Vanier Key Society Members 2010-2011

Jessica Di Lazzaro Janessa Culliford Haley Eaves Montana Diabo Timothy Polyzos Melissa Handelman Catherine Hine James Schneider Emily Freire Yunjing Tian Kara Redden Noemie Boisclair Tevy Chan Monica Parceaud Alexandra Bornac Siddharth Asthana Sara Riaz Michael Batelli Meena Manhas Felicia Kavuma Nahila Bendali Trang Trinh Ema Fortunova Marisa Agnellini Hieu Nguyen

Jessica Di Lazzaro My name is Jessica Di Lazzaro and I am in my third semester in the Commerce program. I am very active with school, work, or simply going out with friends or family. One of my passions is languages; I speak English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese, but I would love to perfect these languages and maybe learn another one. I am not certain what I will be doing in the future which is why I am trying to get the best marks possible so I can have options once I choose my profession. Since this is my last year at Vanier, I want to get involved and make this year as memorable as possible. Janessa Culliford Hi there! I'm a Music Science Double DEC student in my second year and so far, I'm loving every minute of it! My experience at Vanier has been nothing but enriching and exciting, and as a (very enthusiastic and grateful) member of the Key Society, I hope I can help it become and remain that way for others as well. Wherever my studies may take me after CEGEP, I intend to make the world around me a better place in every way I can. I believe that school, life and the world are everything you make of them and you have the choice to act to improve them all if you want to. I can be quite passionate about the environment, music, social justice, and every kind of equality and I can only hope that I eventually find myself in a position to make an impact on something I believe in. In the meantime, I look forward to contributing to the Vanier community this year and we'll see where it takes me afterwards. Haley Eaves Hello, my name is Hayley Eaves and I am a Social Science student here at Vanier. I was born in England and moved to Canada when I was a young teenager. I am very interested in the English language and am currently writing an autobiography. I hope to work in Disney World for a summer, as a representative of England in the Epcot Theme Park. I am in my final year at Vanier and plan on applying to McGill Law School next fall. I have a passion for Politics and have a subscription to 'The Spectator' magazine, which keeps me up to date on current Political affairs. I love music and appreciate the motivation it gives me before entering the classroom or workplace. I enjoy getting to know the personalities of my peers and am very interested in astrology. I am a Taurus, which means that I am practical, determined and generous. It is an honor for me to be a part of Vanier's Key Society and I promise to represent Vanier in the way it deserves. Montana Diabo Hello there, my name Montana Diabo and I am in my third semester of the Animal Health Program. In my program we learn basic techniques and obtain the essential knowledge about animal care to become a successful and confident veterinary technician. In the future, I would like to go to university to continue my studies in veterinary medicine and open a veterinary clinic in my hometown, Kahnawake, as I would like to give back to my community. As for my ethnicity, I am Native American, but more specifically, Mohawk. I am generally an adventurous, optimistic and laid back person who loves to smile, laugh and have a great time. In my spare time I hang out with friends and family, listen to a variety of music and I enjoy being active. I also love trying new and exciting things that I have never experienced before.

"Scars remind us where we've been. They don't have to dictate where we're going." - Rick Dunkle Timothy Polyzos My name is Timothy. My program of Health Science enables students to explore the hidden truths of the world. It reveals the secrets of calculus, physics and chemistry. These subjects are the foundation of our universe. Thus, it is a pleasure to study them. Even though I'm greatly dedicated to my studies, I always find the time to participate in the community of Vanier College. Through either peer tutoring or volunteer work, I always try to give back to this wonderful school which has filled my mind with a new set of knowledge. What the future holds for me is a great mystery. I try to enjoy the present moment as much as I can. "A man's character is his fate" Heraclitus. Melissa Handelman Hi, I'm Melissa. I'm in my second and final year at Vanier College, pursuing studies in the Honours Commerce program. So far, I have enjoyed my stay at Vanier very much; it has allowed me to explore new areas of study and learn new things! After I graduate, I hope to attend Mcgill University in business, and then maybe later pursue law. When I'm not focusing on school I'm usually at my dragonboat practices where we train for upcoming competitions, and compete with other teams from Quebec and Canada. Dragonboating gives me the opportunity to stay in shape as well as meet new people, which I enjoy a lot. I have other hobbies, such as reading, playing piano, and learning new languages. I have no regrets; my motto is that whatever happens, happens. Life is as good as you think it is. It's all mental. Catherine Hine My name is Catherine Hine, and I'm in my final year of the music program here at Vanier. Upon completion of my DEC, I plan to study music education and choral conducting in the hopes of eventually starting and conducting my own professional choir. I play a number of instruments, including voice, flute, guitar, and piano, for which I also compose. Outside of school, I sing in the McGill Conservatory Youth Choir, play 2nd flute in the Westmount Youth Orchestra, piccolo in the College Sainte-Anne alumni band, am in the process of forming a quartet with friends from choir, and captain my Lakeshore soccer team. Other than that, I enjoy sewing, camping, and reading, and of course, almost anything related to music! James Schneider My name is James and I'm currently in my second year of Pure and Applied Honours Science. I'm planning on pursuing a career in the sciences, with a life in a luxurious cardboard box as an alternative. One of my biggest passions is music and I will always be listening to something new and eccentric. I find music is a fantastic way to explore new cultures and languages as well. This has helped me develop an interest in travelling and one of my goals is to eventually take a year off and travel the world. My family and friends are very important to me and in my spare time, I can usually be found hanging out with friends. Emily Freire My name is Emily Freire, and I'm in my third semester in Honours Commerce program. I enjoy reading and writing, and therefore joined the student newspaper, The Insider, during my second semester. I enjoy meeting new people, and for this reason I love Vanier College and the opportunity it has given me to do so. I am a very social person, and I greatly value my friendships and the good memories my friends and I have created during our time at Vanier College thus far. I have the inherent desire to do good and help others, and so I regularly volunteer. I plan on studying law, majoring in International Human Rights, in the hopes of one day making a change in the world for the better. I feel as though I have such potential, but will have wasted it by not using it toward the greater good rather than personal advancement. But for now, I look forward to being a part of the Vanier Key Society in order to make our great school an even better one for those who will come after us. Yunjing Tian My name is Yunjing Tian and it is my second semester at Vanier College in Health Science. It is an honour to be part of Vanier Key Society and I will do my best to help out this year. I have been through a technical program Illustration & Design previously; it not only taught me the technical skills of art but also the appreciation for the beauty of everything in life. My desire for knowledge and my curiosity to know more are what drove me to pursue a second DEC in Science. Having experience from both backgrounds has really opened my perspective and career path. In my spare time, I enjoy Acrylic painting and messing around in Photoshop. I am also a self-taught piano player and compose my own pieces. My motto for life:"There is no 'Right Decision', make a decision and 'Make It The Right Decision'". Kara Redden I strongly believe that hard work pays off. Having completed one year of Nursing, I am entering my second year with an open spirit and a ready mind. I have been committed to my studies as well as to my greater role as a peer and leader. I have learned to develop my critical thinking skills and come to understand that the each person is unique in the way they perceive and interact with their environment. Because of this, I am embarking on a journey in Nursing that will allow me to collaborate with a variety of different cultures to become the best caregiver I can be. I am eager to learn and look forward to everything the Vanier Key Society has to offer me and my fellow students. I am elated to be able to share my experiences and be an active representative for the Vanier community. Noemie Boisclair Hi, my name is Noemie and I am studying in Communications here at Vanier. I am really interested in arts and I believe it should become part of everyone's life somehow or another. I am someone who is curious and I want to learn as much as I can from my colleagues and the society I am living in. I encourage sharing as well as creative projects and I hope the Vanier Key Society could give students a chance to express themselves. My passion is cinema and I hope one day I will become an independent filmmaker. I think involvement in my community is a good way to achieve my goal and I hope other students would want to do the same. Tevy Chan Hi, my name is Tevy Chan. I am in Honours Health Science. At Vanier, I am a science peer tutor and I have volunteered as a TLC assistant. I love to volunteer because it really feels rewarding to help people. I enjoy reading and playing piano. I love to travel and meet people from different cultures. Sometimes, I can be adventurous. I'd like to go to Australia to see baby kangaroos; to trace Darwin's footsteps on the Galapagos Islands; and to follow the caravans on a camel across Sahara. I love science and I believe that science can help me to understand and appreciate the beauty of nature and the organisms that live in it. Monica Parceaud My name is Monica Parceaud and I am currently a General Social Science student. My interests are: travelling, reading, horse-back riding, and learning new things. I have two dogs and a horse that I enjoy doing activities with. I also enjoy going to school and I always try my best in each course I take. Being chosen as a member of the Vanier Key Society is a great honour and I am planning on doing my best to help out this year.

Alexandra Bornac My name is Alexandra Bornac and I am in my second year in the Modern Languages program. I have always been interested in art history, cultural studies and anything that has to do with travelling and exploring the world. My every day motto is "Seek for more!" and it has greatly helped me. Though my future plans are not clearly defined, a career involving help, communication and art is what I look forward to. Moving to Canada 3 years ago was the biggest change and the best choice I have made up until now. Through ups and downs, I have managed to know myself better and understand the mechanics of the world. The Montreal landscape is a constant fast-paced world and Vanier is the right place for us to evolve.

"Study as if you were going to live forever; live as if you were going to die tomorrow." Maria Mitchell Siddharth Asthana My name is Siddharth Asthana. I am a Health Science student in my third semester at Vanier College. I plan on going to McGill University and doing a Bachelors in Science after graduating from Vanier. Most of time is spent studying, tutoring, or working. However, I do my best to hang out with my friends just doing goofy things. I also use my time to read and learn about things I enjoy like physics, philosophy, and other things that fascinate me. A couple of words that would best describe me would be carefree, funny, and cheery. I joined the Vanier Key Society to do some positive things toward the school, a school that is doing so many positive things for me. Sara Riaz Hi, my name is Sara Riaz and I am currently enrolled in the Health Science program. Children are very delicate and expressive which is why they drew my attention and have inspired me to study Pediatrics. My favorite subjects are Math, English, Chemistry and I have a slight interest for Physics. I love travelling during my summers but I do not like jet lag which is unfortunately a part of travelling. During my leisure time, I love to read novels, watch TV, listen to music and most of all, spend time with my family and friends. I am a very friendly person and I hope that I'll be able to represent Vanier as a welcoming , comfortable college which does not only offer lots to learn, but also gives you chances to make lifetime memories. Once again, thank you for allowing me to be part of the Vanier Key Society, it is an honour and I am looking forward to a great year. Michael Batelli Hey! My name is Michael and I am currently enrolled in the Health Science program at Vanier. After having said this, you could probably conclude that most of my time is dedicated to my studies and although this may sound unpleasant, it's actually quite the opposite. Learning is a big key to life and everyday at Vanier for the past year has been quite the experience. When I'm not studying, I enjoy playing soccer with my friends and listening to or producing music. My dream is to one day work in the medical field. I am honored to be part of the Vanier Key Society and hope that I will be able to make a difference around my school and community. Always remember, do what makes you happy, never give up and be the best person you could be! Meena Manhas Hi, my name is Meena Manhas. I am currently in my third semester in Honours Social Science (Psychology Major). The wonders of the human mind and behavior have always fascinated me. Perhaps this is what has drawn me towards the field of psychology. One day, I'd like to become a psychologist myself. When I'm not dreaming about becoming a psychologist, I like to read, watch movies, go for walks, and spend time with my family. I also enjoy meeting new people and look forward to representing the school. It is an honour to be a part of such a prestigious program. I hope to make the Vanier Key Society and Vanier College proud! Felicia Kavuma My name is Felicia Kavuma, and I am currently enrolled in the General Social Sciences program. I plan to be switching into Health next semester. I am still unsure what I wish to pursue in life. Despite this fact, I am confident that I will succeed in anything I truly put my mind to. As a person, I have a great passion for learning and experiencing new things. I would say my hobbies consist of playing sports and traveling around the world. Through being in the Vanier Key Society, I plan to learn more about myself and get more involved with my school in many aspects. Nahila Bendali Hello, I am Nahila and I am currently studying in my third semester in Social Sciences at Vanier. I was born in Algeria and moved to Canada at the age of 6. I did my first semester at a French Cegep and then decided to challenge myself by going to Vanier. The two subjects that interest me the most are History and Political Science. I wish to pursue my studies in a field that would allow me to travel around the world. My checklist already includes France, Italy, Algeria, Austria and Germany. I hope to make that list as long as possible because I believe that memories are most important in life and making good memories is my priority. Trang Trinh My name is Trang Trinh and I am currently in my third year at Vanier College as a Psychology Major student. After graduating from Vanier, I plan on entering the Psychology Program at McGill University and hopefully complete my graduate studies at the university. I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends, watching movies, reading novels, and I especially like photography. I speak fluent English and Vietnamese. For the past six years, I only had the chance to travel to Canada, my home country which is Vietnam, and the United States. Therefore, in the near future I'd like to travel to other places in this world and open up my life to more beautiful sceneries and create as many memories as possible. I believe that life is a journey, rather than a race; you should enjoy every small moment, rather than be constantly on the run with time. Ema Fortunova My name is Ema Fortunova and I am a second year Commerce student in Vanier College. I am still quite confused about my future and about what I want to do later in my life, but this is because I have many interests and I still can't make a decision. As a person, I'm very energetic, optimistic, and happy; I always try to smile and I see the brighter side of life. I'm also highly social and I love being around people, making new connections, and helping others. I enjoy doing the same things as most teenagers do, such as going out with friends, listening to music, dancing, or reading books. I'm very ambitious, organized, responsible, and I'm very passionate for anything involving communicating with people and learning new skills or facts. Also, I'm curious and I love the new and unknown, and that's why I'm looking forward to the experience of being part of the VKS which will hopefully teach me something new. Marisa Agnellini My name is Marisa Agnellini and I am currently in my third semester of Business Administration: Accounting and Management Technology. After I graduate from Vanier, I plan on furthering my business studies at Concordia University. I take pleasure in learning, but in my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing and spending time with my friends. I find it rewarding to take an active role in a community therefore when I'm not busy studying, I volunteer to give back to my community. School is important to me, which is why I am grateful and honoured to be given this opportunity to be part of Vanier's Key Society. Hieu Nguyen Hi, my name is Hieu Nguyen and I'm in my third semester at Vanier in the Honours Health Science program. Apart from being a member of the Vanier Key Society, I am also part of the Vanier Varsity Tennis Team and Robotics Team. My passion truly lies within the field of science; hence I plan to pursue the medical program at McGill University or Universite de Montreal after graduating from Vanier. I firmly believe that it is essential to be well-rounded in terms of one's lifestyle. Academics, athletics, the fine arts, and social life are all aspects of life that need to be balanced. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, volunteering at the Montreal Children's Hospital, hanging out with friends, and of course playing some tennis. I speak English, French, and Vietnamese fluently. Being part of the Vanier Key Society is a unique opportunity in which I can contribute to the school's future as well as display my immense Vanier pride!