Welcome to PCIA’s Student Profile blog series, where we help you get to know a little more about each of our all-star students! While we’re proud of our academically rigorous, STEM-focused program, we also know how important it is to take a break from work sometimes, and make space for some of the more fun things in life, like getting to know your classmates. After all, PCIA is known for its focus on building strong relationships, not just between students and faculty, but among peers as well.

All of our students come from different academic backgrounds, and each has come to PCIA with the desire to be challenged academically and with the intent to build a satisfying future and life after high school, whatever that means for them. PCIA students go on to 2- and 4-year colleges and universities, technical degree programs, and some enter the workforce right away after graduation. We hope that by getting to know some of the students who already attend PCIA, you might begin to envision your own bright future right alongside them.

Isaac Sabourin

Grade: 10th
Favorite subject: English
Activities/Clubs: Knowledge Bowl, Science Club, Intramural Badminton 

What project or assignment challenged you the most as a student? Why?

I would have to say that the most challenging thing I have done at PCIA is the multipage, multi-sourced, fully annotated, biology paper that had a presentation to go along with it. It was a mighty task to be certain, but one that was eventually accomplished after many hours of scouring academic papers (which are such a bore to read at times) and several cramp-inducing hours of typing it did get accomplished.

The main challenge came from the fact that the paper had to be written in the most objective and matter-of-fact way possible to maintain a sense of scientific professionalism. It frustrated me deeply to be unable to use expressive language or make sarcastic comments throughout the essay, but it did end up being quite fun, and the challenging nature of the paper only added to the fun.

Which subject do you think will prepare you most for life after high school? Why?

For me, this is a very hard choice. Part of me wants to say math, the other part wants to say English. Since it’s such a close tie, I’ll take the more opinionated stance and choose English. Deep down I know math will be very applicable in many aspects of my life, but I do so much writing already and I plan to do much more.

Our English classes so far have been good preparations for writing college essays and writing the essays in our other classes, so I can already see how it’s preparing me for college and later life. I also plan on pursuing a career in game design and game design involves a lot of writing, including: emails, presentations, pitches, GDDs (Game Design Documents), and lots of notes. I also want to learn to write screenplays and I do want to someday publish a book or two.

What is your favorite class in school? Why is it your favorite?

Once more I’m going to have to say English. I enjoy writing a lot, especially fiction, but I enjoy non-fiction at times as well. Ms. Green has done and continues to do a very good job of keeping the course engaging and keeping a good level of challenge throughout the course. I like writing non-fiction essays because I know they are helping me prepare for my future, but I much prefer writing fiction, particularly short stories, and poetry, because they let me tell a story and I love telling stories.

Do you prefer group or individual work in school? Explain.

I think both have their advantages and disadvantages and I really enjoy working in groups, but I prefer individual work. I like to be able to have my independent ideas and vision if I do work with others I tend to try and take the role of planning out the project or assignment so I just find it easier to work alone at times and a lot of the things that I like to do (like telling a story) aren’t necessarily possible in a group. There are exceptions, for example, I love D&D which is storytelling in a group, but since it’s not school I don’t count it, therefore, I prefer individual work in school.

Who is your favorite historical figure? Why?

C.S. Lewis is my favorite historical figure and is a huge inspiration to me. He was an amazing writer of both fiction and nonfiction. He was a great speaker and is well known for his radio broadcast to the British people during the bombings of Britain. He was also a great theologian and philosopher of his time and a good friend of J.R.R. Tolkien. He is certainly an inspiration to my writing and life in general. 

What’s your biggest dream in life?

My biggest dream is to become a game designer and start an independent game development studio, hopefully publishing multiple games throughout my life. It would be wonderful to be remembered as a storyteller and have my stories remembered in the form of books, movies, and, of course, video games.

What advice do you have for new PCIA students?

This school is certainly hard, but I can assure you, it is worth it. You will be given so many resources throughout your education. Opportunities to find scholarships, do community outreach, join extracurricular activities (including a robotics club), and build a resume. You will also be given all of the assistance you need from the wonderful staff. All of the teachers love being asked questions and the dean of students is always willing to help you through the times when things get more difficult here at PCIA. Remember to never be afraid to ask questions and reach out for support from the staff and your fellow students!