Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1540856
DESTINATION / DESTINATION McGill University PROGRAMME / PROGRAM Music and Biological Sciences dual degree MOLLY Z. Long before she found her voice on stage, Molly found it through music. She started piano lessons at the age of five and began vocal training by 11. Though she was shy and performing didn't come easily, her passion for music ultimately outweighed her fears. In Level IV, Molly had an idea that both excited and scared her. She wanted to stage a musical, and she knew TFS was the place where it could become a reality. "I knew I'd get the support I needed here," she says. "It was nerve-wracking to pitch it to a teacher, but once I did, I knew I had to see it through." With the support of a few close friends, a drama teacher and a group of dedicated Senior School students, she successfully staged a production of The Addams Family musical in 2024, taking on the roles of director, musical director and Wednesday Addams. The experience was thrilling and the feeling of accomplishment is one she'll always remember. It went so well, in fact, that they decided to do it again in 2025 with Ghost: The Musical. Molly's TFS journey began in Grade 7 after transferring from a French Immersion public school. She had learned French and English simultaneously after moving from China in Grade 1. "My French improved a lot at TFS," she says. "I realized it when I ordered ski tickets for my family in Mont- Tremblant without any trouble. You know you've got it when you can speak fluently with a native French speaker." Molly's future will likely include music, but she also has her sights set on medical school. Her passion for biology was sparked in Level III and led her to pursue higher-level science and math in the Diploma Program. "I can see myself being a surgeon," she says. "I thrive in high-pressure environments." While at TFS, she also developed a love of English and creative writing, and wrote her Extended Essay on The Mysterious Benedict Society, exploring themes of isolation, trust and friendship. While Molly applied to many universities in the United States and Canada, she ultimately chose to accept an offer from McGill University. What makes her post-secondary path particularly unique is that she plans to pursue both music and science. She's enrolled in a vocal performance program while simultaneously working toward a science degree. It's a six year undertaking she's more than ready for. 38 ENTRE NOUS