Head Gael Committee 2013
The Head Gael Committee is an eight-person team (who all have a good head on their shoulders), consisting of 7 Orientation Coordinators and the Head Gael. It is a multi-faceted committee, whose job it is to facilitate the administrative aspects of Orientation Week; support and inspire Gaels; be a resource for first year students during the week; and assist the rest of the Orientation Committee in any way possible. From Gael hiring, registration and making sure every member of the class of 2017 gets those classy coveralls, to a Gael mystery road-trip, a Spirit event and a new Orientation Website – we hope to create a memorable experience for all those involved in Orientation Week!
Daniel Goncalves
Hey Class of 2017! Oh man, where do I begin?! I’m so incredibly honoured to be your Head Gael for Arts & Science Orientation Week this year. When I started out in this position wayyyyyy back in October 2012, I had no idea what was ahead of me. I can now proudly say that there are about 500 student volunteers here, right now preparing for your arrival! I head up Head Gael Committee (HGC) within the larger Orientation Committee, and my team has been working diligently to bring you the events that get our student leaders and yourselves pumped up for Orientation Week. Ever wonder where that crazy spirit comes from? You’re looking at the group that works hard to keep it going year after year! I absolutely cannot wait to see you on September 4th, marching down University street with your Gaels (your frosh group leaders) right alongside you. You have NO IDEA what you’ve got ahead of you! We’ve been working hard to make sure you have the best experience possible, and we absolutely cannot wait to meet you. CHA GHEIL and MAD O-WEEK LOVE! See you soon ’17.
Allyshia Van Tol
Hello Class of 2017! My name’s Allyshia Van Tol, I’m a part of the Head Gael Committee, and I’m so excited to be one of your OC’s this year. I’m currently a Biology major with a minor in Psychology and I’m from the lovely city of Ottawa, Ontario. Part of the reason that I wanted to come to Queen’s was because of the amazing spirit we have at this school, and I love that that spirit shows so much in Orientation week. In addition to my love of Orientation, I also adore swimming, and am a part of the Varsity Synchronized Swimming team here at Queen’s. My other loves include baking, reading Harry Potter, and hanging out with my dog Teegan. For O-Week this year I am 1/3 of the Gael Folk Trio with my amazing partners Liisa and Leah. Together, we help with the registration of the incoming Arts and Science students for frosh week, organize all of the frosh groups and gael fam’s and run the Nerve Centre. Looking forward to seeing you all around campus, don’t hesitate to come say hi!
Leah Watson
What’s up Class of 2017?! My name’s Leah (pronounced like the Star Wars princess) and I’m heading into my third year at Queen’s as a Life Sci major and French/Spanish minor. When I’m not plating bacteria or conjugating irregular verbs, you’ll probably find me listening to Broadway musical soundtracks, drinking Starbucks iced caramel macchiatos, or watching baby animal Youtube videos. Or doing all three at once. It happens. I’m SO UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED for O-Week ’13 and am thrilled to be an OC on Head Gael Committee this year. I’m one third of Gael Folk Trio, along with the beautiful, brilliant, and sassy Allyshia and Liisa. We’ll be running the Nerve Centre during Orientation Week so if you ever have a question or just want to chat with some pretty awesome people, we’d love to see you there! Your Queen’s experience is going to be unforgettable and the memories you make during Orientation Week will last a lifetime, so get ready cause we’ve got an awesome four days in store for you. Congratulations on choosing the best school in the world, and welcome to the family. Cha Gheill!
Akhil Dua
Allow me to introduce myself my name is AKHIL.” That is the closest I will ever get to being Jay-Z. Jokes aside, Hello class of 2017 and welcome to Queen’s University! As mentioned earlier my name is Akhil Dua and I’m super honoured to be a part of this years Head Gael Committee. I’m a second year Drama major and hail from Woodbridge, Ontario. When I came to visit Queen’s it was pouring rain (get used to that) and it looked like the Dementors had taken over Hogwarts, then I thought to myself… How can a school look so beautiful when it is so horrible outside? That is when I knew this was the school for me. Queen’s has changed my life in ways that I cannot even explain, and I’m so excited for all of you! I’m working on Coveralls with the brilliant Bronwyn, and Pre-Orientation Videos (aka POW) with my homeboy Ryan! Aside from that, I love Orientation week, hip-hop/rap, anything sports, and Breaking Bad. You’re all in for an amazing ride; these will be the best four days, and best four years of your life.
Ps – My nickname is Big Daddy, feel free to yell that out if you see me on campus, I promise I know you’re trying to get my attention.
Hailey Filler
HELLO Class of 2017! My name is Hailey Filler and I am so incredibly lucky to be a part of this year’s Head Gael Committee for Orientation Week 2013! I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and will be entering my third year at Queen’s as a Biology major this fall. To me, Orientation Week is like a gift that keeps on giving, because now I can “give” or share with you why Orientation Week means so much to me through being a part of creating your own personal Orientation experiences! I am having a blast working on the Spirit Initiatives Portfolio with Bronwyn and the sneakiest of times planning the Gael Mystery Road Trip with Ryan! If you ever see me around I will probably be that girl doing the Frosh Dance like all the time, (even when O-Week is over…) but please don’t be afraid to come say hi or even join in and dance, I’d love to teach it to all of you! See you in September!
Liisa MacNicholas
Hey Class of 2017! My name is Liisa MacNicholas and I am beyond excited to be a part of this year’s Head Gael Committee for Orientation Week 2013! I’m entering my third year here at Queen’s with a major in mathematics and I’m sweeter than pi (ha…ha) – I’m also minoring in environmental studies. I’m so grateful I get to help plan this amazing week that will help welcome you to your new home! I’m part of Gael Folk Trio with the always lovely Allyshia and Leah, and we’re responsible for hiring your Orientation Week Leaders, called Gaels, as well as organizing your frosh groups. We’ll also be running the Nerve Center during Orientation Week in the John Deutsch University Center, so feel free to drop by if you have any questions, or just to say hi! Outside of Orientation Week I love running, scrapbooking, volunteering and of course ham apple cheddar sandwiches (make sure to try one at CoGro)! I can’t wait to meet you as you begin the most exciting journey of your life – welcome to the Queen’s Family!
Ryan Wilson
Class of 2017!!!!! I haven’t formally met you all yet, but I already know that each and every one of you are extremely awesome individuals. Each about to bring your unique personalities which will positively contribute to the Queen’s and Kingston Community. I’m VERY excited for the new year to come and to see all of you here on campus. I’m sure all of you will be able to take something away from orientation week! My name is Ryan Wilson. I am working one pre-orientation week videos (POW) with the amazing Akhil, and the Gael road trip to Winnipeg with the heroic Hailey. I’ll be heading into my third year in life sciences coming this September. Apart from school I play on the Varsity Ultimate (frisbee) team, one of my passions by far. I enjoy keeping up to date on TV shows and movies and thoroughly enjoy hanging out with friends. If you see me on campus, feel free to say hi! I’m always down to talk, cheer, walk, or run. Get pumped for Frosh week this year, you are all going to have an unbelievably awesome time!
Bronwyn Harkness
Hey everyone! My name is Bronwyn Harkness and I am so incredibly pumped to be on Head Gael Committee for Orientation Week 2013! Originally from a lovely place called Ottawa, I am heading into my third year at Queen’s as a Biology major. A few of my favourite things (other than O-Week of course) include tearing up the dance floor, eating bagels from CoGro, sending ridiculous snapchats in public, and singing loudly in the shower. As a member of HGC I am delighted to be working on Coveralls with the oh-so-awesome Akhil and Spirit with the always-humorous Hailey. If you see me around come say hello, I would love to meet you! I am unbelievably excited for you Class of 2017, the adventure that awaits you is truly amazing! See you soon!