M U L G R AV E A L U M N I M AG A Z I N E
2018
This One’s For You To The Busy University Students. The Daredevil Entrepreneurs. The Selfless Philanthropists. The Sweaty Athletes. The Driven Business Leaders. The Paint-Smeared Artists...
TA B L E of
CONTENTS
1
Cypress 2018
3
How to Make a Movie with Marcus Hann
7
Alumni Basketball Game 2017
11
Class of 2018
13
Class of 2008 Reunion
17
25th Anniversary
23
Summer Kickoff 2018
24
Alumni Spotted
25
Alumni at University
27
Alum of the Year
30
Alumni Spotlight Series
31
Aliya Bhatia
35
Annahis Basmadjian
39
Camilla James
43
Kaitlyn Wu
45
Kevin Catliff
48
Alumni Advisory Board
2
MARCUS HANN How to make a movie
A good short film takes a lot of work to plan and
As an observer of the whole process, making a movie can
create. In this piece I outline the process of making a
seem daunting to say the least. With Marcus’ help we’ve
low-budget short film, drawing back to the example of
separated some of the most important parts to show you
my graduating project from SFU ‘Edge of Apollo’, with
how doable something like this can really be.
some materials from the actual production of that
Theme and Idea
film. Edge of Apollo has had success at local and inter-
Theme and idea makeup the beginning of the process
national festivals with Official Selections to the Whis-
where the idea takes shape. Brainstorming, workshop-
tler Film Festival, Chilliwack Independent Film Festival,
ping ideas, and writing treatments are all beneficial
LA CineFest, Queen Palm International Film Festival,
ways to start molding a story. Whether you go back
Focus Film Festival and some others. It has also re-
and forth with a friend or let your ideas take shape as
ceived a number of nominations through these festivals
doodles on a piece of paper, having a logical way of re-
and is still in consideration for further festivals and awards.
cording these ideas is crucial. This way when you get to
As of November 25, 2018, Edge of Apollo took home the
of your script that hits all the highlights), you can easily
something like a treatment (which is just a short-form
award for best script at the Chilliwack Independent
put your ideas into a coherent vision. Once you finish
Film Festival.
that, you can get on with writing your script.
Edge of Apollo was my graduating film from the
Pre-Production
Film Production program at SFU. It was written in my
Once there is a script, pre-production can start; it’s
second year of university and the pre-production,
important to note that this does not mean the script is
production, and post-production all took place in my
finished. Most scripts will continue to be changed right
final year.
up until, and even into, production and post-produc3
Cypress 2018
tion. Pre-production is arguably the most important
entire film on paper so that production can run as
part of the process because you are essentially
smoothly as possible. It can be a lot of work, but it is a
creating your film here, building the framework of what
very important step in a successful project. Due to the
will happen during production. In-depth and careful
highly collaborative nature of film, it is important to
pre-production will go a long way in making production
make sure that all cast and crew are on the same page
and post-production smooth and will greatly benefit
going into production. I had meetings and rehearsals
the final result of the film.
with my cast and crew leading up to the shooting dates of my film so that everyone was able to fulfill their role
There are a lot of avenues for pre-production,
and support the film to the best of their abilities.
and so a number of things should be happening and progressing simultaneously during this stage. In a
Production
larger-scale environment, there would be a number
Production is where you put your planning into action.
of people working at this point, with the director and
The hope here is that all of the logistics are in place
producers delegating the work. On a smaller scale -
so that the director and other crew can focus their at-
like on my 4th year film - it is often one or sometimes
tention on the creative elements of the project (a lot of
two people who are working on all of the necessary
creative decisions have been made in pre-production,
elements. These include casting, finding crew, location
but a film set is an ever-changing environment and
scouting, tech scouting, budgeting, scheduling, deter-
often plans must be adjusted on the day). Shooting can
mining what gear and equipment will be used/need-
be stressful, especially if there has been poor planning
ed, deciding on props and costumes, storyboarding,
or a lack of communication, but this can also be the
shot-listing, creating visual lookbooks/mood board,
most fun and rewarding part of the process.
and other logistical and creative elements of the film. Essentially, you are creating and organising the 4
In the case of Edge of Apollo, we had a strong
cutting, but it can be important to have a finished edit
foundation of pre-production that supported me and
before moving on and bringing everything together.
the cast and crew through the shoot. Obviously, as with
You can check out Marcus’ movie, Edge of Apollo, by
any film set, we encountered problems that we could
scanning the QR code below!
not have planned for or expected, but with the planning in place, we were able to adapt and overcome these obstacles. Post-Production Post-production is where the film takes its final form. Believe it or not, the script can still be changing at this point, not on paper, but in the way the film is edited. An editor can choose to cut lines or shuffle the order of scenes if they and the director believe it will be better for the overall film. In Edge of Apollo I cut some lines, shifted scenes around, and even combined some scenes into one. These were choices that I made to better the film, instead of just following exactly what I had laid out in the script. Despite what some people may think, there is much more to post-production than just editing. The picture edit is cutting the actions, words, and scenes together, while the sound edit focuses solely on the how the production audio sounds and transitions. Following picture lock (a finished cut of the film), we can move on to sound design, colour grading, and scoring the film. Parts of these stages can take place during the initial
Passowrd: apollo 5
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6
A LU M N I BA S K E T BA L L & Winter Social 2017
Thursday, December 21st was a wonderful night of celebrations with many of our alumni coming home for the holidays. The evening started off commemorating one of Mulgrave’s most beloved and inspirational teachers, Ms. Marlena Morgan. Marlena’s sense of humour, warmth, and lack of filter were felt throughout the Linda Hamer Theatre, where hundreds of current and alumni students, families, and teachers gathered to reminisce and celebrate this brilliant, selfless, and audacious woman. Marlena will be missed dearly, but it is clear that her strong spirit lives on through all the lives she’s touched. From there, the celebrations continued as alumni made their way up to the gym to cheer on our alumni basketball players at the annual Alumni Basketball Game & Winter Social. The alumni girls struggled to keep up with the Senior Girls team, one of the top in the province, so it was going to be tough from the get-go. The boy’s game was extremely close, and the energy and passion in the gym was palpable. With a final score of 42 to 35, the alumni boys took the win over the Senior Boys. 7
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GAME SCORES: Alumni Girls 25 vs. Sr. Girls 60 Alumni Boys 42 vs. Sr. Boys 35 The Winter Social is a great opportunity for our alumni to reconnect with their peers and teachers and hear about all the adventures and experiences the year has brought for everyone. 9
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C L A S S O F 2018 Welcome to Mulgrave’s Alumni Association!
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2 008 R E U N I O N Welcome Back
On October 6, 2018, the Grad Class of 2008 returned to Mulgrave to celebrate their ten-year reunion. It took no time for conversations to grow loud as they gathered in a former teacher’s classroom to reminisce and catch up on each others’ lives. Their titles are now other than that of a Mulgrave Alum. They are doctors, lawyers, broadcasters, and accountants to name a few. Ten years has led many of them in different directions, yet their energy when they came together at Mulgrave closely resembled a class of recent graduates, excited for the world ahead. This event would have not taken place if it weren’t for their faithful and reliant class representative, Matthew Cullen. Despite holding a demanding position in broadcasting with the CBC, he was able to gather and bring together a large group of his former classmates. Old friends reconnected, reminisced, and updated each other on their lives today. We truly had a great time reminiscing and celebrating with the Class of 2008. These halls were happy to hear their voices once again. We wish them the best in all their future endeavours and can’t wait to see them again soon enough!
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Jack, Sean & Lauren in 2018...
...and here in Kindergarten, 25 years ago!
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In September 1995, Mulgrave School opened in newly designed facilities at the North Shore Winter Club, providing the school with a secure home for the next five years.
Our history of
Throughout that five-year period,
C R E AT I N G MEMORIES
the Board of Directors would work diligently to fulfill its mandate of securing a permanent site to realise the Mulgrave dream of offering a complete school programme from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
In 1993 “I set out on a journey for
1995
which there was no map. It was a journey that I knew would require faith, perseverance and determination — and a great deal of help. So together with a wonderful group of people, we founded and built a school based not only on academic goals, but on the Renaissance ideal… We have created something unique in building Mulgrave School — a place that encourages everyone
1993 West Vancouver Montessori School’s Board envisions the creation of a new independent,
to be the best they can be.”
secular school on the North Shore
Mrs. Linda Hamer
of experience enjoyed in their
Founding Head of School (1993—03), in a retirement message to the community.
that would continue the excellence preschool. In September 1993, under the leadership of Linda Hamer as founding Head of School, Mulgrave opened in a portable classroom on property adjacent to the Montessori facilities.
17
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A group of eleven students, led by Mr. Cusbert and Mrs. Hamer, completed the first of many international trips by a group of Mulgrave students. The students established a Twinning Agreement with The Sunshine Coast Grammar School and prepared to be hosts to Australian students in the fall.
1999 1998
2001
In October of 1998, Mulgrave
Students and staff moved to
School became a member of the
Mulgrave’s ‘forever home’. The
Canadian Association of
inauguration of the stunning
Independent Schools. The Board
100,000 square foot facility was
identified a permanent site for
attended by hundreds of c
the school at the foot of Cypress
ommunity members,including Mr.
Mountain and development plans
and Mrs. Smithies pictured above,
were presented to West Vancouver
as well as local dignitaries and the
Council.
Earl of Mulgrave. It took place on October 18th. Prior to the move, Middle School students had been taking classes in a facility adjacent to the construction site for a little over a year.
18
The community bid farewell to its retiring founding Headmistress Linda Hamer. For a decade, Mrs. Hamer’s indomitable and tireless commitment to the vision and mission of Mulgrave led to the school’s growth and success. The next academic year, the school
The school received the first of its
would host a dedication
three International Baccalaureate
ceremony and name the theatre
authorisations and the Diploma
after its beloved founding head.
Programme arrives at Mulgrave.
2003
2006 2004 Mulgrave welcomed Mr. Macoun, a highly experienced international educator recognised as one of Canada’s top independent school leaders. Mr. Macoun’s legacy as Head of School at Mulgrave would include the school’s IB certifications, Early Learning Centre, and Mulgrave’s involvement in the Olympics. Mulgrave sent off its first class of graduates, the Class of 2004.
19
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Mulgrave became an IB Continuum School after it was authorised to offer the Middle Years Programme, following PYP authorisation in 2007. In September of this year, Mulgrave’s Early Learning Centre (ELC) for children aged 3 and 4 years opened its doors. While its permanent on-campus facility was being built, the ELC was located off site in West Vancouver.
2009 2008
2010
Mulgrave graduates its first IB
Mulgrave closed its doors for
Diploma class and hosts its first
two weeks to host members of
ever PYP Exhibition.
the Olympic teams participating in events atop Cypress Mountain. Nihat Tetiker bore the Olympic torch for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
20
Under the direction of the Board, and led by John Wray, our fourth
On May 22nd, the school would
and current Head of School,
host a Grand Opening of its Senior
Mulgrave complete a year-long
School. Later that summer, less
consultation and launches a
than ten years since its first IB class
five-year strategic plan: Mulgrave
graduated, Jolee Tung ‘15 achieves
2020: From Good to Great and a 25
a maximum point score of 45 in her
year campus plan.
DP exams, one of four in Canada.
2011
2015 2013 Mulgrave’s Board voted unanimously in favour of beginning the construction of a new Senior School.
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Launch of the MPOWER campaign in support of several initiatives in the school’s new five-year strategic plan: Making Mulgrave Everything We Can Be.
2017 2018
2016 A team of accreditation officers
Doors open to the school’s new
from the IB Organisation, Canadian
West Wing expansion, housing
Accredited Independent Schools
our preschool, Middle School
(CAIS), and the Council of Interna-
classrooms, an art and design
tional Schools (CIS) completed a
studio, and a rooftop Playground.
landmark visit to the school. Soon
Our community comes together to
after, Mulgrave became the first
celebrate our extraordinary 25-
school in Canada to be granted full
year journey and imagine what the
CIS accreditation.
next 25 years will bring.
Mulgrave Alumni: You make up the foundation of our success as a school. We thank you for your contributions and strive to celebrate all you have accomplished. 22
S U M M E R K I C KO F F Rugby Game 2018 On June 8, 2018, alum gathered in the comfort of the Skybridge at Mulgrave to get together and reconnect over drinks and food, as well as take the time to play some touch rugby in the chilly rain. Despite the weather, our alum reunited and set up some teams to get a game going. Our alum, students, and teachers separated into alum/teacher and alum/student teams. The thing about rugby, however, is that it is a game that benefits the large. That rang true on June 8th as the larger alum and teachers had little trouble moving the ball across the field, leaving their younger counterparts behind. This did not deter our younger alum though, as they put up some truly wild moves to navigate around their opponents. In the end, our teacher/alum team came out victorious. The score did not matter though: all players came off the field laughing and happy to rejoice after the game with some well-deserved refreshments. We hope to see many of them again at next year’s event!
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Alumni Spotted Back at School
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Leah Verdone Director of University Counselling
T R AV E L S T H R O U G H California During the first few weeks of November, I travelled
classical guitarist played Asturias. That evening, Luke
throughout California in the Bay and Greater LA area
Seybold recanted highlights of his initial term in Engi-
to tour universities and spend time connecting with as
neering at a local pizza place. Sadly, David Sui returned
many alumni as possible. This great state to which so
too late from vacation to join us, but says he is loving
many Mulgravians gravitate offers boundless possibil-
Berkeley! Luke explained, skateboard propped beside
ities. From tiny liberal arts colleges to huge research
him, that UCB is like a second home. Many in his family
institutions. From small, quaint coastal college towns
are Berkeley alum, and with many relatives still living
like Santa Cruz and Claremont, to the lively metropolis
in the area, he feels like it was always his top choice.
of LA.
Of course, the weather and Luke’s love for US college sports madness don’t make it hard for him to love his
My first day was spent exploring UC Berkeley’s campus
new home either.
and stadium. It was there I discovered the delightful Music Appreciation Cafe, a Berkeley institution, with
After entertaining and colourful tours at UCLA’s School
Rachael Deng who is enjoying the challenging but
of Theater, Film and Television, trekking through the
rewarding experience of being a UC Berkeley student.
costume studios and zigzagging through miles of props
Her favourite classes have been some of the electives as
and sets, I found myself on USC’s campus. I was joined
well as the Women in Science seminar and the themed
by Sophia Sinclair for dinner in the stunning USC New
housing she opted into.
Village, fashioned after iconic Italian piazzas. Soph, along with new roommates, have spearheaded an
During the afternoon, I explored the reading ponds and
informal Spring Admission mentorship group to help
the outdoor squares where, outside of Dwinelle Hall, a 25
Cypress 2018
the new freshmen adjust beyond the regular fall
I learned the hard way that the Bay Area actually has
incoming festivities. Her exuberance and desire to help
worse traffic than LA. However, LA traffic is still quite
others has led her to see the opportunity and need
an experience, and there was no way I would pass up
of others. She feels that the experience of USC could
dinner with Shanil who has taken Claremont McKenna
never be replaced with a smaller college or attending
College (CMC) by storm. This bubbly alumna manages a
a Canadian school for her early years, and she finds
full course load while enjoying the more relaxed
inspiration and joy from her Mandarin and Musical
atmosphere (and warm weather) though she still
Theatre classes--twin loves in her academic life!
manages to hold a remote internship as an Events and Crowdfunding Assistant along with an on-campus job
Throughout the day at Chapman, located so closely to
as Programs Assistant for the Kravis Lab for
Disneyland that many students boasted about holding
Social Impact . Most recently, she received the Arthur
annual passes, it was impressive to see their cutting
R. Adams Fellowship in International Strategic Stud-
edge Musco Center for the Arts. The center was to
ies at the Keck Center for International and Strategic
host the play If All The Sky Were Paper, which drama-
Studies. What else can she possibly work on? Well
tized war letters from various countries. Our very own
the end goal, she enthused over dinner, is to continue
Martha and Aiden were involved in the production,
exploring her options and trying to balance theoretical
but sadly, the play itself opened the day following my
with practical experience and networking.
departure. I am certain this will not be our last chance to witness something of these alums creation.
There are truly few better places to spend fall and spring than in California, balmy weather with students
Meanwhile, Poppy Shaw sent an exuberant text from
cruising around on skateboards, bikes or scooters in
the set of a music video in LA as she has been able
casual summer gear. The US college scene offers its
to construct a 4-day week at Chapman that also her
own unique experience which many seek to be
to “spend my time working on Chapman film sets or
immersed and swept up in...pep band practice which
sometimes even travel into LA and work on music
I walked into at USC, sports culture as I witnessed at
videos or commercials my friends are working on.
UCB walking into the enormous stadium, cheerleading
Everyone in this community wants you to succeed and
and athletic practice infectious and lively at The Farm,
they'll give you numerous opportunities to showcase
and the vibrancy of student life in outdoor evening
your skills and then help you improve on them! I’ve
hip-hop performances at Berkeley and activism at
never met so many talented people who are willing to
UCLA. Our Alumni are in good hands down south, and
share their craft!”
we can’t wait to hear more from them in the future. 26
ALUM OF THE YEAR AWARD
In the short lifespan of the alumni association, our
• Voting will be open from April 1st to May 1st.
graduates have shown they are capable of incredible
• Taking into consideration all votes, the Alumni
things. The Alum of the Year award celebrates the
Advisory Board will announce the Alum of the Year.
contributions made by an alum within his or her particular field of interest, whether academic, athletic,
Recognition
artistic or service-based, and highlights the continuous
The Alum of the Year will be recognised in the
pursuit of excellence in education and life that defines
following ways:
a Mulgrave alum.
• An advertisement in the Globe & Mail highlighting their success and contributions.
Eligibility
• Announcements over Mulgrave's social media
The candidate must be a Mulgrave graduate (though
channels, weekly newsletter, and our Alumni
in future years, this may change to anyone who has
Cypress Magazine.
attended Mulgrave for two or more years).
• A plaque presented at the Grade 12 Convocation
Current members of the Alumni Advisory Board cannot
Ceremony that will be kept in the Archive Room at
be nominated. These individuals are eligible for nomi-
Mulgrave School.
nation one year after stepping down from their role.
LAST YEAR’S NOMINEES
PROCESS
The Candidates
Nomination
Candidates of this award embody Mulgrave School’s
• A nomination form will be open to the Mulgrave
mission statement and values; not only do they find in-
community each year in December.
spiration to pursue excellence in their own life, they are
• A candidate can be nominated by any member of
also continuously inspiring others to do the same. They
the Mulgrave community (including alumni, present
are the epitome of a ‘life-long learner’, demonstrating
and past teachers, parents, or students).
curiosity, creativity and innovative thinking in all that they do. Examples of ideal candidates may include an
• Candidates can be self-nominated.
individual who is a practicing entrepreneur, earning a
• Nominations must be submitted by March 15, 2019.
post-graduate degree in his or her field of study, doing
Voting
outstanding service-based work (locally, or internationally), pursuing a career or side-career in the arts or
• Once nominations are in, the Alumni Advisory Board will share profiles of the candidates with the
athletics, or actively engaged in any combination of the
Mulgrave community.
four strands.
• Voting will open and members of the Mulgrave community will have the opportunity to vote. 27
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performance. She has taken part in three projects as
NOMINEES:
a research assistant for Brown’s Centre for the Study
Elizabeth Hendren Class of ‘05
of Children at risk. She co-founded Browns Opioid
Elizabeth completed her MD and
Activist group in order to help fight the opioid crisis.
earned a Bachelors in Science
Ghazal was chosen to become part of the Brown EMS
from UBC before continuing her
programme, providing volunteer- based ambulance
studies at the University of To-
services. She also was recruited to become a part of the
ronto. During her undergrad at
Iranian National Junior Rifle team for her performance
UBC, she founded international
with sharpshooting.
service trips to countries like Kenya, Uganda, and India. While there, she set up projects for small communities
Matthew Cullen Class of ‘08
in the form of education, healthcare, and micro-finance
Matthew completed his degree
projects.
in History and French before obtaining his Diploma in Sports
She has been diagnosed with Otosclerosis (a form
Broadcasting. He has been a
of hearing loss) and despite the difficulties this has
digital editor for the CFL and a
caused, she continues to pursue her goal of obtaining
sports writer for CBC. Matthew currently works as a
a masters in clinical epidemiology. Elizabeth currently
sports broadcaster at CBC in Toronto.
focuses on utilizing her team leadership skills to coach junior residents and providing the best service for her
Most notably among these achievements is Matthew’s
patients during her residency.
involvement in this past Winter Olympic Games. Matthew participated as a live commentator for multi-
Aliya Bhatia Class of ‘04
ple sports for the CBC in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Aliya completed her Bachelors in Commerce from Ryerson Univer-
Stefanie Lewis Class of ‘05
sity, specialising in Tourism and
Stefanie went on to acquire her
Hospitality. After finishing her
Bachelor of Science in physics
degree, Aliya went onto become
at the University of Glasgow. Fol-
the General Manager for Hampton Inn and Suites in
lowing this, she went on to obtain
Downtown Vancouver.
her PhD in nuclear physics. She has authored several publications
Aliya has also recently founded an entrepreneurial
on the topics of nuclear physics and computer
venture called PawSwap that facilitates the connection
optimisation.
of dog owners throughout Vancouver. In addition, Aliya is the co-founder of the RENEWu conference focused
Stefanie currently lives in Eindhoven, The Netherlands
on bringing an inspiring and new perspective of
and wishes to obtain her licensing in patent law. She
equality to entrepreneurship.
recognises that there are difficulties for women entering STEM (sciences, technology, engineering,
Ghazal Aghagoli Class of ‘15
mathematics) programmes as there are too few women
Ghazal is currently completing
in the field. She encourages everyone to follow their
her Bachelors in Science, with a
passions, despite obstacles that they might face.
Major in Neuroscience, at Brown University.
To nominate someone you know, please visit: alumoftheyear.mulgrave.com
During her time at Brown, she has been admitted as an early entrant to the Sigma Xi Honour Society in recognition of her academic 28
MELISSA GODIN CLASS OF ‘13
Melissa Godin Class of ‘13
of them is a National Geographic Explorer – infinitely curious about our planet, committed to understanding
Melissa was selected by the Mulgrave Alumni
it, and passionate about helping make it better.”
community and the Mulgrave Alumni Association as the
- National Geographic
winner of the 2018 Alum of the Year Award.
What is a Rhodes Scholar?
Melissa graduated from Mulgrave in 2013. She
The Rhodes Scholarship was established by Cecil
then participated in the Sciences Po program while
John Rhodes in 1902. The scholarship offers students a
attending New York University, obtaining her
chance to pursue a secondary undergraduate or grad-
bachelor’s degree in Global Liberal Studies. During her
uate degree at the University of Oxford. It is the most
time abroad, she interned at the Canadian Embassy in
competitive scholarship in the world, accepting only
Paris, working in political affairs. Melissa then founded
0.7% of applicants every year. Over the past 100+ years,
the Not A Saviour podcast, which focuses on providing
there have only been about 7,500 Rhodes Scholars
people with a way to be engaged in humanitarian
named worldwide.
efforts.
What is ‘Not a Saviour’?
These efforts gained the attention of Oxford
“Founded in 2016, Not a Saviour was initially a podcast
University, and Melissa received a Rhodes Scholar-
and advocacy campaign that aimed to raise awareness
ship in 2017. She is currently conducting research on
about the negative impacts that voluntourism can have
the gendered impacts of climate change in Malawi to
on local communities. Since then, Not a Saviour has
produce a documentary on the subject as a National Geographic Explorer.
broadened its scope, looking at what it means to be
What is a National Geographic Explorer?
interview young activists about the causes they care
a changemaker in an increasingly complex world. We
The National Geographic Explorer programme
about and their successes and mistakes in pursuing
“funds and supports groundbreaking scientists,
them.” - Not a Saviour
conservationists, educators, and storytellers. Every one 29
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A LU M N I S P OT LI G H T SERIES 2018
Our annual Alumni Spotlight Series highlights a few members from the Mulgrave alum community who excel in their pursuit of excellence in their lives after Mulgrave. We welcome the diverse group of alum who have chased success in areas such as the the arts, athletics, and entrepreneurial ventures. The Spotlight Series is a reflection of our community and allows us to celebrate and explore our collective experience. The branches of our alumni community spread far and wide around the world. Every year, we welcome new additions to our community and watch it grow with new experiences and stories. Stories that, without you, the Mulgrave community would not be what it is today. It is our pleasure to highlight some of our own alum and share their following spotlights with you.
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A L I YA B H AT I A
Class of 2010 Interviewed by Cam Henderson | August 2018
What could possibly make the GM of Hampton Suites in Vancouver leave her position to start a company aimed at creating a community for dog-owners? Aliya has had an array of experiences since her graduation from Mulgrave in 2004, but she took time to answer some questions about her new company PawSwap and explain why she left her high-level position to follow a dream.
What is PawSwap?
We have been testing our concept while developing a native iOS application with additional features such as
PawSwap is a platform that helps dog owners
virtual treats to incorporate a pay-it-forward model,
connect with other owners in their building, neigh-
which we will begin beta testing for in September 2018
bourhood, and community to watch their four-legged
with our early adopters. Our goal is to launch in
best friends while they work or are on vacation in a
Vancouver by October 2018 and then expand in major
safe, convenient, and completely free way. We have
cities across Canada and the US.
monthly meet-ups to help facilitate new friendships and a private Facebook group that our members use to
How did you first recognise there was a need for this
swap pet sitting services. Our mission is to make
service?
owning and caring for a dog easier by harnessing the
The hotel that I was working at required long, incon-
power of the sharing economy.
sistent hours and there were days that I couldn’t bring 31
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my dog with me. Not only did I feel extremely guilty on
How would you measure success? (In terms of
those days, but I realised the long-term damage that it
PawSwap? Your own life?)
could cause to my dog’s health. At the time, I couldn’t
You may value many things in life, but I believe it is
afford to spend $40 a day on traditional pet sitting,
important to know what your top two values are, and
nor did I want to trouble my friends and family. So I
measure your success in comparison to those two val-
created a Facebook group filled with dog owners who
ues. My first is to leave a legacy, which means making a
had similar pain points. From there, I started planning
difference and leaving a footprint behind for others to
and executing dog meet-ups all over Vancouver, which
follow and my second is to maintain balance. If I spent
not only helped dog owners meet neighbours that they
the majority of my week fulfilling both of these two
could potentially swap with, but they also united the
values, then it was a successful week. And as Robert
dog community as a whole. We started inviting
Collier put it, “success is the sum of small efforts –
vendors, trainers, and professional pet sitters to the
repeated day in and day out.”
meet-ups, which enabled us to really understand the market. The more I learned about the community, the
At what point did you decide to leave Hampton to
more I realised that people needed a solution to make
pursue PawSwap full time? What factors affected
it easier to own and care for a dog, and the concept of
your decision?
PawSwap evolved to what it is today.
I thought for a long time (over 2 years to be exact) that
How often do you hold meetups?
I could run the hotel while starting a new business. It was actually a mentor that changed my perspective
Our goal is to host one meet-up a month. To be honest,
on this. During our initial meeting, he asked me two
the meet-ups have received a little bit of scrutiny with
questions: Where do I see myself in 10 years and what
select members of the start-up community. Investors
is currently not working in my business? After writing
want to see that a platform is scalable (in this context, I
out my response for these two questions, I realised that
mean that the business model has the potential for
I could never achieve what I wanted to achieve in 10
rapid economic growth), and meet-ups don’t really
years while also working a full time job. If my actions
fit that typical mold. Our members, however, love the
on a daily basis did not align with where I saw myself in
meet-ups as it aids in achieving the primary goal, which
10 years, then I needed to adjust what I was doing on a
is to find new friends for your best friends. The
daily basis. That pushed me to make the change.
meet-ups also act as a form of free marketing, so we are getting creative and finding ways that we can continue to offer them without compromising scalability. The next meet-up on September 30th for example, is in partnership with Dogs Of Vancity, so all we have to do is show up! 32
What was the biggest challenge starting your own
At this point, I haven’t even really ‘started’. I’m not
businesses?
interested in building a lifestyle app or business, I’m building a company with the ultimate goal of having
The biggest challenge was not knowing where to start,
millions of users. This is just the beginning.
what to do next, and where to spend the majority of my time and money. I had this vision of solving a big prob-
What advice would you give to a new graduate
lem, yet I was entering into unchartered territory that
interested in starting their own business?
only a select few people knew how to be successful in.
Three words: Do. Your. Research. Whether you’re
After two years of attending events, conducting online
wanting to launch an app, run your own restaurant, or
research, and talking to other founders and industry
start a lifestyle brand, understanding what that actually
experts, I was able to come up with the plan that I’m
entails before launching your business is essential. If I
currently in the process of executing.
had known this in advance, the application would have been launched much sooner. I would break your research into 3 categories: 1. Industry and market research: Go online and learn everything you can about your industry and then about your specific target market. You may even want to put together a preliminary business plan. 2. Attend industry events: Not only is this a great way to meet people for step 3, but the speakers will help you get a pulse on best practices, trends, and industry standards. 33
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3. Talk to leaders in your area of interest: Conduct
experiencing it, I see how real it really is. I would love
informational interviews, and/or job shadow business
to start a program me that provides aspiring female
owners/founders. These people could also eventual-
founders with the tools, resources, and connections
ly make up your board of advisors, so this step will be
that they need to succeed.
beneficial to your business at a later stage. Tap into your LinkedIn network and ask mutual connections to make an introduction. Come up with specific questions in advance and don’t just say “I want to pick your brain.” Their time is valuable and they usually want to make sure they are the right person to help you, and if not, they will likely refer you to someone who can help. You may decide in the end that the industry isn’t for you, and that’s okay! It’s better to know this in advance versus launching a business based on your assumptions about a specific industry and/or idea. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? In five years, I hope to have helped other female entrepreneurs in male-diluted industries. Finding support is hard enough, but as a female there are so many additional barriers to entry that we face on a daily basis. I always heard and read stories from other female founders about these barriers, but now that I’m actually 34
ANNAHIS BASMADJIAN
Class of 2010 Interviewed by Cam Henderson | August 2018
Annahis has taken the path less travelled. No doubt remains in our minds that she is a free spirit and she said as much in her spotlight which follows. She has continued to maintain an academic balance between her study, direction and passion for the arts over the past several years and there are no hints that this is the last stop in her journey. Read on to learn a little bit more about and possibly a little bit from, Annahis:
It’s been nearly 8 years since you graduated from
love with playwriting as a whole. So, I applied and was
Mulgrave in 2011. Can you walk us through where
ultimately accepted into UBC Creative Writing
you’ve been and what led you to where you are right
program in my third year, and carried forward into my
now as the head of Rushed Productions Ltd.?
fourth. Over the course of that program, I had a short play stage read (Bookmarkers) and another produced
It certainly has been a long time though it doesn’t at all
(Fog Lights) at the Brave New Playrites festival, before
feel that way! Well, after I graduated from Mulgrave,
I graduated in my fourth year with a Bachelor of Fine
I was accepted into the Arts Faculty at UBC. There, I
Arts, majoring in Creative Writing.
explored all manner of making art, from painting to photography to acting to writing. Midway through my
Though I sought to pursue a Masters, I decided to take
second year, I enrolled in Bryan Wade’s “Writing for
a year off of academia and explore my prefrered field.
radio and the stage” and fell utterly and completely in
I was hired by the Commerce Community Program to 35
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carry things out on my own terms, and so, it was during Fringe Festival that I decided to take production into my own hands and establish a theater company of my own. Rushed Productions Ltd. now stands to open its first large-scale show this November 21st at the Red Gate Revue Stage on Granville Island! This, along with beginning the final year of my Master’s Degree has left me exceptionally busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! manage their yearly Murder Mystery Musical fund rais-
Are there any memorable moments or lessons from
ing event, where I wrote, produced and directed a two
your highschool career that you still carry with you
act Juke Box Musical called “Psychopomp and
today?
Circumstance” to raise money for Project Limelight.
I remember being called quite a few names by Ms.
Following that year, I was accepted to the Masters
Morgan in English class, mostly in response to my
of Science of Creative Writing at the University of
doubting myself and my writing, and I remember quite
Edinburgh. Because it was a part-time masters, I could
a bit of theater with Glen Pope. I recall the production
remain in Vancouver and continue producing work on
of Major Tom where I was floating around on a pitch-
the side. I was only able to achieve this arrangement,
black stage with my arms out for an hour and a half,
however, with the extensive support of my family and
talk about burning triceps! I also recall my part in
my community.
Cyberlife the Musical as Tammy, the amazingly awkward cool mom’s avatar. I think it was Tammy who
Since beginning my Master’s degree, I have produced
ultimately led me to earning the Bard Award, so I
several more small scripts through local festivals and
suppose the lesson I’ve taken along since then has been
competitions including the Cold Reading Series’
to fearlessly and entirely throw myself into what I love
4x3 festival (Kidnappees), UBC Players Club’s Festival
(even if it’s a little ridiculous) and learn you can stand
Dionysia (Hot Pursuit) and the Vancouver Fringe Festi-
to take your work a little more seriously and yourself a
val 2017 (A Very Unpleasant Evening at the Rockefeller
little less so.
Rink Sometime Late December...ish.)
Who are some notable people that you attribute to the
Although being part of a festival is exciting, I did always
path you have taken? What did they do for you that
yearn for a little more freedom to take charge and
led you down this road? 36
Obviously my family supporting me every step of the
As well, Rushed Productions maintains a strict open
way and never making me feel as if the path I’d chosen
arms policy. The work environment these days is
was the “wrong” one, only that I continue forward,
something of a Catch-22. One cannot earn a position
being the best I could be. From my time at Mulgrave,
without the necessary experience, and one cannot get
definitely Marlena Morgan, Glen Pope, Isobel
the necessary experience without earning a position.
Willard, Lee Hardy, Mark Pulfer, and Libby Soper. They
So Rushed’s modus operandi is to get foots in doors!
all thought outside the classroom, pushed our creative,
Any artist of any caliber is welcome to approach our
outward thinking, and encouraged us all not to be
job postings, auditions, volunteer sessions, or writing
bogged down nor intimidated by the IB program.
rooms! If their resume is bare, all the better for them to surprise us! If you’ve got the talent, you should have
What is Rushed Productions Ltd.?
a shot!
Rushed Productions Ltd. is my and my father’s
Ideally, where would you be in 5 years if everything
independent Theater Company, established in 2016!
went your way?
What do you hope to accomplish with Rushed Produc-
Ideally? Well plan A is to become world famous and
tions aim at giving back to the artistic community?
bring my shows to Broadway, the West End, even the
With Rushed, I hope to bring new, exciting and fresh
Sydney Opera House. Plan B will have been to receive
theatre to Vancouver. Not to say there isn’t already
my PHD and begin teaching Playwriting and Creative
compelling 'high art' around the city, but we are
Writing in a university setting. Hopefully, I’ll live in a
interested in breathing true entertainment back into
run-down dance studio converted into an open plan
the community, make a trip to the theatre- above
apartment above a local theater which I will eventually
all- fun!
buy and live in as some sort of phantom. I’ll have a cat. 37
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just plain scary, but they could never do what you love the way you do it. My company abides by three very simple rules: Tell the truth: If you’re going to be twenty minutes late to rehearsals, don’t tell me you’re five minutes away. It’ll only take me six to realize you’re lying. Try not to die: If you’re tired, sleep. If you’re starving, eat. And if you need help, tell someone. And, we’ll figure it out: No use worrying about things going wrong when things in question haven’t happened yet. Worry a little, Prepare, certainly, and if something goes wrong, you’ll deal with it best you can, and if something doesn’t go wrong, well that’s just a pleasant surprise. Be present. Let yourself enjoy the now, it’s always new.
Is there anything that you would like to share with the Mulgrave community? Do not be afraid to ask questions, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. It’s a bit cliche', but when you really mess up and then realise you haven’t burst into flames, it’s sort of jarring to figure out what that old statement really means. A wise person is not one who never makes mistakes, but one who doesn’t makes the same mistake twice. This world is full of things that you think you should know, but you’re not going to know, and that’s just where everyone who knows anything about anything starts. Understand that you may never be the best at what you do, there may always be someone better, harder working, more talented, more privileged, better looking, faster, younger, older, crueler, bolder and sometimes 38
CAMILLA JAMES
Class of 2009 Interviewed by Cam Henderson | September 2018
The passion we see from our alumni everyday is something that words fail to do justice. Camilla James is one of the many entrepreneurs among our alum community, and the passion she has for her most recent endeavour, The Saltwater Collective, is quite inspiring. As the designer and owner of her own swimwear company, Camilla has set out to change the way that we look at fashion, and the way we look.
Your are the owner and designer of The Saltwater
ed some help with PR and community management
Collective. What does that look like/entail? And is
from another Mulgrave graduate (Christina Pearce) so
this your end-all-be-all, or should we look forward to
that has been an exciting development, and I also have
your future endeavours?
a warehouse that stores my inventory and packs my orders for the summer season.
Yes I am! I must say that at this point, the one consistent part about running this business is that no
I absolutely love what I am doing, but I can’t say yet
two days look the same and I am constantly learning. It
whether it is my end-all-be-all. I think it’s important
is tough to paint a picture of what the job looks like, but
(especially in your 20s) to give it your all, but not to
at this point I don’t have any employees, so I do all of
close off other doors of opportunities. Who knows
the product design, development, marketing, sourcing,
where this will lead me in the coming years?! A con-
finance and the list goes on. I have recently contract-
crete goal I do have for myself is to stay self employed. 39
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Whether I am doing Saltwater forever or expanding to
It certainly taught me a LOT about work ethic -
other endeavors, I want to be in charge of my time and
especially in the position of boss and manager. I didn’t
accountable for my success.
know exactly what to expect, but I quickly learned that leading by example is key because you cannot expect
If you could highlight 1-3 of the most valuable lessons
anybody to do something that you are not willing to do
that you’ve carried forward from Mulgrave, what
and that being the boss means you are right alongside
would they be?
everyone putting in 110% and then some!
• Aim high
The greatest lesson I learned from being a GM is that
• Always do your best
if you have a goal, don’t let anyone or anything hold you
• Speak up!
back from going after it. I had little to no experience that qualified me for the job of managing over a hun-
You worked at quite a high level during your time
dred people, let alone running a business, but somehow
studying at university, being the GM of a Alma Mater
I convinced someone to give me a chance, the business
Coffee house during your final year. What is it like to
turned its first profit in 7 years, and my coworkers are
hold those responsibilities while studying at the same
still close friends to this day. It taught me to take risks
time? How has it changed your perspective towards
and to embrace my unconventional path.
work ethic, and would you recommend it?
Upon graduation, you had the opportunity to work at
My entire Queen’s experience was incredible. I was
Walmart. What was one of the most important things
involved in leadership roles through extracurriculars
that you learned from that opportunity?
and work for many years and these have been the most impactful experiences on my personal growth to date.
I must say that I really felt the value of my time working
Working as the GM for Common Ground was one of
for Walmart after I moved on and started building my
the best and most challenging things I have taken on. I
own retail business. Being exposed to the inner
learned hands-on about running a business, manage-
workings of the biggest retail giant on the planet taught
ment techniques, critical decision making skills and the
me a lot about business cycles and the challenges that
importance of workplace culture that I could not have
retailers face from an operational standpoint. I think
learned in a classroom.
that working in a long-term strategy role put me at an advantage when entering the market with my own 40
retail venture. Understanding that retail is very
under-performing at both. I was very happy with the
fast-paced and unpredictable even for the experts in
two years I had put in at Walmart, so in June 2017 I
the market has helped give me perspective when I am
decided to go full time with Saltwater.
experiencing challenges!
How did you get involved in The Saltwater Collective?
At what point did you know that The Saltwater
The brand you see today has a pretty unique story
Collective was where you wanted to focus all your
behind it! I adopted The Saltwater Collective in its
time? What was the most important factor in
infancy from two young women who had started it as a
your decision?
passion project in university. It was mostly apparel-fo-
Ever since my experience as GM of Common Ground,
cused with the goal of raising awareness around ocean
I knew that I wanted to have my own business.
conservation. Due to personal circumstances, they
The energy, motivation (and challenge, of course) was
were looking for someone to carry it forward, so in
unlike anything I had felt before. I learned so much
early 2017 I took over the brand name and started
about myself through the experience - a major thing
building my own vision for the brand - a swimwear
being that I needed to be 100% accountable for my own
line inspired by their beginnings.
success and that sink or swim situations seem to bring
I hope the story behind how I got started with
out the best in me.
Saltwater will remind people that everyone’s j
I don’t think that there is a ‘right’ time to quit a full time
ourney looks very different, and there isn’t one way to
job to pursue your own venture. It differs from person
do things. Every path to success looks completely
to person and is very contingent on finances, but the
different and it is important to be adaptable!
turning point for me was when balancing both jobs was
The Saltwater Collective is obviously very focussed
getting so difficult that I felt I would start
on ethically sourcing it’s materials as well as finding 41
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ethical means of production. Could you explain how
Finally, we manufacture all of our garments right
the company does each of those things?
here in Toronto! Not only does this allow us to be very involved in every step of the process of garment
Yes, we are very focussed on sustainability and ethical
creation we also get to support the Canadian economy
production! The ways in which we incorporate this into
and partner with fellow small business owners.
the business is through our textile sourcing and our
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice,
manufacturing methods.
what would it be?
The fabrics we use are woven from ECONYL® yarn. ECONYL® yarn was developed by an Italian
Failure is a part of success.
company (Aquafil S.p.A) who is on the forefront of
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
textile innovation. The yarn used to make the fabric is regenerated from pre-and post-consumer Nylon
In 5 years I hope that Saltwater will be the most
waste that would otherwise be abandoned in nature or
recognised swimwear label for women in the Canadian
dumped in landfills. Aquafil recovers nylon waste from
market. When someone is thinking of buying a
all over the world through a combination of self-di-
swimsuit, I want Saltwater to be the first brand that
rected programmes, and partnerships with initiatives
pops into their mind! I have big growth goals for the
such as Healthy Seas - a volunteer initiative focused on
brand, and not to give away too much, but I hope to
recovering abandoned fishing nets from the ocean, and
have established a solid international presence as well.
Net-works, an organisation that empowers southeast
If you could impart some wisdom on newly graduated
asian communities to collect and sell their spent fishing nets. After collection, the end result of the regeneration
students, what would you say?
system is a beautiful, high quality fabric equivalent to
Do not let your fears or doubts hold you back from
any virgin nylon product.
going after something you want. Don’t let the idea that you aren’t ‘qualified enough’ or ‘experienced enough’
The fashion industry is a lead contributor to pollution
hold you back from trying. We are capable of so much
and environmental degradation globally. Although we
more than we give ourselves credit for. Don’t be afraid
are still a small brand, we are trying to be a part of the
of breaking the mold and taking risks. You are
solution and help educate consumers on how important
responsible for your own success and as long as you
it is to demand a higher standard from the fashion in-
keep an open mind and are willing to learn and work
dustry. We believe that sustainable fabrics are the way
hard, anything is possible - really.
of the future. In a circular economy, waste is not wasted. Why take from the earth when we don’t have to? 42
KAITLIN WU
Class of 2010 Interviewed by Cam Henderson | June 2018
It’s no easy task to become an entrepreneur, and taking on such an endeavour can be time consuming and requires mental fortitude. Yet, Kaitin Wu, formerly Kaitlin Cyr, has done just that with the floral studio she has co-founded with her sister-in-law, Bloom Assembly. What sets Bloom apart from other floral studios and companies is its devotion to each and every client. Kaitlin has focused on creating the best experience for each client by keeping her team small and business timeline focused. But it has not all come from nothing. We took the opportunity to sit down with Kaitlin, and she gracefully shared her wisdom and experience so far as a business owner and Mulgrave alum.
What do you do? What is Bloom Assembly?
To go ahead and do it! Several people are too intimidated to start a business even if they are confident in their
I am the founder and project manager of Bloom
idea. The truth is that I learned the details of starting
Assembly, a floral arranging studio based in Vancouver
a business when I was launching Bloom Assembly. One
that specializes in weddings and events.
piece of advice would be to remember that the success
If you could speak to those wishing to start a business,
of your business isn’t a direct reflection of your own
what is the most important advice you could give?
value or worth. In order to make the tough decisions there needs to be a separation from you and your 43
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business. Make sure to keep that separation so your
Are there any experiences or lessons from your time
decision-making process can be logical and not
at Mulgrave that you still carry with you?
dependant on a personal affinity for your business.
Yes, definitely! Mulgrave shaped me and assisted in
What led you to take the leap from a full-time
refining skills that allowed me to start a business. My
position with Whitecaps FC to start Bloom Assembly?
involvement in basketball at Mulgrave taught me several important lessons and made me who I am today.
I’ve always envisioned starting my own business and
My basketball coach, Mr. Leduc, instilled confidence in
thought I needed some work experience in an office
me and the drive to do anything, even if I didn’t think
to learn the dos and don’ts and to build a professional
I could. This lesson is something that has guided me
network. After a few years of experience and relation-
through my career and personal life: not to wait to get
ship-building, I decided to take the leap!
a seat at the table but to demand a seat at the table!
What were the biggest obstacles you faced in starting
How important are the relationships you make with
Bloom?
people, professional or otherwise?
A limited knowledge of the industry! I had the drive to
Extremely important! To build a network you need to
start a business but needed to educate myself on
invest time in building relationships both personally
ordering through wholesale suppliers, the proper way
and professionally. Strategic relationship building is
to store inventory, and what pricing structures to
definitely something I would recommend. Successful
implement in order to make a profit.
people usually enjoy discussing how they got to where they are today, so I suggest to learn as much as you can from different people’s experiences to equip you with as much knowledge and wisdom as possible.
44
K E V I N C AT L I F F
Class of 2012 Interviewed by Cam Henderson | August 2018
When we set out to learn something, we all start as a pupil, taking in information and discovering new experiences. We participate in such activities until we are able to flip the script and impart that knowledge on someone else, as they start their own journeys. Some of you know him as Kevin, and now others know him as Mr. Catliff. Kevin Catliff, from the class of 2012, has had a unique opportunity to do exactly this in his role here at Mulgrave. Once a pupil of the teachers he now works alongside, he has some very interesting insights as he, the student, has now become the teacher.
What has your time between graduating and working
getting to know the Whitecapmanagement, front office,
at Mulgrave looked like?
coaching staff, and even the players.
Since 2015, I spent my summers working for the
Can you talk a bit about varsity sports and how it has
Vancouver Whitecaps as an Operations Crew Member,
influenced your university and career choices?
which is the team that executes the transformation
Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to work in the
and operational setup of B.C. Place Stadium for every
professional sport industry. I read about the Sports
Whitecaps FC home game. It has been an awesome
Management program me at Western, and I was hooked
experience being behind the scenes of every game,
right away. Right after I accepted my offer, I emailed 45
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the Varsity Rugby coach at Western and told him that I
Working at Mulgrave and seeing the behind-the-scenes
would like to try out for the team that coming August.
work that all the teachers and staff members put forth
He gave me the date, time and location for me to show
has truly been eye-opening. I think one of the coolest
up (with about 100 others) and fortunately I made the
parts of my current job is being able to get to know all
team as a first-year walk-on. I ended up playing
the students and be able to provide insight and
varsity rugby for all four years and although at times it
leadership for their future endeavors knowing that I
was tough to balance school, sports and a social life, I
went through exactly the same process 5-10 years ear-
wouldn’t have done it any other way. The long-lasting
lier. Everyday I wake up and have a sense of excitement
memories of traveling all around Ontario and playing in
and eagerness while driving to work, and I know not
front of thousands of fans (especially the rowdy student
everyone in the world has that luxury. I have always had
sections at Queen’s) as well as the brotherhood created
a strong interest in coaching, but my current position
by all my teammates was a truly special experience.
at Mulgrave has enabled me to get an understanding of what it’s like to become a teacher, and it’s something I
In my final term of university I had an internship with
am definitely interested in.
the London Knights (an Ontario Hockey League team) set up through the Sports Management programme.
What is the biggest decision you have to make in the
This was an awesome stepping-stone for my career to
next year?
finally have the chance to work with a sport organisa-
The biggest decision I have to make in the next year is
tion. I spent my time with them supporting the front
deciding whether or not to pursue a Bachelor of
office with marketing and promotional plans pertaining
Education from UBC or SFU! I am certainly loving my
to advertising, sponsorships, and fan engagement.
current position here as Athletics Coach, but in terms
Has working at mulgrave changed your perspective on
of my career development I need to decide on whether
what you want to do in life? If so, what has changed?
to become a full-time teacher OR follow my dream of 46
working for a professional sport organisation and go
quality experience and guidance for the Mulgrave stu-
back to work with the Whitecaps or another team. That
dent athletes of today and tomorrow. Mulgrave has cer-
being said, Mulgrave is such a fantastic place to work
tainly changed a lot since I graduated in 2012, and I love
with all the great students & staff, the facilities, the
being able to have the chance to give back to the school
view, etc. and it’s going to be hard to leave all of that
that has given me more than I could ever imagine.
behind.
Shout outs to… (anyone you’d like to thank or share
What is one lesson/experience learned at Mulgrave
your appreciation for?)
that still has an impact on your life today?
My core group of friends since Grade 8: Eric Bleim,
The rigors of the IB diploma and learning how to
Sam Griffiths, Luke Allard, George Collister, Sean
time-manage with all the extracurricular activities I
Bromley and Nick Pallone. We all played together
did throughout high school prepared me greatly for be-
on nearly every sports team at Mulgrave and even
ing able to balance playing varsity sports at university.
though none of them went to Western, we would all
At Mulgrave, I was fortunate to have fantastic coaches
always make an effort to visit each other’s universities
and role models in Martin Jones, Gareth Ronald-Jones
throughout Eastern Canada. It’s awesome that all of us
and Claude Leduc, among others. They persuaded me
have now moved back to Vancouver, and we still make
to try out for the Western varsity rugby team, as they
time to hang out and play sports together (golf, pick-
were all former university varsity athletes themselves. I
up basketball, touch rugby leagues, etc.) I am forever
wish that all the current Mulgrave students realise that
grateful to have friends that support and push me to
pursuing your athletic dreams at the next level is
be the greatest, and I would not be where I am today
definitely achievable. I hope that after my tenure at
without them!
Mulgrave ends, I will be able to say that I provided a 47
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Mulgrave School Alumni Association
