TFS - Canada's International School

LILIANA M. DESTINATION Northeastern University PROGRAM Science Liliana is a TFS lifer who describes the school as a "nurturing cocoon" – a supportive environment combined with a close-knit community, providing space for everyone to truly be themselves. As an active member of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice Council, the Black Excellence Society, and co-founder of the Marine Biology and Zoology Club, Liliana consistently integrated her passion for sustainability and justice into her pursuits. She also served as a student leader of the Edible Gardening Club in Level IV and was part of the Climate Action Plan. She expressed herself creatively as head of design for the Fashion Show, and as an active athlete, Liliana played volleyball competitively and was part of the TFS team as well. Through her work co-leading the Marine Biology and Zoology Club, Liliana recognized the niche appeal of these fields and aimed to connect them with her broader scientific interests. In November 2024, she led a project that involved selling crocheted animals and educational comic strips to raise awareness about endangered species and raise funds to help remove ocean and industrial debris. The project was carried out on behalf of the Emerald Sea Protection Society. Liliana's role as head of design for the Fashion Show was a defining experience for her. Transitioning from a designer in Level I to leading the collaborative project in her final year, she championed the use of second-hand fabrics and materials. "It was important for us to prioritize sustainability," she says. "We encouraged students to use materials they wouldn't typically use, combining creativity with engineering." This led to a number of creative ideas, such as transforming curtains into beautiful dresses. The show offered an outlet for students with more STEAM-oriented interests to merge art, engineering and environmentalism in unexpected ways. Liliana is thankful for the way TFS encouraged interdisciplinary exploration. "When I was younger, I didn't think I could combine science and art, or that I'd love social sciences like geography," she reflects. "But at TFS, everything is connected. For example, we studied climate change in biology and linked it with climate migration in geography." Her research paper in Level IV on the effects of microplastics on coral reefs solidified her decision to pursue biology beyond TFS. "While writing that paper, I discovered what I wanted to learn more about and how I wanted to grow in this field," she says. Driven by curiosity, Liliana believes her inquisitive nature is her greatest strength. "I'm always fascinated by the expanding field of biology and how science can improve industrial processes and tackle environmental issues." At Northeastern University in Boston, Liliana is studying biochemistry. She chose the school for its robust co-op program and the opportunity it affords to explore niche fields within science. With a keen interest in research, particularly within the medical drug development industry, she aspires to make meaningful contributions to ecology and sustainability, carrying forward the leadership and advocacy she honed at TFS. ELISE L. DESTINATION Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland PROGRAM Medicine Elise is a driven environmental advocate and aspiring doctor who was able to leverage her passion for science, community and leadership to make the most of her years at TFS. Throughout high school, Elise pursued athletics at the national level while also achieving great success both in class and through her involvement in a variety of co-curricular activities. Her contributions to sustainability at TFS have been significant. As an active member of the Globe Club, the Climate Action Accelerator Program (CAAP) and co-founder of the Marine Biology and Zoology Club, Elise has made her mark. In 2022, she raised funds for an endangered species organization by crocheting and selling plush animals at the Marché d'hiver, bringing awareness to lesser-known endangered species. In her work with CAAP, Elise collaborated with Dr. Tamara Smith to study the ravine ecosystem, focusing on plant life. She led younger students in mapping the ravine using GIS technology, contributing to a key sustainability initiative over the course of two years. On land she's committed to environmental care, but in the water she focuses on her own development as an athlete. For more than a decade, Elise has been competing in artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming. Drawn to the sport's blend of cardio, strength training and teamwork, she describes it as "a unique team sport that's based on endurance." She discovered it during swimming lessons and now competes nationally. She credits artistic swimming with teaching her valuable lessons in team and time management, particularly as she balanced the demanding IB program in her final years of high school. "No matter how busy I was at school, I never let my team down and I managed my time well," she says. Combining her passion for swimming with her commitment to helping others, Elise volunteered at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, swimming with children as part of the recreational therapy program. Her academic interests in biology and chemistry, pursued as Higher Level subjects, heavily influenced her decision to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). This fast- track program directly into medicine aligns perfectly with her scientific passion and desire to make a difference. At RCSI, Elise looks forward to joining the Paediatrics Society, inspired by her volunteer work at Holland Bloorview. She hopes to stay active as well and is interested in taking dance classes, inspired by her experience participating in Dance Shows at TFS. Elise's long-term goal is to return to Canada or perhaps move to the United States to practise medicine. She's still exploring her specialization options and is excited about the possibilities that await her. 47 TFS

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