Cristi Birch:
CLASS OF 2001
Wagner High SchoolClass of 2001
Edmonton, AB
Plains Indian Survival SchoolClass of 2001
Calgary, AB
Edith Rogers Junior High SchoolClass of 1996
Edmonton, AB
Cristi's Story
Life
I moved from Edmonton and Wagner when I was just about to start my 12th year to Calgary, where I've been since.
I'm really into feminism, activism, human/animal rights; I'm vegetarian, do a lot of volunteer work, etc. I have a fiancee, Shawn, and a 2 year old son, Trey, who is my life. We just purchased our first home in October 2004, so unfortunately, I'm not moving back to Edmonton. In my spare time, I like reading, going out with friends, playing with my adorable little man, and am fairly successful with part-time modelling, was scouted with an agency in Van but won't persue full time. Full time, I work in Engineering at TransCanada; I like the job I'm doing right now, and would rather rely on brains first and foremost.
I've also headed up an unofficial campaign to spread the awareness of plagiocephaly and newborn infants. Managed to work alongside health care systems and hospitals across Canada and the US. Go me, and whatnot.
Even though I'm living in Calgary, I still consider myself an Edmontonian at heart; don't think I could ever cheer on the Flames ;)
School
I'll only write about my memories of Wagner.. PICSS in Calgary was a very tiny school and has since been shut down.
My favorite teacher in school, believe it or not, was Mr Baril. I was downright snotty to him at times, but when push came to shove, he always was there. I think it was his disapproving looks and constant lectures about talking and sitting "cristi style" that stayed with me to this day. His wife, Roberta Baril, was my favorite teacher in JH. I also quite liked Shaun Haines (sp?) who was the first person to ever introduce me to my culture, and one of the only other teachers that stuck by me and encouraged me.
My favorite memories of HS come from the times that I wasn't actually IN school (which wasn't often.. I.. promise) ;) THE BAND TRIPS - were ALWAYS amazing. "This one time.. at band camp.." ;) Honestly...Expand for more
, never underestimate a snotty girl with a trombone. Hanging out at the cafe across the street, circle of trees, 2000 new years party! Everyone always following me home from school - yet never telling me they were all coming over until they all jumped off the bus with me ;) Playing our music extra loud in the hallways just to piss people off.. Just hanging out with the friends I cherished the most.
The friendships I valued most came from Wagner, although many of them are over now as people moved on. I adored everyone in our 'group', but a few have always stuck out. Lynn, Sabrina, Joanna, Amber, Jamie, Em. You guys were my favorite people in the world, and although friendships are long over - you still will always have a place in my heart.
"Fairy Dance!"
Plus, the way-too-large amount of relationships I had in high school will always be there too. It's funny, how 6 years later, I still dwell on past boyfriends and the 'what ifs'. And the mistakes. To anyone I hurt in High School.. which was too many, too often, and the reason I had to leave the school in the end (although her and I are friends now): I really am sorry. I was young, naive, and didn't think about things before I did them, didn't bother to think or care that the things I did/said might be hurtful.
To everyone I loved in High School - chances are I still do. Get in touch.
Workplace
I left high school, and moved on to an office temporary placement service, Diversified Staffing. My first job with them was at TCPL, where I temp'd for many of the departments for about 2 years. I took some time off to take part in a movie which was being filmed around Calgary, then got a job in a bar as a waitress for fun. After about 6 months, I returned to TCPL and temp'd in the Pipe Engineering, where I temp'd for about a year and then took time off to raise my newborn. I returned after 4 months, and was hired permanently, and am still here today.
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