Looking back, Roderick believes Mentor College prepared him extremely well for the academic demands of university. Even when he was told by his professors during orientation that he should expect 50-60 hours of work per week, Roderick felt prepared, all thanks to his experience with Mentor’s rigorous curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Classes like AP Physics C and AP Calculus BC helped him build a strong foundation for university-level coursework. “Mentor made the transition easier,” he explained, noting that, even with an average of one midterm every week in university, he still manages to stay on top of his studies. Roderick credits several of his high school teachers, specifically his grade 12 teachers, Ms. Muresan and Mr. Regep, for their dedication and support, saying that they were “a big part of my high school career.” He is a firm believer that current Mentor students should push themselves and take AP courses, even if they don’t plan to use the credits, because of the experience that said courses can offer. Of course, life at university is not without challenges. Adjusting to newfound independence, developing time-management skills, and adapting to his new environment were all difficult for Roderick at first. But one way to overcome these hurdles, Roderick noted, is to find a person with a similar schedule during the first few weeks. Having a friend with whom to study, explore campus life, and go to class can make a huge difference in staying motivated and feeling connected. Finally, Roderick’s advice for current Mentor students is simple, but meaningful: “Enjoy your time in high school and have more fun.” He went on to emphasize the fact that high school offers a rare balance of freedom and support, something that he said students will miss once university life begins. While success is important, Roderick reminds students not to forget to relax and enjoy the journey. For Roderick Liao, Mentor College was not just a school, but a foundation that prepared him for the challenges and opportunities of life after graduation.
Written by: Akam Kanwar Edited by: Michael Kis Photography by: Roderick Liao
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