Being an only child with parents who flipped houses meant I got used to change early on. I’ve moved seven times and gone to seven different schools -- wild, I know! Every time I started to feel settled, it felt like we’d pack up and head somewhere new. That kind of constant change can be a lot to deal with, but it also taught me how to adapt to just about anything and find my footing in new situations.
But if there was one thing that stayed the same, it was hockey. My dad and I shared a special bond over the game, and my parents had me on skates practically as soon as I could walk. Hockey quickly became the thing I held onto. No matter where we lived, the rink was my familiar place. Hockey was my anchor: the friendships, the lessons, the memories. It was my way of feeling at home, even when “home” kept changing.
Little Holly’s goal was simple: play hockey at university. I didn’t care about the school or the program; I just wanted to be on the ice. But as I got older, I realized I needed a broader vision, especially since a hockey career alone wouldn’t be enough to set me up for life. I’ve always taken school seriously, and choosing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in high school was my way of challenging myself academically to better prepare for university. Balancing IB with hockey, my job and club commitments was no small feat, but I thrived in that juggling act.
Becoming Co-President of the Global Aid Club was one of the most rewarding experiences of my high school years. Working alongside my peers, I led fundraisers that brought in $14,000 to support the Starehe Girls’ School in Kenya, providing essential resources for AIDS-orphaned students. I also co-founded Young Women for Change, where I advocated for gender equality and created a supportive space for young women to share their voices. These experiences helped me find a new purpose and introduced me to the thrill of making a difference beyond the rink. Around the same time, I became President of the Creative Writing Club, building a supportive community at my school where fellow readers and writers could grow together. Leading the club deepened my passion for writing, and I eventually became a published author, allowing me to share stories that resonated with others and opened up a meaningful creative outlet.
Midway through my minor midget year when everything finally felt like it was working in my favour, everything came to a screeching halt. I dislocated my shoulder in a game, and hearing the doctor say I'd be out for a minimum of three months felt like my world had been turned upside down. Hockey had always been constant, my outlet, and main focus. Now, suddenly, it was off-limits. The idea of sitting on the sidelines, wearing a sling instead of a jersey, was crushing.
It took some time, but with hockey on hold and my weekends free, I started touring universities. That’s when I visited Western. I already knew about Ivey through alumni I admired, and when I toured the campus, I was in awe of everything Western had to offer.
During that visit, I discovered the John F. Wood Summer Leadership Program and was immediately intrigued. I applied, eager to get a deeper look into Ivey and its renowned case-based learning method. That summer program showed me exactly what I was looking for: practical, discussion-driven learning that felt exciting and real. The case method, the chance to work through real business challenges, and the supportive community convinced me that Ivey was where I wanted to be.
From that moment, I was set on Ivey. When I later received my AEO offer, it felt like all my hard work had aligned perfectly. I knew I was stepping into a community that would inspire me, challenge me, and set me up for the future I envisioned. Hockey will always be a part of my life— it’s something I’ll always play, and the rink will always feel like home. But now, I’m excited to make Western my home for the next five years, knowing I’m part of a place where I can grow, be challenged, and build lasting connections.