On April 10th, West Island College (WIC) proudly welcomed five incredible alums back to campus to participate in our annual Alum Career Panel. James, Talia, Jennifer, Arielle and Dustin, each now thriving in different industries, offering valuable insights, heartfelt stories, and real-world advice about life after high school to our secondary 4 and 5 students. A shared theme resonated throughout: the journey is often not linear.
From memories of their high school days to navigating post-secondary choices and finding fulfilling careers, the panelists were candid and thoughtful in reflecting on how their paths unfolded.
James Borenstein-Laurie ‘14: PhD Candidate, Clinical Psychology, Concordia University
James spoke about trusting your instincts when making life decisions and embracing a well-rounded high school experience.
He highlighted how WIC’s balance of academics, leadership, and extracurriculars helped him build a strong foundation for the future. Speaking to the Cegep and university transitions, James reminded students that this period is about gaining independence and exploring your identity: “Cegep is where you start figuring out who you are and what you want. Don’t be afraid to try something new.”
Now in a Clinical Psychology PhD program, James emphasized that even with a full workload, maintaining personal interests, like theatre, has been key to staying grounded: “It’s important to prioritize self-care and your interests outside of school and work. When I take time for myself, I can show up for my patients feeling my best.”
Talia Ecityan ‘14, BCL, JD: Notarial Intern, Robinson Sheppard Shapiro
Talia fondly recalled the personalized support she received at WIC. “The teachers genuinely cared and wanted us to succeed,” she shared. She admitted the transition to Cegep was daunting due to the larger class sizes and new environment, but felt the academic foundation from WIC served her well.
At university, Talia’s biggest lesson came from a seemingly insignificant survey. “During law school, I signed up for a mentorship program without knowing where it would lead. That one step led to meeting the lawyer who introduced me to the firm where I eventually began my notarial internship. Now, years later, I work alongside her at the firm.” Talia encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones by getting involved, networking, and joining clubs, reminding them that opportunities often come from unexpected places.
Jennifer Orleans ‘13: Project Manager, Capstone Developments
Jennifer spoke candidly about following your gut, even when it means going against expectations. After years of working toward medical school and being accepted, she realized it wasn’t the right path for her future. “I listened to my inner voice and decided not to go to medical school. It was scary, but it was the right decision for me,” she said.
At WIC, the sense of community stood out most to her. “You build connections that last, even if you drift apart, there’s always that WIC bond that brings people back together.”
In the professional world, Jennifer has learned that not every day is predictable, and that’s what she loves about her role. She left students with a memorable piece of advice from her brother: “Strip away the titles and just list what you love to do. Then, try to find a profession based on that. At the end of the day, you need to enjoy your work.”
Arielle Dascal ‘14: PhD Candidate, Neuroscience & Biomedical Engineering, McGill University
Arielle brought refreshing honesty to the panel, emphasizing that academic and career journeys rarely follow a straight path. “Don’t worry about following a strict timeline,” she told students. “Most people don’t finish Cegep in exactly two years or university in three, and that’s perfectly okay.”
At WIC, she was heavily involved in leadership roles, which shaped her confidence and ambition. In Cegep, a double DEC program helped her discover a passion for physics and technical science.
Now, in a highly specialized PhD program where she uses various neuroimaging techniques to study epilepsy, Arielle has found opportunities to network and learn more about herself. Her advice to students was simple but powerful: “Don’t compare yourself to others; just focus on what’s important to you.”
Dustin White ‘10: Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Specialist, Rolls Royce Canada
Dustin’s career in aerospace brought a unique perspective to the panel, blending technical expertise with hands-on experience. He emphasized the value of staying open to change and embracing growing pains. “I became excited about my studies when I went back to school to pursue my Aerospace Engineering degree. That’s how I knew it was the right path for me”.
Reflecting on his time at WIC, Dustin appreciated the strong academic discipline that carried him through post-secondary life. “For me, Cegep felt easy after WIC,” he shared, crediting the school’s demanding workload and expectations.
Dustin loves the mix of desk work and time at the aero jet repair shop in his current role – proof that your job doesn’t have to fit a mold. He also reminded students to never be afraid to change paths. “It’s never too late to start over if something new sparks your interest.”
The Alum Career Panel was filled with wisdom, warmth, and encouragement. Each speaker brought a different story, but all echoed one message: success isn’t one-size-fits-all. A big thank you to our alums for returning to WIC to help guide the next generation!
