Smiles all around

Class of 2009: Dalnews profiles some of the 2,700 graduates who'll walk across the stage of the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium during Spring Convocation, May 19 to 27.

Paricher Irani

One of the most satisfying experiences for dentistry student Paricher Irani (or “Pari” to her many friends) was providing hands-on care for the diverse patients who visit the Dalhousie Dentistry Clinic.

It’s the patients’ appreciation that she cherishes most.

“We have time for them and I think I made a difference,” she says.

Born and raised in West Africa, where her father administered aid programs and her mother taught school, she intended to become a dentist from the age of 13. “I wanted to be of service,” she says.

For Grade 10, she moved to Fredericton, New Brunswick to live with her older brother because she was determined to go to a Canadian university.

Gifted in languages and public speaking, she provided a voice for others with award-winning speeches on “The Gap between the Rich and Poor in our World,” and “The Role of Youth Today.” Premier Bernard Lord invited her to participate on the New Brunswick Advisory Council on Youth.

Whether it’s working with refugee families to help them settle into new homes; teaching martial arts to elementary school children; fundraising for children with haemophilia in Morocco; or working with young adults from Halifax, Ms. Irani strives to make those personal connections and to build unity.

“Yes, there are days that are daunting but you just have to set reasonable goals and keep trying,” she says. “We’re not meant to be alone.”

Following graduation, she’ll be moving to Grand Falls / Windsor, Newfoundland, to deliver dental care to rural communities.