Volume 6, Issue #8
October 1, 2005

"Where are they now? Tupper Class of 2000: Part 3"
By Michael Kwan

This time around, we get the stories of Class Valedictorian Erin Ritchie as she pursues her career in elementary education, and Hardeep Chot as she finds herself in a new home and with a new addition to the family. Also, as a special bonus, May Chan, who recently graduated from UBC with her Music degree treats us to her orchestrated rendition of Someone to Watch Over Me, recorded live at the University of British Columbia.

Erin Ritchie writes:
I survived four and a half years atop Burnaby Mountain, the university campus with the highest suicide rate in the country (SFU). Each night I retreated home to Vancouver which was also not a huge contribution

to my sanity, living at home with my family that is. However, I prevailed and graduated last December [2004] with a Bachelor of Education. I spent January to March of 2005 in Leeds, England participating in a teaching internship, teaching in a primary school. I then returned home and spent two months as a substitute teacher for the Vancouver School Board, which I love, especially kindergarten :) [I have been] back with the school board [since] September... as an "employee-on-call". As for [this past] summer, I [was] back again working at the Paediatric Dental Group, which some may recall was my employment during high school. I really hope everyone is well - best wishes.

Hardeep Chot writes:
Right now I am 23 years old, and no I am not married yet, for those who would otherwise think so.

About My Education: After Tupper, I enrolled into Langara, for a program called Business Finance, and Investment Management Diploma program. It was 2 years long, and all about Finance, Business Math, and Communication Skills. The courses were hard and sometimes boring, but I made some friends that made the program worthwhile. It used to be fun going to Langara because I would have my Tupper friends to hang out with, my Langara friends…and there were more when needed.
.

Rani, Hardeep's dog

Looking for a job: Ever since I completed my program, I have been applying to various banks. I have had interviews and successful at that…but I lack experience, which becomes my weak area. Now I am trying to apply at the City of Vancouver, so hopefully that turns out. Otherwise, I am in charge of the paper work of our family business.

About my new House: After many years, I have finally moved out of my apartment in December 2003. It was cool that my birthday was the first celebrated. At first it was sad moving out, but now sometimes, we find this huge house small. It’s a brand new house that we took a lot of effort in building, including me- digging dirt, shovelling dirt….and more dirt…..hard stuff.

About My Dog: I have a brown female dog- ¾ Rotweiler and ¼ Pitbull. She is almost 2 years old and her name is Rani. We got her in January 2004, when my parents were gone to India. When they came back, they wanted her out, but we refused and now they love her too, so she's part of the family.

We had a new house, so there was plenty of room for her…but originally we didn’t have a fence or place for her to sleep, so she got the garage to herself. Now 2 years later, she has the whole backyard to herself, a little dog house that my brother built, with a heater and all, and she no longer has to be tied up. If you look into her eyes you’ll fall in love with her. We put her in school, but my brother always forgot to take her and he never told anybody where the school is. Now she has grown and has learned on her own.
She used to run off, every chance she has, but now if the gate is open, she won't leave, and if she does, she comes back because she knows she's in trouble. She doesn't come in the house either and she lets us know in her language if someone is here. She is not dangerous, but sometimes she goes a little crazy.

May Chan:
And finally, the composition of Someone To Watch Over Me by May Chan can be downloaded by clicking here:
May Chan - Someone To Watch Over Me

NOTE: Due to circumstances beyond my control, May's composition had to be removed from this site. Clarification with the UBC Department of Music and Canadian Music Association may be forthcoming.