Master of Arts (incomplete), Educational Counselling (University of Ottawa); Honours BA, Economics and Political Science (Queen’s University)

What is the single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school?

“Make time in your life for the things that pique your curiosity, regardless of how “practical” they seem. Curiosities lead to passion, and passion, combined with your unique talent, will create purpose. Purposeful people make a living doing things they would do for free. As they say, “do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Honours BA, Specialization in Communication, Minor in Sociology (University of Ottawa)

What is the single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school?

“Work hard and stay humble. Good things come to those who are patient and persistent.”

LL.L. in Quebec Civil Law (University of Ottawa); LL.B. with Certificate in Environmental Law (Dalhousie University); BA, Political Studies (Mount Saint Vincent University)

What is the career achievement you are most proud of?

“Walking away from a “safe” career in law to start my own business. It was scary, risky, and much harder than I expected it to be, but I’m proud that I believed in myself enough to do it, and that I was resilient enough to stick with it and build a life where I can use my social skills and creativity every day.”

BA with a concentration in Psychology (Trent University); Bachelor of Education (University of Ottawa)

What is the single most important piece of advice to students leaving high school?

“Life is a marathon and not a sprint. Don’t panic if you don’t know what you want to do. Be like a sponge and live life: be curious, explore your surroundings, try different things, learn from those around you, travel, learn about what interests you and find opportunities that make you feel alive and purposeful! Celebrate your mistakes and move on!”

What is the greatest lesson or skill you took away from your Discover Year?

“Life is an experiment, not a test. You don’t need to have everything figured out in order to move forward and be curious, so strive for growth and exploration instead of perfection! Overcoming these fears can lead to so many transformative experiences and opportunities you wouldn’t see otherwise.”

What is the greatest lesson you took away from your Discover Year?

“Do in life what feels true to you. Take on new things that excite you, push you, and better you as a person. Explore your interests but be yourself – for genuine character and active curiosity will bring you far.”

What advice would you give a student considering taking a Discover Year?

“My advice for any student who is thinking of taking a Discover Year is do it! If you have a slight interest or curiosity in something, throw yourself into it, even if it is uncomfortable. You will build and have an amazing community to support you through every step of the way. I discovered that when I did that, I opened so many doors and opportunities I could have never imagined.”

What advice would you give a student considering taking a Discover Year?

“The advice I would give to a student considering taking a Discover Year is to just go for it! Enjoy the year! To be able to get the most out of your year, jump at every opportunity and take some risks—it is a safe space to do so. You will get out of this experience what you put into it.”