The Academy sat down with its graduating students and asked about their campus experience. As graduating students enter the next phase of their lives, they shared their unique perspectives on the environment and culture at RLA.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
One year.
Thinking back to September, what were your goals for post-secondary school?
Definitely not what I’m doing now. I was considering going to college, maybe entering a trades program. I didn’t realize university was an option for me until I started having academic success at the Academy.
What are your plans for next year?
I’ll be going to McMaster University to study business.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
Discipline. In Grade 11, I couldn’t sit down and complete work. I had poor attendance at school. Without the discipline I gained at RLA, I could not have achieved what I did.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The level of closeness with other people. You share important memories and experiences with them, whether you like them or not. I don’t think many students at other schools have that experience and build the same types of bonds.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
Three and a half years.
What are your plans for next year?
I’ll be studying Agricultural and Environmental Science at McGill University.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
It has definitely helped me academically and socially. I would not have achieved as much without the Academy, especially in my first two years. I realize it, and so do my parents.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The time spent with my friends, especially those who helped me through tough times. I’ll also remember my mistakes because they helped shape me into who I am today.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
If you choose to come (which I think you should), it can be the best thing for you if you put in the effort. It is difficult. There will be hardships, but you get something meaningful from the journey.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
One and a half years or three semesters.
Thinking back to September, what were your goals for post-secondary school?
I had no plans in September. My grades had fallen off to the point where I just wanted to get through high school. I wasn’t considering post-secondary school.
What are your plans for next year?
I’ll be attending community college in Vermont for the first semester and then applying to the Political Science program at the University of Vermont in January.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
It helped me realize my potential. I arrived at the school with low self-esteem and a lot of self-doubt. The Academy gave me the self-discipline to put goals in place and achieve things in my life.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The interactions with staff and students. It’s not about the program but the people. I’ve built relationships and bonds I will treasure forever.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
The school looks tough from the outside and you may doubt your decision early on. But the school forces you to look at yourself honestly. It gets easier but only you can make it easier. You can do that by getting involved, developing interests, and setting goals for yourself.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
This is my third year at the Academy.
What are your plans for next year?
I will be attending the Political Science program at Brock University.
What other programs have you been accepted into?
I was accepted into Social Science programs at Western University, McMaster University, and the University of Victoria. I was accepted into the Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Guelph.
What is the best thing about RLA?
It forces you to look at yourself and who you want to be. It forces you to acknowledge the changes you need to make to achieve your goals.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
Many people will probably mention big events like the Fall Exercise, but it’s all the little moments for me. I’ll cherish the seemingly insignificant memories I’ve shared with my peers and staff that have filled my experience – travelling to sporting events, the conversation and laughter at meals, and going to Walmart during the Massanutten trip.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
I’ve been a student since February 2022.
What are your plans for next year?
I’m studying Game Design at Brock University.
What other programs have you been accepted into?
I’ve also been accepted into programs at York University and the University of Guelph.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
I’ll remember the people, especially the ones I lived with. They could be the best and worst parts of the Academy. Being a student at RLA is bittersweet. It has helped me a lot and I’m thankful. It was challenging, though.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
Weigh the positives and negatives. Consider if it’s in your best interests. For me, I wasn’t doing anything academically and wasn’t accomplishing anything. RLA remedied that. I am happy with who I am today. The positive changes come at a cost and you must want to make a change.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
One and a half years.
Thinking back to September, what were your goals for post-secondary school?
I wanted to attend college, but I was unsure about the program. My goal was more about getting my life back on track, and I think I’ve done that.
What are your plans for next year?
I’m going into the radio broadcasting program at Algonquin College.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
The structure at the school helped me understand my priorities. It kept me focused and prevented me from getting distracted.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The opportunity given to me by my parents to get healthy again and improve my daily habits.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
It’s difficult, especially mentally, but worth it in the long run. It can be challenging but you will come out a better person.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
Two years.
What are your plans for next year?
I’ll be studying Business at Wilfrid Laurier University.
What other programs have you been accepted into?
I’ve also received offers of acceptance into the business programs at York University and Brock University, as well as the economics program at the University of Guelph.
How do you think the Academy contributed to your success?
It made me think about what I wanted to do in the future. RLA helped me understand my prosperity and success will hinge upon my efforts. The Academy also helped provide me with the discipline to work toward my goals.
What is the best thing about RLA?
The overall acceptance and diversity of the campus.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending the Academy?
Make the sacrifice. You will only experience success if you are willing to change.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
This is my first year.
What are your plans for next year?
I plan to attend Simon Fraser University.
What was the most difficult challenge at the Academy? How did you overcome it?
It was a difficult year for me. New country. New school. New people. New language. A lot of people helped me get through it. It was an interesting year in my life.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The quiet times when you are trying to improve yourself, like the evening study hall. I will also remember parades and being together with the other students.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
This school is very different than other schools. It is very unique. RLA helped me become independent, make choices for my life, and be more serious about my future.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
Five years.
What are your plans for next year?
I’ll either enter the Canadian Armed Forces or attend Fanshawe College.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
I haven’t noticed it, but family and friends really saw a change in me. They say I’m more self-disciplined and have better manners, fitness, and social skills.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The five values. They have taught me to be courageous by listening to others, even when I disagree with them, loyal to my friends and staff, commit to tasks I am given, and labour by working hard. But the main thing is honour. That’s with you always and shows in how you treat others.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
This place will really help you. It can help you achieve your dreams and potential.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
One year.
Thinking back to September, what were your goals for this year?
Develop a better relationship with my family. Better physical fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. Finding myself. I think I’ve done all that too.
What is the best thing about RLA?
Nobody is favoured. Everyone is treated the same. You earn everything based on your effort.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The sports teams and Fall Exercise. You develop strong bonds with your teammates.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
I would tell them to ask themselves, “What are you missing at home? What is holding you back from coming to work on yourself?” Because that’s all it is. Yes, you have friends. Yes, there are other people. But this is a place where you shut out everything else and work on yourself. It’s simply that. And when you come out, you come out a better person.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
Two years.
What are your plans for next year?
I’ll be studying Sociology at Concordia University.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
It forced me to look at myself objectively and think about my future. Instead of waiting, I was forced to do something about my problems. Before RLA, I was floating around and didn’t have much going for me besides supportive parents. The Academy has given me the support I needed.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The people I’ve met. I might lose the mess etiquette or some of the dress, but I won’t forget the people around me and how they impacted me. Also, self-discipline and academic success. These are things I didn’t have before.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
It’s not going to be easy. It’s hard. You have to come with an open mind and be determined to overcome challenges. It’s not just some other private school. It changes you and helps you reach your potential.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
Three and a half years.
What are your plans for next year?
I will be studying Computer Engineering at the University of Guelph.
What other programs have you been accepted into?
I’ve also received offers of admission into the Computer Science and Engineering programs at York University.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
Academically, it has helped me a lot. Before attending, I could not focus or balance friends, technology, and other distractions. RLA helped me focus on my academics.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
The people – students and staff. There is a lot of diversity and variety of people on campus. Everyone comes to RLA from a different place and for different reasons.
What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?
The schedule and routine at the school are a challenge. It’s the same thing every day. But the challenge of building good habits is consistency. Once you understand that, it becomes a bit easier.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
I have attended RLA for 2.5 years since Feb 2021.
What programs were you accepted to?
I was accepted to two programs: Computer Science and Business Management at Brock University and Computer Science and Geography Dual Degree at Wilfrid Laurier University.
What are your plans for next year?
My plans for next year are to study pre-computer science from Blyth Academy Online and ensure that I am one hundred and ten percent prepared for a competitive program.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
RLA has contributed to my success as it has made me a more self-disciplined person, given me direction, and added tons and tons of experience to my life.
What will you most remember when you think of your time at Robert Land Academy?
When I think about RLA in the future, I will most remember how grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to attend and thrive in an environment like Robert Land.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
Robert Land Academy is an amazing opportunity for boys to have a successful future and to truly grasp what life offers.
How long have you been a student at RLA?
One and a half years.
What are your plans for next year?
I will study Engineering (Architectural Conservation and Sustainability) at Carleton University.
How has the Academy contributed to your success?
All the help from my teachers. They have been supportive and encouraged me to get work in and help me understand it.
What is the best thing about RLA?
The teachers. They’ll always help you and be there for you. If you have a goal, they will help you achieve it.
What would you say to a prospective student considering attending RLA?
Take the most out of the opportunity. I didn’t always do that. There are lots of opportunities available and they are unique things not every student gets a chance to do. This place can make you better but you have to take these opportunities.