Chronicle 2017

P E R F O R M E R

C A R E G I V E R

RONÉE BOYCE 1998 • CONCERT PIANIST

ALISHAH DAMJI 2002 • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

REALIZING DREAMS: Since the age of three, I dreamed of becoming a professional musician; a concert pianist who travelled around the world to share classical music in foreign places. I also enjoy working with young, talented musicians in schools, providing them with guidance in piano masterclasses and presenting educational concerts as I travel. It gives me great satisfaction to have realized this dream. REMEMBERING HAVERGAL: One memory in particular is of graduation. Havergal’s South Quad looked simply exquisite. It was special to see my friends and peers exchange their hunter green blazers, kilts and tunics for radiant white dresses that day. There was a definite sense of excitement about the unknown world awaiting, yet a certain degree of disbelief that my time at Havergal had officially reached its end. OFFERING CAREER ADVICE: Although Havergal is not classified as a Performing Arts School, it still affords its students so many opportunities to learn, study, perform and excel at an advanced level in the performing arts field, alongside academics. Students interested in pursuing this field should indulge themselves in the many opportunities to perform. My experiences playing at Prayers, with the choir and in music recitals helped me gain exposure and confidence. Havergal’s Music program allowed me to learn to play the violin in an orchestra and participate in orchestral concerts at Roy Thomson Hall and the Toronto Centre for the Arts, which played an intrinsic role in my artistic development.

GAINING CONFIDENCE: Havergal taught me that being a woman was a strength and that I could do anything I set my mind to. This confidence opened doors for me and instilled a desire to fight for those who need help and to give back to the community. FEELING SATISFIED: I love being able to help individuals be as safe and independent as possible in their daily lives. I help people live on their own terms, teach them skills and provide the tools and equipment necessary to achieve their goals. The best part of my job is when a client does something or achieves a goal, even if it’s just something as small as remembering to take their medications. Knowing that my work helps people motivates me to put my best foot forward. REMEMBERING INFLUENCERS: Ms. Davis (current Vice Principal, Teaching & Learning) and Mr. George, my former Havergal science and math teachers, influenced my career path. Ms. Davis opened my eyes to genetics, microbiology and biology. In university, this led me to explore neurosciences and biology. Mr. George always taught us that practical things were important. I remember one class when we went outside and learned how to change a tire. He always told us that if we could learn how to solve a problem, we could solve any challenge in life. Occupational therapy involves a plethora of skills. Biology and, later on, psychology played big roles in my eventual decision to pursue this field. Through these teachers, I learned that with the right mindset, you can always find the answers to whatever problems life throws at you.

To learn more about the Limitless Campaign and how to make a gift, please contact Tony diCosmo, Executive Director, Advancement & Community Relations at tdicosmo@havergal.on.ca or visit www.havergal.on.ca/limitless .

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