Alumni Corner

VWS: Tell me about your work and education after graduating from the VWS. (post-secondary schooling, travel, work experience, family, etc.)

TD: After graduating, I decided to take time to work and travel. I worked in the film industry during and after High School. When an opportunity arose to travel to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, I hopped on a plane for a three-week solo adventure, which turned into a one-year work experience. I landed a job with the 2016 Summer Olympic Games and had one of the most defining and memorable years of my life. Since then, I have travelled to more than 15 countries. Taking that time for adventure and self-growth helped shape me for future endeavours.

VWS: What kind of work/study are you involved in now? What are your current plans?

TD: I am currently working as a stunt performer in the film and television industry. My job is very demanding on my body, so I am constantly training, working on new skills and learning recovery methods for a long and healthy career. I also continue to travel every chance I get in the hopes of reaching my 100 country goal! I have worked on over 25 productions, including CW network television shows, Netflix movies and some motion capture for video games.

VWS: What do you enjoy most about your work?

TD: My job is unique, and no day is the same. One day I could be fighting a 300lb man in a medieval wardrobe, and another day I may be in a pink wig dressed as a witch getting hurled across a room. I love that it pushes me to learn new skills, and since I am self-employed, it always keeps me motivated.

VWS: What advice would you give to upcoming graduates? Do you have any advice or encouragement for GS students considering HS options?

TD: It’s an amazing feeling to say, “I love what I do.” My advice would be to take your time. If you want to take a gap year because you are unsure, then take that gap year. There is no shame in taking time for yourself; after all, you did just spend the last 12+ years in school.

VWS: How did Waldorf education affect your life and your choice of career?

TD: I loved school, but it wasn’t until after graduating that I realized how much VWS affected me. Meeting other people and sharing school experiences made me understand why my parents were/are so devoted to Waldorf education. I genuinely believe my interpersonal, creative and comprehension skills (and many more) go hand in hand with my Waldorf education. Learning through experiences and creativity has shaped me, and I will always link who I have become back to where I began.

VWS: What are your fondest memories of your time at the VWS?

TD: I have countless fond memories; the Grade School plays, the High School camping trips, Grade 12 Projects (which I wasn’t fond of until I finished), my class, the big Thanksgiving lunches, the sports teams… trust me, the list could go on!

Interview date: June 2020 Ronaye Ireland, for Development

The Vancouver Waldorf School provides an experiential, age-appropriate approach to education based on the insights of Rudolf Steiner that inspires students to love learning, to be creative, open-minded, and compassionate. With a curriculum that integrates all academics with the arts and social learning, Waldorf Education develops not only the left and right hemispheres of the brain but the whole human being. A child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development is considered equally, supporting a conscious unfolding of the individuality within each student. Waldorf graduates possess capacities for empathy and clear, creative and independent thinking that enables them to carry out a chosen course of action with moral courage and social responsibility.