Chronicle 2017

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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.
P E R F O R M E R C A R E G I V E R
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.
RONÉE BOYCE 1998 • CONCERT PIANIST ALISHAH DAMJI 2002 • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
To learn more about the Limitless Campaign and how to make a gift, please contact Tony diCosmo, Executive Director,
Advancement & Community Relations at or visit
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