Downsview, for the week of April 2nd, your Student of the Week is Istvan K.
Istvan is in the eleventh grade at Downsview.
Istvan’s nomination comes from his English teacher, Ms Johnson: “Istvan is a student in my ESL C class. He has been in Canada for only a few years, but is already on his way to speaking English like a true Canadian. Istvan's road to success was not always a smooth one, in fact, there are still many bumps and challenges on a daily basis, but Istvan has faced each one and has made incredible changes and achievements since second semester began. Each day I look forward to seeing Istvan in my class, ready to work and eager to succeed. Not only is he present, but he is on time. He has even stayed after school to complete his work, staying until 4:30 on a Friday to re-do an assignment to improve his already passing mark! Istvan's attitude for learning and success is very positive and it is great to see him achieving one of the highest marks in the class. I look forward to watching Istvan get closer to his goal of studying as a mechanic. If his achievements and work habits this semester are any indication of where this young man will be in the future, then we have a lot to look forward to!”
It is telling that no one was more surprised about this win than Istvan himself. Before knowing about their win, when students receive the call the Guidance, they often believe they have done something wrong. Istvan is no exception. His academic history at Downsview is sketchy and his attendance has left much room for improvement. But, the past is the past, and nearly halfway through this semester, things are different. In Istvan’s own words: “things are changing because I am changing. I am starting to study at home at night. I never used to read at home, and now I am. It feels good to do better.”
Istvan, success is not measured by where you start, and not even by where you finish. It’s measured by the space in between – by the leaps you take in moving ahead and forging your own path. We’re behind you, Istvan, and we all look forward to your future success. Congratulations once again on your win as Student of the Week.
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