group. However, I will always prefer the Merrick family over any other.
Being open-minded is crucial at Merrick Preparatory School, where you interact with people from different nationalities. The teachers acknowledge the cultural differences, but it's your responsibility to know how to engage with those around you effectively. This experience helps you learn to interact with different types of people, which is beneficial in multinational environments.
Merrick Preparatory School had a disciplined routine: waking up, eating, going to classes, doing physical activities, and sleeping at set times. Initially, I didn't like the lack of freedom, but I realized its importance after experiencing negative impacts from a lack of routine in university. Adequate sleep, healthy food, and regular exercise, as practiced at Merrick, are essential for maintaining energy levels and cognitive function.
The school's routine taught me the importance of consistency in sleep, diet, and exercise. In university, I initially abandoned the structured routine and faced consequences like poor sleep, unhealthy eating, and lack of exercise. Reflecting on the habits I developed at Merrick Preparatory School, I reinstated them, leading to massive improvements in my life.
Discipline was crucial at Merrick Preparatory School. This discipline taught us responsibility and the importance of small tasks, contributing to overall well-being and productivity. We were required to wake up, eat, attend classes, and do activities at specific times. Keeping our rooms clean and tidy was also enforced.
My family cared about me being in a safe environment, and Merrick Preparatory School provided that. The neighborhood is safe, and the staff always keeps an eye on students' well-being. They ensured we were healthy and supported us through personal and physical issues. This safety and care were vital for my family's peace of mind.
The staff at Merrick Preparatory School were vigilant and communicated regularly with my family about my academic, physical, and mental well-being. This constant support reassured my parents and ensured that any issues were promptly addressed. The school's commitment to student care extended to medical needs, demonstrating their dedication to students' overall success.
