Tanya's Story

When asked what high school I went to, my confident response has always been St. John's High School. People always don't understand why I'm so proud or why I've chosen to go there. But I am so proud of being a St. John's student. Besides everyone has a path to life and St. John's was along the way to a new beginning and also a stepping stone in this new thing called life.

Coming from the North End, of Winnipeg, you already have a label that includes: poverty, violence, and many other negative things. But in reality we are no different to anyone else in the city. The North end may not be the best area to live in but I have always felt accepted and safe in the North End. The media portrays the North End as dangerous and unsafe. But the students, and people tell other stories. It’s a great community and the people are dedicated to fixing it for their own kids.

I've always attended North End schools. I attended St. John's from grade seven all the way to grade 12. St. John's was the best place to receive my education and my diploma. I would never rethink my decision to go to St. John's. All the staff and students become united as a strong family since there are so many programs, groups, and clubs that you can join and get to know one another in an environment that is respectful, relaxing, accepting, and fun. I've had the pleasure with working with many staff members and fellow students that inspired me to become a better person.

People don't see these things on a daily basis. The North End schools and community is a place of hope. It’s a place that the community gathers when there are times of need and are there to support everyone when they need it.

Many might think that we might not do anything with our lives after high school. But I am not only determined, but I will make sure to not make only my community proud but also my high school. I don't know who I would be or what I would be doing if I didn't live here. It’s something that I never want to think about because I wouldn't be able to do most things if I had not lived in this community.

I plan on pursuing my education at the University of Winnipeg and entering the Department of Education to become a high school teacher and hopefully someday teach at St John’s High School.

It’s not often that you see people recognize the North End community, nor the students that are the future. But thanks to the Tallman Foundation and the Talbot Family, I am not only able to dream but to dream even bigger than myself. They have generously offered to pay for four years of my post-secondary education. They have not only given me the chance but also two of my fellow classmates and one other student from Sisler High School.

I am extremely grateful to the Tallman Foundation and the Talbot Family for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream and for giving me the chance to go to university without a worry constantly going through my mind. No words can truly describe how it feels and how much I appreciate it.

This is just the beginning of the Tallman Foundation, and I am more than happy to make not only them but also the Talbot Family proud. Thank you for everything and for letting me enjoy my university experience, worry-free.