SARAH BARRABLE-TISHAUER

Famous for her role as Liberty Van Zandt on Degrassi: The Next Generation, Sarah also enjoys dancing, singing in the shower, globetrotting to exotic destinations, cooking gourmet meals, creative writing and hanging out with her friends. She is a theatre addict and is looking forward to going to university in a couple years. Sarah lives, was born and raised in Toronto, Canada where she is not a fan of the wintry, cold weather.

MIRIAM McDONALD

While most people recognize her as Emma Nelson from Degrassi: The Next Generation, Miriam may also be familiar to many as the "Voice of YTV". Her voice-over credits include episodes of the animated series Jojo's Circus, Ripping Friends, Cyberchase and Pecoca as well as voicing the lead in the animated series Englebert.

DeGrassi Blog

School's Out For Summer

Posted on June 22, 2006

Yesterday was a momentous day. As of 11 a.m., I was finished school for a whole TWO months. It’s funny how the landmark you have been working toward since September has a habit of not setting in for a few days. As I sit watching Live with Regis and Kelly (which I never get to watch because I am always at school), it begins to set in that I have an amazing summer ahead of me.

Last night was quite busy, if I do say so myself (guess I’m living up to my FASHION18 nickname, “The Princess of Parties”). After my exam, I went out for lunch with a good friend and talked to my guidance counsellor about universities.

(On that note, I’m going to go out on a tangent. Sorry, I tend to do that a lot.)

Is anyone else stressing out about university? I’m a year behind my friends (because I’m so busy I took half a course load this year and will finish up my credits next year), so at least I can look to them for some guidance. But either way, I was looking for solid answers from Ms. Curry and I didn’t get them. Basically she said it comes down to campus life and, of course, location! So, do I choose a big school in a small town, a big school in the city, a small school in the middle of nowhere or, the option that seems non-existent, a small school in a big city? At least my counsellor helped me narrow down options. With a 91 percent average, she said I can get into any school I apply to (and even get a great scholarship). I think I’d like a job where I can use both sides of my brain: practical and creative. So, it looks like a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Communication Studies is the program for me. But where do I go now? I’ve been assured that it all will slide into place—but isn’t it fair that I’m a little skeptical?

(Back from the tangent.)

Then I get this urgent call from my mom freaking out about our upcoming trip.

(Off on another tangent.)

Lemme just break the news to you guys: next Friday I’m off to China, Hong Kong and (the pièce de résistance) Tokyo.

I am beyond excited. One of the directors for Degrassi has already got me pumped up about Japan with all these amazing photos of teen fashion. I’ll be sure to take lots of photos and I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for Gwen and her Harajuku girls.

So, anyway, my mom calls me and says we have to get visas for China (since it’s a communist country you have to get government approval to cross the border) and they take a week to process, if there are no slip-ups. So I raced down to the Chinese embassy with the passport photos my mom and I had just taken (I always look like a criminal in those photos) and luckily got the forms—three minutes before they closed!

(Further tangent.)

Speaking of close calls, I had promised my best friend tickets to one of the best concerts this summer. But being an outdoor concert, I left it late to buy tickets because I figured a concert in an open field would have an infinite supply of tickets. This was not the case. Ticketmaster was sold out and I felt horrible that my procrastination had led me to renege on the promise I made to my friend. Luckily, dads are always there to save the day. My wonderful father found an obscure record shop that still had tickets and he bought me a pair. It is coming up this weekend and I am ecstatic. Ever since I bought Feist’s CD—which changed my life and will for sure change yours—I have wanted to see her in concert. So, this Saturday on beautiful Toronto Island I will be enjoying the sounds of Feist, Broken Social Scene, Bloc Party and many more. It’s going to be incredible. Equation:

Feist + Toronto Island + sunshine + BFF + school’s out = YAY!!!!

(Okay, finally, back to last night…)

After the Chinese embassy adventure I dashed back home, where I got dressed and ready for the CTV Client Appreciation Event at the fancy Rosewater Supper Club. Miriam and I enjoyed talking to a few local celebs, then headed back to her new pad for our favourite show, So You Think You Can Dance. I changed out of my gorgeous H&M dress and headed to an unofficial end-of-school BBQ bash at my friend Calynn’s house. She has a trampoline and a beautiful BBQ, so needless to say it was fun. From there we had developed an entourage and went to an amazing dessert bar at midnight. Mmmmm, banana chocolate waffles!

So, I guess the next time I write it’ll be from Tokyo, if you can believe it. So, enjoy the beginning of summer because it’s only going to get better from here.

Happy tanning (don’t forget the SPF 30).

—Sarah Barrable Tishauer

P.S. I just wanted to thank you all for your lovely comments on my last blog. It’s so nice to hear that you enjoy reading my adventures each week and, as an aspiring journalist, I was touched that you think I have potential in writing. Keep the comments coming—I’d love to hear about how you guys are spending your few months of freedom.

Click here for Sarah's personal photos.

Categories: Summer Nights

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Daimeera June 22, 2006 at 6:21 p.m.

I can totally relate to the stressing out about university, although slightly different circumstances for me--I'm two years (at least) behind due to chronic illness (and stemming from that, a lack of motivational skills) and it's tough sometimes, and I have NO idea what I'll do after I graduate. I have to wait to see how my health is, and that alone is stressful, not to mention the fact that I no longer know what I want to do... And now I'm rambling in your blog what I should be putting in my own. Hehe.

Enjoy Asia! I've often wished I could travel--without having motion sickness, TMI?--just to experience the different cultures. Hopefully you'll have some more beautiful pictures to share! And by the way, the picture of the flower? Amazingly gorgeous.

And I'm rambling AGAIN about random stuff. So I'll stop.

vala June 22, 2006 at 9 p.m.

Thanks Sarah for sharing your end of school moments with us.
I just want to start off by saying it is nice that you care what your fans are doing over the summer and what is happening in our lives. That is totally cool.
Well in terms of university..... I have 1 semester of school to go and then I am off. Like you I have conflicting feelings about where to attend. I think I have decided to go away (I am applying to Western, McGill and UofO) and experience life on my own. I will no doubt return home after I finish school because Toronto rocks (eventhough I live in Brampton right now) but the time away will help me focus on my goals..well, that is my hope.

Wow, I was so excited when I read about you attending Toronto island for the concerts this weekend. This Oympic island buzz has been going on for months.
I love Canadian music, especially indie rock and I will be attending a Pilate concert at the Koolhouse next Thursday night (with the assistance of my "updated" drivers licence). hehe. If you have never heard of Pilate, I highly recommend that you give them a listen. Oh my gosh! They are amazing. The only way to describe their sound is....heart renching love at it's deepest and most passionate with a touch of sadness. Great CD.

For summer I have plans to attend as many live shows as I can around the city. I listen to the edge and they have all the goods on the hot live shows to attend during the next 2 months of freedom.

I am also taking a trip with my parents and sister at the end of July. We are thinking somewhere in the US but that might change. I am just starting to travel (went to Grenada a few weeks ago--loved it!) and I really enjoy being somewhere different and experiencing a new culture and vibe. I can't wait to see pics from your trip (if you share some). I have only seen Tokyo from pics and movies but it looks amazing.
Other than that this summer I plan on sleeping in a lot, eating a lot of good and bad for me foods, camping with my friends, hanging out at the waterfront, attending as much festivals and theatre as I can take in and chillin at the beach. Oh, and I have a few trips planned to see my bff in Ottawa. Should be great fun.

Sidenote:
I have begged my parents to allow me to go to old Montreal on a 4 day trip by via rail. I think they are caving but this is a trip I want to take alone and they are nervous about that whole young girl on her own aspect--unfortunately with good reason. I am very independent and this trip is extremely important to me. If I can do this Montreal trip on my own, I feel I can conquer anything.

Wow, I have babbled so much. I hope I didnt bore you.
Well, have a great trip and take care.
Vala

Juliette! June 23, 2006 at 8:22 a.m.

I like Miriam and Sarah very very very very very much!
You're so perfect!
My hotmail adresse : kawaigirl007@hotmail.fr
Kiss xoxoxoxoxoxo

Julie June 24, 2006 at 7:03 p.m.

You are sooooooo lucky to get to go to Japan. Can I go with you? Please. I heard the fashion over there is great. My summer is so boring right now, preparing for my first year of high school. I need to find something to do. Anyway, I hope you have a great time there.

jessica June 24, 2006 at 7:50 p.m.

Nathally June 24, 2006 at 9:36 p.m.

I wasn't really nervous of university, even though I did go like 12 hours away from home and everyone & everything I knew. I thought that the nervous part of university was meeting with my roommate for the first time.
That's awesome that you are going to China, Hong Kong, and Japan!!! My friend's going to be living in Japan for like 2 1/2 years. So that's cool!!! :]
That's great that your dad came to the rescue in finding you guys those tickets!!! Dad's are always great like that!!! ;)
That's an awesome show!!! So You Think You Can Dance is just awesome!!! :]
I've been out since the beginning of May for the summer....it's been super borring being back home in a small town in California. I kind of wish I was back to the city in Oregon!!! ;) I have so many friends there, like here. But I see them more over there than here. Plus like all my friends are still in school for the summer. :(
I hope you have a blast Sarah!!! :D
-Nad

shani azar June 25, 2006 at 10:41 a.m.

like i say
im from isreal
so i was finished school before a week.....
and this is so fun
now i can hang around with my friends
and we dont need to worry about exems(i think that i wrote rigth)......
so every body........have a fun summer and always smile.... :)

shani azar June 25, 2006 at 10:43 a.m.

its me agine.....
if sombody want to talk to me so this is my mail......
crazy_an9el@walla.com
thanx

Benji June 25, 2006 at 2:05 p.m.

chill out mayun :]

Meghan June 25, 2006 at 2:36 p.m.

Have fun on your trip to Tokyo! You are so lucky! And have fun at the concert too! You are great at writing!!

Lucy {[C.F.E]} June 25, 2006 at 3:01 p.m.

KOOL. I LUV THE SHOW.

{[C.F.E]},
LUCY

Kryss June 25, 2006 at 5:01 p.m.

I say visit a few types of schools... I just graduated from Ohio State Univ, which is the biggest in the nation. I am from a super small town so I hadn't expected to love it here, but the second I stepped onto campus and saw its school/city combo, I felt home!

Terri June 25, 2006 at 7:10 p.m.

hey just wanted to say that i totaly get the stress for univ.I go to mary's and my school is trying to be ask good as good as ur E.S.P team we're getting there lol ur school has been doing really well. I also love ur show and ur a great actress.

D June 25, 2006 at 8:58 p.m.

Hey I'm a Comm major and I have found that ever so rare small school in the city (or at least close to it). New York is wonderful! Have fun traveling!!

Kiki =) June 26, 2006 at 1:33 a.m.

Hi!
I just wanted 2 tell u that I am a HUGE fan of Degrassi n I LOVE u all's work!!!

Bye!!!
=)

Allison June 27, 2006 at 12:47 a.m.

I can relate to the stressing out about university, I was there only two years ago. I ended up going to a meduim sized school in a meduim size town. But it has very thing I need and it is only two hours away from home. I love my school and trust me no matter what school you choose you will love it after the first year. It is something about that first year of college life that makes you fall in love with your university. So stop stressing, take a deep breath and make the best chocie you can. Everything will work out for the best.

Spencer June 27, 2006 at 2:22 a.m.

Hey Sarah,

I've loved the episode where you and Ryan Cooley (JT) sing the TWINKLE TWINKLE parody to Mr. Raditch (Dan Woods) called RADDISHES RADDISHES NOT SO SWEET, it was funny. I think you and Ryan Cooley the Luke and Laura of Degrassi. I'm from Greenwood, SC (a few miles from Greenville, SC and few miles from Augusta, GA) and I'm a guy, and I've been a fan of Degrassi since 2005, and watching it on the American channel The-N. The cast is great and loved Miriam McDonald as well. I'll give my blessing for season six, and I'm sorry that Andrea Lewis won't be in season six.

Bunny June 28, 2006 at 3:36 a.m.

Hey, Sarah. I have to agree with what I've seen in a bunch of comments here- you definitely have a great writing style for blogging. It's really cool that you're down to earth- you're such a great actress. I love Degrassi! As for university, I'm in my third year- it seems so daunting until you're in the game. You'll do great.

Lisa June 30, 2006 at 7:33 p.m.

From one aspiring journalist to another, I think you should go to Ryerson! I'm starting in September and couldn't be more excited.. every single person I've ever talked to has said it has a great program. Same with Carleton, but I love Toronto too much to leave it right now.

Also, I've been in a music-buying frenzy as of late and I can't even tell you how many times I've picked Feist's CD up, ready to buy, and then put it back on the shelf in favour of something else. She does have a uniquely mellow sound though - perhaps this is the weekend I'll actually go buy the album!

Madeline July 25, 2006 at 3:36 a.m.

How do you deal with getting out of school so late? I've been out since about 19 May... but I'm going back next week. Yoosh.

(I'm also an aspiring writer(maybe?). I'm jealous of your abilities.)

katie February 4, 2007 at 9:30 p.m.

Elizabeth May 28, 2007 at 1:14 p.m.

I love Ryan Cooley because he is sexy and I want to go out with him and I want to marry him

domique May 30, 2007 at 8:26 p.m.

no ryan is all mine so back away

loving January 11, 2008 at 7:16 p.m.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWI CAN NOT BELIVE THAT................................................................