Where There’s a Willow, There’s a Way

20 September 2012Katie R

I remember the first few days of Grade 9 three years ago; I was flustered by the hectic new schedule and the coming and goings of my new school.  I also remember Ms. Robin Willow, my Grade 9 advisor, being there in the wake of my distress. Throughout the year, she guided me and the other young and budding Mackenzie girls. When we got word that she was leaving Brentwood for our distorted idea of the “real world”, we were sad to see her go.

Three years later, we meet again. Back here at Brentwood.

So, what has she been doing all this time?

Ms. Willow spent the last two years studying and working hard at Washington State University, where she had received a full ride scholarship to complete her Master’s degree. She endured winter training hikes in Arizona, experienced the amazing sites of Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, and enjoyed the lifestyle of an American university. She rowed for the Cougar Women’s Rowing team, gaining more crew experience which she now brings back to charming Mill Bay.

“I left Brentwood, not because I wanted to get away from the school,” she explains. “I was offered a rare opportunity. It was a chance to become a better teacher and a better coach through further study.”

During the summers, Ms. Willow honed her skills with Team BC and the Gorge Rowing Club. She coached past grads, Stacey K ‘12, Lance B ‘12 and current Brentwood grade 12s Nick R, Joel B and Jeff B at the 2010 BC games where they finished 3rd.

So why did she return to Brentwood?

“I decided to come back to Brentwood because I missed the students and staff. While I was away, I realized how amazing the Brentwood community is, and I wanted to be a part of this supporting and caring environment.”

Graduates of 2013 gladly welcome back the familiar face from past French 8 and Social Studies 9 classrooms.

“I know I am the reason for her return,” jokes Sara S ‘13. Although as students and staff, we’d love to take credit for her homecoming, there are alternate reasons to Ms. Willow’s return.

“I also missed the ski trips, Regatta, and amazing ocean view!” she adds.

The ocean breeze may have been a contributing factor, but there was also romance in the air. While visiting Brentwood two summers ago, she met Mr. Oliver Amiel, a science teacher. Now both are settling back in at the oceanfront campus, excited for their wedding in the summer of 2013.

Brentwood has its arms open wide, and is happy to have such a talented teacher and coach back on board. The students enthusiastically greeted Ms. Willow at SPARC’s Fun n’ Games night, while she was pelted with pies (for charity).

Welcome home, Ms. Willow, with cream on top!

Katie R