Following the Journey from Orillia to Abu Dhabi
July 31, 2014 – Orillia, ON
Author and naturalist William Longgood once said that dreams and dedication are a powerful combination. No one knows this better than Orillia hometown girl Olivia Manovich.
As a first-year Lakehead University student, Manovich attended the school’s Education Job Fair armed with a handful of resumes, eager to make some meaningful job connections. One of the exhibitors, Elite Education, would take her resume and five years later offer her the opportunity of a lifetime: a teaching job in the United Arab Emirates.
“It wasn’t just something I wanted to do. It was something I needed to do,” Olivia says of her upcoming adventure.
During her last week of placement in her final year of the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science/Bachelor of Education program, and only 12 hours after her job interview for a position overseas, Olivia got the call. She would be teaching kindergarten in the city of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, beginning this August.
Manovich’s love of teaching began early, during her days as a student at Orillia District Collegiate (ODCVI). She became involved in many local charitable and volunteer organizations, as well as working as a Sunday school teacher and a camp counsellor. She also had the chance to travel to Haiti and Thailand as a volunteer, which allowed her to see a different side of education and spark her interest in travel.
Upon attending Lakehead, Olivia wasn’t satisfied with just earning her education; she wanted to make a lasting impression. During her five years at Lakehead, Olivia was constantly involved as a student leader and spokesperson. In this role, she participated in recruitment events, campus tours and public events, such as the President’s Breakfast, Open Doors Knowledge Event, and Community Research Days.
Manovich also brought her community interests and passion for helping children to students on campus. She organized a highly successful Operation Christmas Child program, which involved hundreds of students, who contributed to filling shoeboxes to send to underprivileged children. She also advocated for Compassion Canada, an organization focused on helping children in developing countries.
At her graduation in June, Manovich’s contribution to the University was recognized with two prestigious awards. She received both the President’s Award, recognizing student leadership; and the Lloyd Dennis Award for Outstanding Citizenship.
“I was so surprised to learn that I had won these awards,” said Manovich. “It is such an honour and I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet Marilyn Dennis [widow of Lloyd Dennis] and learn more about Dr. Dennis’s life and his outstanding contribution to education.” [Lloyd Dennis, who died in March 2012, was honoured with an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Lakehead University at its 2012 Convocation.]
“Lloyd would have been so proud of Olivia’s accomplishments,” said Marilyn Dennis. “And he would be so enthusiastic about her new teaching adventure. He especially loved kindergarten teachers.”
When asked how she feels about her upcoming move, nervous and excited are the first two words to pop into her head. Scared would probably rank pretty high on her list too if it wasn’t for the overwhelming support from her family, which will make her transition easier. “My family has always been very supportive and always there for me. They never questioned my decision to work overseas and instead encouraged me. I feel very blessed – to have such support from my family, from my University community and from my hometown.”
Olivia will leave Orillia in late August to begin her overseas journey. As they say in Abu Dhabi, Hadha muwafqaa – good luck!
Written by Stephanie Edwards, a third year Lakehead University student who is working with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office this summer.
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Lakehead University award-winner, Olivia Manovich, celebrates her accomplishments at the June 2014 convocation with her family – sister Simone, and parents Linda and Brian.
Marilyn Dennis and Lakehead graduate Olivia Manovich, winner of the 2014 Lloyd Dennis Award, are shown at the Orillia campus alongside a tree planted in memory of Lloyd Dennis.