Tara Deckha didn’t always know she wanted to study engineering, but long nights spent tackling tough math problems and countless subway rides across Toronto sparked something unexpected: a fascination with how systems work and how they can be made better. Now, as a member of the Class of 2025, she’s preparing to take that passion global through a joint Global Engineering program at CentraleSupélec in Paris and McGill University in Montreal.

Tara’s love for problem-solving took root in her Higher Level math and science courses. “In Grade 11, math was tough, we had class every day, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she shares. “But learning to face those challenges head-on and working through them every night helped build my confidence. It taught me how to embrace struggle and grow through it.”

She credits her Branksome teachers for igniting her intellectual passion and supporting her through the most rigorous parts of the IB program.

They were so enthusiastic about what they taught, and that really helped me stay motivated, especially in the most challenging STEM classes,” Tara says. “Even outside of STEM, like in English classes, my teachers encouraged me to reflect on what truly inspires me.

Now, Tara is excited to explore civil and transportation engineering on a global stage. Her interest was sparked by something as simple, and personal, as her daily subway commute. “That’s when I started thinking about the systems that move people and how we can improve them,” she explains. “I want to make way for women in civil engineering, and to help shape the way our cities connect and grow.”