Opinion
Think back to your days at Havergal—how did your experiences shape your path to being future-ready? Here’s what nine Old Girls/Alums have to say about how their time at Havergal equipped them to embrace the future with confidence and purpose.
280 Words
Dr. Annatash Bartel ’98
My five years at Havergal, even after 25 years have passed, are still some of my fondest. Havergal set the bar early for the type of environment in which I like to work and learn, as it really was a fun and challenging place to be. Academic and extra-curricular opportunities were diverse, and support was notable. Havergal afforded me the confidence to attempt new skills and activities, to try harder and be better, and enjoy myself and my life in doing so. Unquestionably, Havergal was one of the best and most worthwhile experiences of my life.
Jan (Eccles) Caceres ’75
I entered Grade 9 at Havergal in the year 1969/70 (when I was 13) and remember my first day so vividly because everyone was so nice to me! I was coming out of the National Ballet School where I had been picked on and bullied for 4 years, but my 4 years in Havergal were the happiest of my school career!
Tiffany Cirillo ’21
Havergal instilled in me the ability to balance all facets of my life, leading me to excel in approaching personal and professional challenges with independence and confidence. Foremost, I learned the invaluable lesson of discerning when to take the initiative to lead independently and when to leverage teamwork for to be successful. The faculty offered immense support and fostered a robust foundation of knowledge, while the students imparted in me a sense of community, connection, and compassion through our shared experiences. Above all, the institution left me with a resilient mindset, teaching me to confront challenges with courage and integrity.
Judy (Betteridge) Haust ’71
As a “lifer” (Nursery to Grade 13), I had many formative experiences, but what dramatically changed my life was the privilege of spending two of those 15 years in the boarding school, something I had romanticized and begged to be a part of! I was not disappointed: I evolved from being a timid child to feeling equipped to take on the world beyond the hallowed halls. Havergal was my second home, and my Havergal family remains an integral part of my life all these decades later.
Barbara (Jeffery) Stimers ’63
I have a vivid mind picture of lying on the gym floor during drama club after school. We were learning to relax our bodies completely. That has served me well when I need to fall asleep at night or when I’m in a tense situation. I also learned good lessons about order and responsibility as editor of the Ludemus magazine and as a prefect. One had to be a good example, hopefully. PS. I loved my Havergal experience!
Angela Meharg ’88
The experience that most prepared me for life in the real world was the opportunity to occupy leadership roles (and since there were no boys, the opportunities were plentiful). Being Grade 13 Class President and having leadership roles in the music department trained me to organize events, do accurate planning, and request the help of others. Anything worth doing and doing well requires the contribution of lots of people!
Dr. Christine (Adamson) Norman ’68
Havergal taught me to have respect for my elders, that they know more than I do. Havergal helped me to learn about different races and cultural backgrounds. These learning points have greatly aided me both in my career and personal life!
Kelly Polci ’00
Havergal gave me confidence. There are so many opportunities, experiences, clubs, and sports, and in my time there I felt encouraged to try new things. I have carried that confidence with me in my life, to try new things, to use my voice, and to never stop learning.
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