Regina student Stephen Walcer is overcoming obstacles to reach his goal of completing high school. Starting high school during the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for him as he missed out on the social aspect of school. Walcer finished grade 8 in 2020 and was looking forward to the full high school experience, but restrictions forced classes to move online, which made learning challenging for him. Walcer felt that the lack of connection with teachers and peers impacted his education.
Things started to return to normal for Walcer when he reached grade 10 after restrictions were lifted, but his final year of high school was affected by teacher job action, which resulted in reduced class time and extracurriculars. Despite these setbacks, Walcer’s mother Laurie Ewen hoped he would have a positive high school experience. Walcer, who was diagnosed with autism ten years ago, is accompanied by a service dog in school to help him during potential moments of escalation. Ewen believes the dog provides companionship and helps Walcer build friendships.
Ewen acknowledges the challenges her son faced in high school but is proud of the progress he has made towards his goal of finishing school and pursuing a degree in engineering at university in the fall. She commends Walcer for standing up for himself and taking on each day as an adventure. Despite the roadblocks he encountered, Walcer’s determination and perseverance have allowed him to stay focused on his goal of completing high school and moving on to higher education. Ewen is proud of the steps Walcer has taken to overcome obstacles in his educational journey.
Stephen Walcer’s story exemplifies the resilience and determination needed to navigate the challenges of high school, especially during unusual circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing difficulties with remote learning and disruptions caused by teacher job action, Walcer remained focused on his goal of completing high school and pursuing his passion for engineering. With the support of his mother and his service dog, Walcer found ways to cope with the obstacles he encountered and build connections with his peers. His story serves as an inspiration for other students facing similar challenges in their academic journey.
As Walcer prepares to transition to university in the fall, his experience in high school has taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of staying focused on his goals. Ewen’s words of encouragement and support have helped Walcer stay motivated and determined to overcome the obstacles he faced. By embracing each day as an adventure and staying true to himself, Walcer has demonstrated the strength and resilience needed to succeed in his educational pursuits. His story is a reminder that with dedication and support, students can overcome challenges and achieve their goals, no matter the circumstances.
Despite the difficulties he faced, Walcer’s journey through high school highlights the importance of resilience, determination, and the support of loved ones in achieving academic success. As he looks towards the future and his pursuit of a degree in engineering, Walcer’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of staying true to oneself. By overcoming obstacles and staying focused on his goals, Walcer has shown that with the right mindset and support system, anything is possible. His story is an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, encouraging them to stay strong, stay focused, and never give up on their dreams.
