VC:50*

By Jathusan Kirupakaran and Bobby Ekman

*based on interviews with Mr. Budai

It was a crisp autumn morning in 1973, and Thomas woke up early, eager to start his day at Vancouver College. He quickly got dressed in his school uniform - a white shirt, black blazer, gray slacks, tie, and school badge - and ate a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. He walked to Cartier Hall, the single building that housed the entire student body. Thomas sat down with his buddies at their usual table, and they joked around and talked about their plans for the day. Thomas headed to his first class of the day: English Literature.

 The classroom was spacious and well-lit, with large windows that looked out onto the beautiful campus. Thomas's teacher, Mr. Hart, was a strict but kind teacher who demanded a lot from his students. Today, they were discussing Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', and Mr. Hart challenged the students to think deeply about the themes of love and tragedy in the play. Thomas was a bit intimidated by Mr. Hart's high standards, but he knew that the teacher's passion for the subject would help him become a better reader and writer.

 Next up was Industrial Education class, where Thomas struggled a bit with woodworking. Industrial Education was Thomas's favorite subject because he could learn about welding, woodworking, and metalworking. His teacher, Mrs. O'Henry, was patient and kind, and carefully explained how to sand the wood perfectly. At lunchtime, Thomas headed to the school's cafeteria, where he grabbed a sandwich and a bag of chips and sat down with his friends. They chatted and discussed the upcoming football game against their rivals.

 After lunch, it was time for Physical Education. The field was grass, and this was where they often had P.E. class. 

Thomas had an older brother Mike. For Mike, grade 8 had been difficult because he had seven 40-minute blocks. Thomas chatted with his friends about the topic and they shared their thoughts on how that must have been brutal. Mike was 7 years older, and was now in university. Thomas remembered his brother graduating inside the massive theater; the stage was massive and over three feet off the ground.

 Finally, it was time for football practice. Thomas and his teammates put on their pads and helmets and headed out to the field for a grueling workout. The coach, a tough but likable man named Coach Kelly, pushed the players to their limits, demanding discipline and hard work.

 After practice, he returned home and took a relaxing shower. He ate dinner and went to bed. As he attempted to sleep, he wondered what Vancouver College would be like in 50 years.