Brain Cell Banter: Dating @WPGA

By Katrina Sun & Stephanie Hai ’22

Guest Writer: Catherlin Lu ’22

Love. Love is in the air. Love is everywhere. In our hearts, in our hairs and most importantly—in our very own WPGA hallways. This Valentines Day, Brain Cell Banter closely examined the secret hush-hush couples pervading throughout our narrow walls. It almost seems like every week a new couple emerges from the shadows, after just a short period of courtship and conversation. From debate champion pairs to the long distance flairs, WPGA is filled with iconic high school romances. 

So, in alignment with our road to becoming WPGA’s 2022 Cupid, coupled with the Spirit Council’s inaugural rose project, we interviewed four current couples about the ins-and-outs of dating at WPGA. 

Please note some couples opted to be anonymous for privacy reasons, hence, the code animal names. 

What was it first like dating at WPGA? 

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

We started dating in September 2020 and got close during quarantine! It was a little awkward for me (Taite) since he was in the grade above, but it all worked out in the end. 

Cats: 

We started dating in the summer, so it just carried into the school year.

Rams: 

We started dating in the fall and tried to keep it secretive, but it ended up getting out. It was particularly stressful during uni apps since we’re both procrastinators, but it was definitely worth it to have someone to talk to. 

How did you announce you were dating?

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

We didn’t (lol). 

Cats: 

It just happened. 

Rams:

It wasn’t announced. It was very annoying when people kept coming up to us to ask if we were though. 

What were your first impressions in grade 8 / meeting:

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

We first met at a party in grade 10! I (Taite) thought he was cute. 

Cats:

I think he has definitely matured a lot through high school compared to when I first met him. 

Rams:

It was more of a friend development. In our grade 8 science class, I didn’t really know anything about him but his name. 

Were you worried if people/teachers knew you were dating?

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

Not really. Shoutout to Morden for always trolling us though!

Cats:

Over high school, I was quite worried about my image and impression from others. But I think in senior year, you realise that you define your own image and personality. ½ of the cats has definitely taught me more about myself and my own capabilities. 

Rams: 

One particular teacher in a very particular classroom on the second floor keeps making fun of us. But other than this person, teachers just giggle. 

Do you think dating from your own school is stigmatized? Many people say it’s their worst fear. What do you think?

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

It is honestly really convenient and fun. Especially when you can start going off-campus for lunch and hanging out after school. Seeing each other every day was awesome. 

Cats:

Who cares! If the person is right and you’re in a good headspace, then nothing else really matters. I definitely suggest dating in senior year since maturing over high school is really important. Work on yourself before too. 

Rams:

We were both constantly shipped quite frequently, and both decided that if it happens it happens. Grades eventually start to go downhill anyways and dating didn’t have too much impact on that aspect of our lives. 

What are a few of your go-to date ideas in Vancouver?

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

We like eating and cooking together!

Cats:

Movie watching!

Rams:

Skating, gaming, or watching anime!

What are your thoughts on off-campus lunch dates? 

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

Yas. Do it~

Cats:

No. 

Rams:

No. Hangout with your friends for friend time. 

What are your thoughts on sitting with each other in class?

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

Depends on the class and the teacher. 

Cats:

It depends on the vibes of the class. I also find it a little distracting, so it really just depends.

Rams:

I like sitting with my friends in class and doing my own independent things at school.

What is some advice for younger WPGA love birds?

Taite Booth & Oliver Hope ’21

Grade 8 relationships don’t really count and aren’t the end of the world. Start dating when you’re mature and really like the person and see a future with them. When you graduate and are still with your partner, do long distance if you are ready… it’s worth it and not that scary!

Cats:

Don’t date before senior year. There’s a lot of development in the younger grades, and you still have a lot of time ahead of you. Also, remember that it’s way more about how the person acts and treats you compared to their own personality. Make sure the person treats you the way you deserve to be treated!

Rams:

I think planning it out and thinking about the future before you go for it is really important. You don’t want to rush into something (especially with a person at school) if you don’t talk about it before you begin dating. 

Guest Edition Quotes:

Vifeeq and Rincent: There are many fish in the sea, not all of them have to come from our school (or country!) 

We hope you enjoyed this edition of Brain Cell Banter. We wanted to take the time to thank a special guest writer, Catherlin Lu ‘22, for her brilliant and sensational article idea. Special thanks to our interviewees as well! And please, do not try to track these couples down!