My name is Tara and I was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia at the age of 3. Being aware of this disease since my older sister was previously diagnosed with it; my parents knew that there would be numerous obstacles ahead for me. However as a child, I remember being determined in refusing to let my disorder stop me from pursuing the passions that I was discovering in life. My growing love for music and performance led me to take part in church and school choirs since the age of 6. By age 10, I began studying classical piano and partook in the Kiwanis Music Festival. In 2003, I was accepted into the Drama Focus and Musical Theatre programs at one of Toronto’s leading performing arts high schools, Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts. I went on to graduate as an Ontario Scholar at age 17 and enrolled at York University. After completing my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I am now working at the Provincial Offence Court for the City of Toronto as a Court Clerk. I hope to broaden my education by enrolling in the Health Studies Bachelor of Arts program and persist in studying French and Portuguese.

With thanks
Tara Romain