3000 VOLUNTEER HOURS...AND COUNTING!

Despite being a busy student, Divya Massilamani has devoted more than 3,000 volunteer hours at various organizations, helping seniors and children in her community.

She volunteered at Sienna Living Madonna Care Community for over 10 years, interacting with residents who differ in physical, social, emotional and cognitive abilities and needs. During one-on-one time with residents, she did activities, played the piano and assisted with various recreational activities. At CHEO, she helped child cancer patients who were nervous or scared feel comfortable. She also volunteered in the CHEO Preschool for children with special needs.

Divya received the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism from the government of Ontario recently. Her sense of community and generosity have also earned her community builder awards from the United Way and the City of Ottawa. Other awards she has received include Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General; Celebration of People Award –Work with Special Needs; Leading Woman – Building Communities Award; Mayor’s City Builder Award from the Mayor of Ottawa; Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario Student Award and OYAC Growing Up Great Award – Learning and Discovery.

Name: Divya Massilamani. My parents saw an astrologer who said that my name should begin with the letter D. My father wanted the ending of my name to be “-ya” as it is the same with my mother’s name. He suggested Divya and both my parents loved it. Divya means bright light, peace and heavenly.

Currently: I am an educator at the CHEO Preschool for children with special needs. I hope to do more for the vulnerable population in the near future.

Favourite colours: Purple and white. Hard to choose between the two.

Favourite outfit/designer: My favourite outfit is a saree. And my favourite designer is Tommy Hilfiger.

Favourite Bollywood star: Aamir Khan.

Favourite Hollywood stars: Leonardo DiCaprio and Chris Evans.

Favourite movies: Baasha (Tamil) and The Great Gatsby.

Favourite singers: There are so many I like, but if I had to choose, Sid Sriram, Vijay Prakash and Shreya Goshal.

Favourite songs: Again, hard to choose, but it would have to be Thendral Vanthu by Ilaiyaraaja and Thaarame Thaarame.

Favourite TV shows: The Office and Friends.

Favourite ice cream flavour: Vanilla chocolate.

Favourite cuisine: I love food in general! But it would be Indian, Mexican and Lebanese.

Favourite restaurants: Kochin Kitchen and Occo Kitchen.

Favourite sports: Basketball, soccer and ice-hockey!

Favourite sportsperson: Lebron James.

Favourite book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Favourite activities: Spending time with loved ones, reading, playing the piano and flute, painting and volunteering with children.

I hang out: With my friends and family. Spending time with the people I love and care for makes me happy.

I’m freaked out by: The thought of drowning.

I need: Love, happiness, good health and support. Nothing brings me more peace than these.

I want to be: Flourishing in my dream job while helping others and making a difference in the lives of others. I also want to be a mother.

My role models:  My parents for sure! I would definitely not be the person I am today without looking up to them. They have inspired me so much and I only want to do more and help others seeing how they have helped others. Mother Teresa has been very influential in my life and I have looked up to her when it comes to humanitarian work.

Tips to save the planet: The 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), use fluorescent bulbs, buy less plastic items.

In a perfect world: People will treat each other with kindness, love and respect.