High School Reflections: From "Ragdoll" to Physics Whiz
My path through the public school system was, at least initially, quite uneventful. After spending time in Orangeville, my family returned to Toronto, where I attended senior public school for grades 7 and 8. At the time, I didn't consider myself particularly intellectual, and I suspect my teachers’ marks reflected that as I prepared for high school.
The Streaming System
Back then, the Canadian school system utilized "streaming," a practice of separating "bright" students into special sections while directing others toward shop and technical training. Although this was later abolished for being discriminatory, the system worked in my favor. I was originally slated for the "normal" course, but my brother pushed me to enroll in advanced grade 9.
Even so, my academic "engine" wasn't firing on all cylinders yet. I entered high school as a short, scrawny "nerd" during a time when several schools merged, bringing a flood of new faces. The social landscape was a bit lopsided: while the boys were small, the girls seemed to have hit their growth spurts all at once, appearing "huge" and tall by comparison.
Lessons in Falling
Seeking an extracurricular activity, I joined a mixed-gender judo class. I was remarkably unathletic—clumsy, with virtually no hand-eye coordination. Consequently, I became the class’s official "punching bag" or "ragdoll". I was frequently matched with larger girls who would effortlessly toss me across the mat.
While I never became a martial arts master, I did learn one invaluable skill: the complicated procedure of falling without getting hurt. By using my arms and shoulders to break the impact, I became an expert at hitting the ground safely—a skill that has saved me from many accidents well into my later years.
Socially, I was infatuated with these "big girls," but they only had eyes for the grade 12 football players. During a fundraiser "slave auction"—a practice that would be considered highly inappropriate today—I was "bought" by my grade 9 crush. I spent the day carrying her books, only to be totally ignored as she went about her business.
The Rise of the "Nerd Clubs"
By grade 10, my brain finally "kicked in". My academic skills flourished, and I rose to the top of my class. I remained completely unathletic, embracing my identity as a total nerd by joining several clubs.
In the Latin Club, we hosted toga parties where I put my technical mind to use, rigging an automatic lighting system for a bowl of alcohol. I also worked backstage for school productions and served as a lab assistant in the physics and chemistry departments.
The 1950s-era labs were a treasure trove of substances that are now strictly banned. I took full advantage of the "weird stuff" in the back, creating tiny amounts of stage pyrotechnics and explosives. Between the lab, the Library Club, and the Outing Club—where I spent time camping with like-minded individuals—I had found my niche.
A Late Bloomer
Despite the social atmosphere of high school, I was a "late bloomer". While I felt a social pressure to be interested in girls, I had very little actual desire to get involved with them beyond being fellow students or camping participants. By the time I reached grade 13—a standard in Ontario at the time—my focus had shifted entirely toward preparing for university, leaving the typical high school social preoccupations behind.
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