TFS - Canada's International School

Michael Slattery by Aleksandra U., Level IV Looking back, Michael Slattery reflects, "speaking and thinking in French were good ways to learn to think from a different perspective and ultimately, in a transcending way, to think out of the box." Upon graduating from TFS in 2008, Mr. Slattery decided to try something new and adventurous; he moved to Montreal and enrolled in economics at McGill University. Mr. Slattery, who had worked at TD Canada Trust during university, continued after graduating, but sought to discover something different. He landed at Barbaricum LLC in Washington, DC, as an operational energy advisor. He knew nothing about the field at the time but, looking for a challenge and wanting to travel, he took the risk and signed on in 2013. Lured by the idea of learning about renewable and sustainable energy in alternative forms, he is part of a team whose objective is to provide unique solutions to global energy problems in developing countries. Starting in the area of solar panels, he moved on to project work and began rediscovering engineering basics from his HL physics class at TFS. For him, there is something life- affirming about his work: "I am able to experience things like learning how to rewire a generator and finally turn on what I've been working on, for weeks and weeks in the middle of the desert, which gives me such a physical and intellectual sense of accomplishment." Mr. Slattery has worked on projects all over the world, including in Mauritania, Niger and Honduras. This has shown him the true value of communication and a global education. He recognizes the impact of his education and the difference it makes for him among his colleagues; "having an ability to understand subject-specific terms in physics and in French, in a country where it matters, is such an advantage," he says. TFS was "such a different and positive influence. The fact that bilingualism stays with you from when you are so young is amazing. It's taught not just as a language class; it's something you are applying every day, because you are learning and doing everything in French." What's next for Mr. Slattery? Between juggling his work schedule and finishing up an MBA at Georgetown University, he is trying to stay focused on the immediate joys in his life. Whether his next step involves going back to finance or, once again, trying something new, he's very excited to be getting married, surrounded by best friends (including some TFS alumni, of course), and is enjoying reflecting on and making the most of life – every step of his way. their findings to Parliament this spring. Next up is a survey on young people living with HIV in the UK, as well as a PhD. What's certain is that Ms. Lut's work will continue to create awareness, as well as fight stigma. "I am able to experience things like learning how to rewire a generator and finally turn on what I've been working on." 27 TFS ENTRE NOUS 2016

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