CDS Alumni Revisit the Classroom to Share Valuable Insights
Over the past few weeks we’ve welcomed back several alumni speakers, including the following wonderful CDS ambassadors.
On Tuesday, students in our Senior School Health Science Club were treated to a virtual presentation by Sonya Arrigo '15, who is now working as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
Sonia completed her BSc (Hons.) in Psychology, specifically developmental, at the University of Toronto. During university, she endured her own personal health journey and saw multiple doctors and specialists in an effort to get better, but nothing seemed to work. A friend recommended she see a Naturopathic Doctor, and she was introduced to a completely new approach to health care.
In Sonya’s words, “I became hooked. I studied it in my spare time in university and became so interested in Holistic health and healing without pharmaceuticals. It then dawned on me that this passion could actually become a potential career path.”
She went on to attend the four-year doctor of Naturopathy program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and is now a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND).
Sonya shared the requirements for applying for a degree in Naturopathic Medicine, the scope of practice, and the primary differences between naturopathic versus traditional medicine. She then conducted a quick case study with the students, and they were eager to contribute and ask more questions about her profession.
The Grade 10 Careers Class was thrilled to welcome back Kiyan Heybati ‘18, who shared his inspiring journey from CDS to the Mayo Clinic. Kiyan was on campus earlier this year in November speaking with the Health Sciences Club as well.
Kiyan’s journey to medicine was not always clear. Initially, he considered following his parents into finance and even applied to Rotman Business School. But deep down, he had always been fascinated by heart health. As a child, Kiyan was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease, a rare condition that inflames small blood vessels. His symptoms were misdiagnosed before a doctor finally recognized the illness on Day 8—an experience that left a lasting impression. He wanted to be the kind of doctor who could catch what others might miss.
Kiyan’s journey to medicine was not always clear. Initially, he considered following his parents into finance and even applied to Rotman Business School. But deep down, he had always been fascinated by heart health. As a child, Kiyan was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease, a rare condition that inflames small blood vessels. His symptoms were misdiagnosed before a doctor finally recognized the illness on Day 8—an experience that left a lasting impression. He wanted to be the kind of doctor who could catch what others might miss.
Despite setbacks—like not getting into McMaster’s Health Sciences program for his first year—he took a big risk, enrolling in Life Sciences with the goal of transferring. His gamble paid off, and by surrounding himself with mentors and peers, he successfully made the switch. From there, he secured a spot at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and will graduate this May before starting his residency in internal medicine this summer. His long-term goal? Cardiac Surgery in the Emergency Department and a PhD.
- Kiyan offered the following advice to our students:
- Build your network – Everything you achieve will come from the people around you. Seek out mentors, connect with professors, and build relationships that will help you grow.
- Never forget the CDS class that graduates with you. Longitudinal relationships are so important! These people can be a soft place to land when you really need it.
- Get involved in research – In medicine, research is currency. Publishing papers and working with professors will open doors and make you stand out.
- Choose extracurriculars you love – Avoid simply picking activities that “look good” on a resume, pursue things that make you happy. Passion is noticeable and will naturally build valuable skills.
- Find your study style – For Kiyan, writing physical notes slowed things down and helped him retain information. Experiment and find what works best for you.
- Prioritize time for yourself – At CDS, extracurriculars were built into the schedule. Kiyan recommends blocking off an hour in your day—just like the CDS 3:30-4:30 time slot—to focus on fitness, hobbies, or social time. This balance is key to long-term success.
Earlier this week, our Grade 10 Careers class had an inspiring visit from Allyson Whitmell ‘19 who shared her journey of “Carving Your Path”—a reminder that while we all follow a path, we all choose to create our own.
At CDS, Allyson was deeply involved in theatre, music, and began a photography club while also excelling and loving chemistry and biology. Torn between medicine and music, she researched her options and discovered that a music degree could still lead to med school!
Choosing music, she pursued Piano Performance & Composition at the University of Toronto and during her degree discovered Neurologic Music Therapy, using music to help stroke and dementia patients. Before graduation, she faced another crossroads: follow the structured academic path or take a leap into professional music. She chose to give herself a year to chase her dream.
Moving home, she built her music career—writing, performing, and recording—but also realized she missed school. This fall, she started her Master’s in Applied Music & Health at U of T, balancing music with academics.
Key Takeaways from Allyson were:
- Try things—even if you don’t feel qualified!
- It’s okay to be scared—just keep moving.
- The road less traveled can lead to incredible places.
- Build a support team—you don’t have to do it alone.
- Set goals & work towards them.
“You don’t have to have life all figured out. All you really need is direction and to continue moving forward.” – Allyson Whitmell ‘19
Thank you to all of our Alumni who continue to come back and share their invaluable advice with our students!
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
