Chronicle 2017

L IMI TLESS CAMPAIGN Meet Our Campaign Ambassadors WRITTEN BY JESSICA LEWIS FEADER 2000

As our Limitless Campaign is underway, our alumnae campaign ambassadors reflect on how their educational experiences have shaped who they are today, giving each of them the confidence to take risks and follow their passions and dreams. With a fundraising goal of $21 million, our campus enhancements will be dedicated to art, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), music, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability, offering our students interdisciplinary opportunities that will shape their journeys beyond the ivy.

C R E AT O R

I N N O VAT O R

NIAMH BARRY 2009 • PHOTOGRAPHER

TIFFANY WONG 2003 • ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

REFLECTING ON EXPERIENCES: When I was younger, I really didn’t know what engineering entailed. Historically, there were very few women in engineering. Even today, male counterparts continue to outnumber women in the field. A combination of various teachers and experiences at Havergal influenced my career path and helped me develop confidence in my capabilities to pursue engineering. Coming into Havergal, physics was not a subject I thought I could excel at. I found the subject extremely difficult and I recall feeling nervous about taking Grade 11 and AP Physics. However, with the small class size and exceptionally supportive teachers, as well as opportunities to practise physics both inside and outside of the classroom, I excelled. I ended up being Havergal’s top student in the Sir Isaac Newton Exam Environmental Specialist for the Government of Canada, I really enjoy having the opportunity to work with various federal agencies, such as the Canadian Department of National Defence, Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada in planning and executing challenging multimillion-dollar projects from start to finish. I get to work on very interesting sites including military facilities, air force bases and harbours. Each project is different and has its own unique set of challenges, so the work is always dynamic and stimulating. 60 and recipient of the local Sir Isaac Newton Award. FINDING CAREER SATISFACTION: As a Senior

TAKING RISKS: Photography is equally challenging and rewarding. Havergal helped me become a confident individual who isn’t afraid of taking risks. I took a leap of faith, leaving a stable nine-to-five job to pursue my dream. I secured an internship at a commercial photography studio and my fledgling career in the industry took off from there. Havergal instilled in me a strong work ethic and the understanding that if you truly want something, you have to go out there and work hard for it. DISCOVERING PASSIONS: During my teenage years, I lived to play sports, mostly hockey. It wasn’t until much later in life that I realized my love for photography and the career options that it would open up for me. In high school, you could usually find me in a hockey arena, gym or on a playing field. Today, I’m either inside a studio or exploring the outdoors with my camera in hand. GIVING ADVICE: I would tell students to take advantage of the multitude of courses and opportunities at Havergal. There are numerous career paths in the visual arts, so don’t limit yourself. If you love photography or painting, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t also be taking computer classes. Your skill set may lead to a career as a photo editor or illustrator. This profession requires a mix of computer and business skills, especially since it often entails being self-employed.