Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1531851
I understand and celebrate when challenges arise, and treat them as opportunities as opposed to failures. TFS: Can you describe the impact TFS had on your career path? Mott: From the moment I joined I think it opened my eyes to the possibilities of doing things in a different way and seeing things from a different way. This includes my classmates who were from all kinds of different backgrounds and my teachers who were from everywhere literally around the world and the international curriculum. That sort of fearlessness to openness, to new ways of doing things, I think was very influential on me. The irony being of course that after being offered the world, I actually kind of loved the idea of returning to TFS. Born to a Jamaican father and an English mother, Jonathan Mo-Trille (affectionately known as "Mo" in the communi) has been an integral part of TFS since entering Kindergarten in the first decade of the school's existence. Prior to returning to Toronto to earn a Master of Education degree at the Universi of Toronto and join TFS as an educator, he spent a number of years as a teacher at girls' and boys' boarding schools and as an assistant lecturer at a teacher's college. From teaching eory of Knowledge, English and IT to coaching sports teams, supporting outreach initiatives and serving as president of the teacher's union, his impact continues to resonate across the entire TFS communi. TFS: How did your education influence the person you've become? Mott: It'd be easier for me to say how TFS hasn't because every part of my life has been influenced by TFS. My daughters are at TFS. My wife is a colleague. I'm a teacher at TFS. Many of my best and longest friends are my colleagues at TFS. It's my family and it's my career, so I think really, it's everything. Now that I think about it, I should probably get out more… TFS: What did you learn as a student that you continue to apply today? Mott: Something I find heartwarming and compelling about TFS is that we as a community show compassion to each other. Once you're a student here, you always have a home here. I think every student who's been here can agree, it is a challenging academic program and it teaches how to deal with sometimes not being as successful as you were hoping. In the past we maybe weren't as successful at helping those that were struggling with challenges. But today I think it is a sea change. Now we're focused on providing supports for every kind of learner and, having lived through both systems, this has really helped me see the value in that. I think in all aspects of life, but I'm hoping especially as a teacher now, that I understand and celebrate when challenges arise, and treat them as opportunities as opposed to failures. TFS: What advice would you give students studying at TFS today? Mott: Work hard. Be kind. Trust your parents (and your teachers) and, in honour of Monty Python, "wear more hats!" TFS: Tell us about a teacher who had an impact on you. Mott: My wife of course, Ms. Kirsten Makinson. As a student, it was my math teacher, Jean-Paul Ginestier, who continued to tutor me even after I left TFS and was the only reason I ever passed math. And then there was M. and Mme Perdebat who, in addition to being teachers and colleagues, were family friends that used to come and visit my parents' farm. Our Alumni of Distinction stories continue in video 61 TFS