TFS - Canada's International School

Martha: TFS was the perfect place for someone like me. My mother was the most well-read person I've ever known. She read everything: politics, philosophy, novels. That kind of curiosity was part of everyday life in our house and TFS nurtured that in the best way possible. We had teachers from all over and there was a sense that the world was big, complicated and worth understanding. Harry Giles, the school's founder, clearly felt strongly about that. That early exposure shaped how I see things. My international relations degree built on my TFS education, digging into how countries work together, or don't. Law school, especially practising in high- pressure environments, taught me how essential it is to do the work, get the facts and back up your arguments. You can't fake it in that world. Qualities I developed at TFS like curiosity, a global perspective and a strong discipline around research and evidence have influenced me greatly. TFS: What did you learn as a student that you continue to apply today? Martha: To stay curious. To think critically. To ask better questions and look for real evidence before drawing conclusions. Those habits were shaped early, and I rely on them every single day. TFS: What advice would you give to students studying at TFS today? Martha: Take advantage of everything you can, especially the diverse student body and the global perspective your classmates bring. There are always students from different countries and backgrounds. Learn from them, and from your teachers. It's an extraordinary opportunity. My other piece of advice is to always be curious. Yes, work hard, be honest, have integrity—but those should be a given. What we sometimes forget is how important and valuable curiosity is. TFS: Please tell us about a teacher who had an impact on you? Martha: Mrs. Jones, my Grade 8 English teacher, was amazing. She introduced us to debating and helped us become better speakers. To help us eliminate filler words, she had us play a game: if someone said "uh" too much, the whole class would make a bell-like "ding" sound. It was a bit intense, but it worked. She made us aware of how we spoke and taught us to be articulate. She also struck the perfect balance between fun and fundamentals. We studied Don Quixote—in Grade 8! I still love that book today because of her. My math teacher, Mme Latour also influenced me greatly. During a tough time at home, I wasn't at my best in class. She quietly pulled me aside, not to scold me, but just to talk. She showed such kindness and saw something in me I didn't yet see in myself. I've never forgotten that. TFS: What was your most-played song in your last year at TFS? Martha: I think it must've been Simon and Garfunkel. It must've been the whole album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. I loved it. TFS: Can you describe the impact TFS had on your career path? Martha: It's been a winding path, but always anchored in an interest in public affairs and how the world works, and TFS has had a massive influence on me. I started my university career in sciences, but then discovered the international relations program at the University of Toronto and continued an international focus in law school. Since then, I've worked in international relations, law, telecom and eventually politics where I was elected and proudly served. Now in Calgary, after roles in energy and policy, and a brave attempt at retirement, I'm now Director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, which truly feels like a dream job. TFS has shaped this path from the start. It opened my eyes to the world in ways that few schools could. We didn't just speak French, we learned Russian! We were taught by people from all over the world, with all kinds of perspectives. That early exposure to global thinking and other cultures was extraordinary. It planted the idea that the world was big and interesting, and I could be part of it. I still use my French all the time, even in Calgary, doing Radio-Canada interviews. More than language, TFS gave me a global mindset and confidence. It surrounded me with people—teachers, classmates and families—who were deeply curious and who cared about the world. That foundation shaped everything I've done since. TFS: How did your education influence the person you've become? Q&A Take advantage of everything you can, especially the diverse student body and the global perspective your classmates bring. 59 TFS

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