Meet Toren
Learn more about Toren O'Leary, Alumnus (Class of 2016)
Where are you living now?
Boston, Massachusetts
What did you do after you left ISL?
I went to Bryant University in Rhode Island, USA, the same University my mother attended. I was recruited to run Division I Track and Field. I ran the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relays in the Northeast Conference (NEC). At graduation, I received a “Senior Service Commencement Award”. This award is presented to six deserving graduating seniors in recognition of their outstanding service to the student body of Bryant University. The recipients are selected by the Student Senate Service Awards Committee.
What did you study at University?
International Business with concentrations in Marketing & French.
What are you doing now?
I am the Digital Product Lead for National Grid, tasked with creating new digital products for our utility in the US & UK that can help to create new efficiencies within the ways we operate.
Do you think that your time at ISL helped you pursue this? If yes, how?
ISL created the ability within me to blend my business mindset with the creativity aspect. ISL taught me to think about every issue within the prism of ownership. Being an ISL Alumnus creates a mindset of thinking how things impact other people besides just yourself. Everyday, I work with people from all over the world and bring everyone together to create something new.
What advantages has studying at ISL given you?
An ability to be comfortable anywhere at any time but know that I can blend in at any time to integrate. ISL gives every student the lesson that no matter where you come from, you are home now. But to be home, you have to also love unconditionally all those around you as they do you.
What advice would you give students to help them make the most of their time at ISL?
Forget where you came from at the door. This is a school without borders. Everyone wants to be friends with one another, so let that come as it may. You will be surprised that ISL is a place that the rest of the world can learn something about.
Were you involved in any clubs/activities at ISL? What did you enjoy about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?
ISL Basketball, Soccer, Baseball and Track & Field. I also was in the musical Grease, and I was in the Global Issues Group as well. Outside of my own father, Coaches Tuffel, Kasi, Repicky, Kasey and James were these father-like figures to me. I had never experienced playing for two coaches who loved me and wanted the best for me like that before coming to ISL. That same level of care is still there with Coach Repicky and so forth.
I cannot explain the love I had for Coach Kasi & Coach Tuffel. I can only thank ISL for putting them in my life. I enjoyed every minute I spent with them. The lessons we learned from them had nothing to do with basketball, but rather about life. They taught love; that is what ISL is all about.
Describe some of the things that ISL does above and beyond teaching and learning:
I did not know these teachers, advisors or coaches existed before I came to ISL. Every single person on the faculty knew your name and cared about you. I do not take the word 'love' lightly, but what each person does is that they love you. They want you to be the best you can be. That is not something that I experienced before coming here.
How did your time at ISL help shape you as a person?
It made me the person I am today. I am a global citizen now and friend to every nationality on this planet. It taught me to think outside of my own life, to think about what others are experiencing around this world. ISL taught us all to listen first, discuss second and then resolve third.
What do you think is unique about ISL?
I can’t think of a more international school than ISL. This is a place where people may come and go, but the lessons you learn never leave you. Usually, you may not find a group of your own nationality; the school makes you step outside your comfort zone to be a global citizen.
If you could thank a teacher or staff member, who would it be?
Coach Tuffel, Coach Kasi, Mr. Harris & Ms. Schweifler
Describe ISL in 5 words:
Love, Listen, Learn, Grow, Blend
- Alumni