Safa Usman

Health Science

Drawn to Havergal because of its reputation as a liberal arts-focused school, Safa was thrilled to join the Junior School in Grade 6. With a passion for languages, arts and sciences, her love of learning was nurtured at Havergal. In the Upper School, she immersed herself in many arts-related programs, including the band, choir and anything theatre-related. “I love acting because you really have to understand the perspective of the characters and the playwright,” she says. “This encouraged me to start writing my own plays.”

Her French and Drama teachers encouraged her to enter the Toronto French Theatre contest Les Zinspiré.e.s. in Grade 10, and her play was selected as a finalist across Canada to be performed by a team of professional actors. “For me, studying languages opens new doors to connect with others,” she explains. “Figuring out how to interact with people based on their unique stories is appealing to me.”

At Havergal, Safa put her communication skills in action as the co-founder of a student diversity affinity group. This idea of connection continues to be the driving force behind Safa’s interest in studying Health Sciences at Queen’s University, where she can continue to engage in critical analysis, engagement, conversation and out-of-the-box thinking in her studies.