Genevieve Pardoe, BISC'00
Genevieve felt the most academically connected and inspired while at the Castle.
Originally from Toronto, ON, Genevieve was already quite keen to live in Europe and had travelled extensively leading up to first year, so the prospect of spending a year abroad at the Castle was very enticing. When she attended in 2000, it’s fair to say the immersive nature of the learning had a profound influence on her academically.
“I started my first year thinking that I would major in Political Science,” says Genevieve, “but with the abundance of inspiring ELOs to Art Galleries in the UK and throughout the rest of Europe, I switched early on to Art History and I'm glad I did. I still very much enjoyed the trips to Parliament and my Political Science prof at the Castle was fantastic." Genevieve went on to obtain an MA in Geopolitics at King's College at the University of London.
Genevieve’s time at the Castle also had an undeniable influence on the rest of her life. “Spending a full year at the Castle is a really immersive experience.” says Genevieve, “It was academically rigorous and exciting, and it prepared me to work hard with sustained focus. I left the Castle feeling confident that, so long as I am prepared to persist, there are no barriers to the type of work (freelance, self-employment, 10 months on / 2 months off) that I can pursue. I think the Castle made me a more adaptable person with a 'big picture' view of what is possible."
Genevieve owns Fallon, a Marketing & Publishing consulting business, is an 8-time author, and passionate advocate for women's wellbeing and mental health. She has been working with first-time authors for over ten years.
“I think a full year at the Castle suits the type of personality who likes to be independent, or is feeling that they should push themselves to be more so.” says Genevieve. “It is truly immersive, intense, and at times isolating -- all experiences that create the opportunity for resilience-building.”
Genevieve would also encourage students to really seize the opportunity to travel while they are at the Castle. "Throughout my entire time at Queen's, I felt the most academically connected and inspired while at the Castle.” she says. “This is due to small class sizes and unparalleled travel opportunities throughout the UK and Europe both with the school and in my free time.”
Genevieve also added, “I travelled with fellow students during our time at the Castle which enriched the experience overall."
Zahir Ali, BISC’11
Zahir and his friends have some incredible memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Toronto native Zahir Ali attended the BISC’s Summer Law Program in 2011, but what made him apply?
"I think it was definitely a combination of very persuasive friends and my parents recognizing that this was likely a once in a lifetime trip.” says Zahir. “I always had an interest in criminal law, and to take part in a program that gives you the opportunity to visit the International Criminal Court, the United Nations and the International Red Cross (among other places) is probably one of the most unique experiences you can get in Law School."
Zahir has an undergraduate degree in Criminology from York University, then studied Law at Queen’s. “The Summer Law Program at the Castle gave me a whole new perspective on international criminal law and humanitarian law.” he says, “I had a chance to visit places in the world that most people only read about, and for that I consider myself extremely lucky."
Zahir is now in-house counsel at Tarion. “My role allows me provide legal advice to all areas of the corporation, as well as maintain a diverse dispute resolution portfolio." he says. “I have been very fortunate in my legal career to work alongside some exceptional litigators, and I had excellent professors at the BISC that I loved learning from - sessional instructors like Norman Farrell, who was the Deputy Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, and Professor Phillip Drew who was an acting legal officer with the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG).”
It's fair to say the Castle had a great impact on Zahir’s life. “The professors we had made it clear that this summer experience should also be a chance for students to take time and visit other parts of England and the rest of Europe when possible.” he says,” As a result, my friends and I travelled quite a bit and we have some incredible memories will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Zahir is a huge fan of the Law Program at the Castle. “The access that some of the tours afford students is unparalleled,” he says, “and you also get to take this trip with friends, which again, is another incredible privilege. Sharing these experiences will always keep you close. Typically, as people grow up, they move further and further away, but the group of people you spend time with at the Castle will always have that bond from the same journey."
Zahir makes himself available to act as a mentor for young lawyers. “I made a lot of long-lasting connections at Queen’s Law.” says Zahir, “During my time I had a lot of questions and people were nice enough to mentor me. Being a mentor is a really easy way to 'pay it forward’ and help encourage others to do the same.”
Julie Rentsch, BISC’98
Julie is proud to be one of the lucky few who know the magic of Herstmonceux Castle.
For Ottawa’s Julie Rentsch fear of missing out definitely played a part in her decision to attend the Castle.
“My interest in attending the Castle came mainly from my housemates who had attended the program in Fall 1997/Winter 1998.” says Julie, “They raved about the Castle itself, the weekly trips to London as part of the program, the fun at the onsite pub, the amazing staff, and more.”
Julie’s friends had already told her about the incredible Art History professor Daphne Lawson, and assured her that her class was THE class to take while at the Castle.
“As a business student, that was about as far out of my wheel house as I could get.” Julie recalls, “What I got was so much more than I ever imagined. Touring the galleries of London and Paris, the slide presentations of the most gorgeous architecture, sculpture, and paintings in the darkened, cosy classroom, Daphne's enthusiasm and depth of knowledge...it was a magical combination!”
Daphne’s lectures have had a lasting effect.
“Now when I travel, visiting an art museum is at the top of my list of things to do.” says Julie, “It's the one university class that I still have the notes, textbook, and essays for.”
After the Castle, Julie returned to Queen’s and finished her fourth year in Kingston, and then, as she puts it, did the Commerce thing of getting a professional job in Toronto. However, “What I did pursue,” says Julie, “was a self-study of all the architectural sites and art that Daphne wasn't able to show us in-person when I subsequently travelled to Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and Spain.”
By Julie’s own admission, her career path started out the same way as it does for most Queen's Commerce students. She participated in the on-campus recruitment, and took a job with Kraft Foods in Toronto. The Castle had given her a first glimpse of the world outside of Canada however, and she wanted more!
“After two years in Toronto, I quit my corporate job, and travelled for a year throughout Western and Eastern Europe before settling in London, UK.” says Julie. “The travel into London every week as part of the Castle programming had already made it feel like home, and I had left England determined to make it back one day.”
Whilst in London, Julie landed a job as a Global Brand Manager for Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
“While my work at Kraft taught me a lot about brands,” says Julie, “my work at Glenfiddich showed me the alchemy of people and place in crafting food and drink.”
Julie’s job in London morphed into an opportunity in New York, USA, which is where she met her husband. From there, they decided to head west and landed in Portland, Oregon where they still live today. Julie is now putting her marketing skills back to work in a new way, supporting Oregon farmers with brand agnostic programs that elevate the entire agricultural commodity.
“I worked first for raspberry and blackberry farmers, and am currently the Business Development Director at the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council.” says Julie.
Julie’s final word is so good we haven’t edited a single thing!
“My experience at the Castle transformed my life and set me on the path to where I am today. It opened my eyes to new experiences through travel, which inspired me to pursue an international career. It's given me lifelong friends, forever bonded through our time spent there together. Every time I step foot in an art gallery, I notice things like pyramidal form, chiaroscuro, or foreshortening, thanks to my time with Daphne in Art History. Sidebar: I'm also very handy on a pub quiz team due in large part to the art & history factoids I have retained. You want me on your team!”
So we take it you are a proud to be a BISC alum then?
“We alumni are the lucky few who know the magic of Herstmonceux Castle, and we should contribute any way we can to keep this dream alive for future students to enjoy.” says Julie, “It was special, and it's worth celebrating.”
Jacqueline Soong, BISC'12
For Jacqueline, her time at Herstmonceux Castle was the beginning of a love affair with travel.
For Jacqueline, a certified Financial Planner at Desjardins Financial Security, the Castle represented a break from the norm. “As a commerce student, our curriculum was pretty much set in stone.” says Jacqueline, “The only flexibility we had was the arts and science courses and the Castle provided a great opportunity to take these electives while experiencing a different environment and learning in a small environment.”
The Castle was the beginning of a love affair with travel.
“After the Castle, I also went on international exchange to Singapore taking Business Finance at both the Castle and Singapore.” says Jacqueline, “I felt very well-rounded by learning about business from the North American, European and Asian perspectives.”
Besides providing a fresh perspective and increased cultural awareness, was there anything else that stands out about your time at the Castle?
“Living in a completely different country was a great opportunity to build close relationships with students outside of Queen's Commerce,” says Jacqueline, ”I met students from different countries and still keep in touch with them today.”
Like all of our Spotlightees, the Castle has provided Jacqueline with all manner of stories and memories to share.
“The experience of living and going to school in a Castle is so surreal, so it's a story I like bringing up when meeting new people” says Jacqueline, “Plus 2012 was a big year in the UK, with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, so I remember we had a huge community celebration at the Castle.”
For Jacqueline, her time was a life-changing experience she will never forget.
“Studying in a different country with students from around the world opens up an entirely new perspective on education, culture and life.” says Jacqueline, “The small class sizes and tight-knit group really allow you to experience everything to its highest potential.”
Jacqueline has made lifelong friends from all across the world, so she is only too happy to recommend the Castle to others.
“As a BISC alum, I’m proud to act as an ambassador if I can. It's a great opportunity to promote the positive experience and stay connected with people across the world.” she says.