My name is Tara, and I was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia at the age of three. 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 to refuse to let my disorder stop me from pursuing the passions 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 six. By age ten, I began studying classical piano and participated 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 seventeen 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 continue studying French and Portuguese.

With thanks,

Tara Romain